Thursday, March 7, at home in Arizona
It’s good to be back! Hello! I’m very glad you are reading this. I appreciate you dropping in here after my blog was dormant for several days.
I do have a confession to make.
As you may know, the door to my admin page of this blog slammed shut, keeping me from publishing posts. You would think I’d jump right on the task of solving that problem.
Well, I didn’t. I let a few days go by. You see, something happened that drew me away from cyberspace and set me down into the real world.
“What happened, RVSue? Do tell!”
Spring happened, that’s what!
Peeking over the fence I see the neighbor’s trees are leafing out and blossoming.
These days have been too beautiful to miss by doing tech stuff.
Reggie, Roger, and I are outside most of the day.
Sniffing for clues as to what is on the other side
We eat our meals outside, either on the front porch or in the back yard. The weather has been perfect — in the 70s, even reaching into the 80s a few afternoons.
We have our own wildflower bloom!
So, yeah, we’ve been goofing off.
At least every day I worked in the yard. It’s really play for me because I love every minute of it. Of course, the boys play, too, because they play all the time no matter the weather!
No snakes allowed in our yard! The crew tears into the toy snake from the thrift store.
The Perfect Tow Vehicle went in for her tune-up appointment (problem fixed!). I also had a few tune-up appointments (no problems!).
“Roger, what did I say about digging in the yard? . . . Oh, go ahead. It’s springtime!”
I have lots to show and tell you.
That will wait. For now, I want to get this post published.
I hope you are well and happy. Thank you for sticking with RVSue and her canine crew!
rvsue
A GREAT PRODUCT AVAILABLE AT AMAZON
Suzicruzi “on the road” recommends:
Lifetime 80160 Commercial Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table, 4 Feet
“I recommend a little table we purchased awhile back for our journeys. So far it’s proven worth the cost. I like how the height is adjustable, and how easy to keep it clean it is. Water from rain or spills beads up instead of staining. It’s 27 pounds, so not light, but sturdy and stable, as well as being easy to store and carry.” — Suzi
RVSue recommends the Lifetime table, too:
“This is the same table I have. I’ve shown it in previous posts with my Blackstone griddle on it. The size is perfect for holding a stove, grill, or griddle, leaving plenty of room for preparing ingredients. The adjustable height makes it handy for use as a picnic table, too.
“I agree with all the points that Suzi makes and join her in recommending this product!” — Sue
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
RVSue and her canine crew is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Welcome back! Spring’s not here yet, but the big warmup is expected to begin tomorrow. If recent years are any indicator, we will go to summer quickly.
I certainly understand taking the time to enjoy life. I recommend it. How will you have great stuff to write about if you’re not doing great stuff? Speaking of that, the pictures are nice, especially of Reggie and Roger enjoying spring.
Hey, first?
WELL DONE, CALVIN! FIRST TODAY!
Even more impressive because you wrote a substantial comment first. I’m glad you liked the crew-in-spring pics. 🙂
Yay for you. Spring is coming to Columbus!
Early tastes of springtime in the desert are heady stuff, that’s too beautiful to miss by being in “Chat” or spending a lot of time inside the house. I’m thrilled for you and the boys being out enjoying it all.
Hi, weather,
Spring is always a delight, moreso this year because it’s our first at the house and it comes so quickly after all that snow. I assume you are through the heaviest snow, ice and cold of central New York and Kayla the Kitty can go outside again. 🙂
Last night’s wind chill here was a bit below zero. It’s hard to explain why I’ve been so grateful for this year’s unusually high number of weeks with severe cold and the almost constant presence of ice.
With each new sudden change from bright sunlight to frozen misty evenings an additional layer of icicles has formed around the outside of my kitchen window. As sunrise begins one layer is a softly glowing blue, another shines from within a golden hue, while the third one is all aglitter with fiery shades of orange.
As I sit there entranced each morning a few ice fishermen go by. Each carrying a thermos of coffee and pack with a pole, bait and tent, they quietly watch as the sun comes above the horizon, and soon leave with a few fish for their family to share.
Warmer times have their own blessings and beauty, still I am profoundly content with their slower arrival this year. As happy as I am for the summer people to come here and enjoy being away from the city sometimes watching them I see …
A circle of chairs filled with people merrily drinking cocktails, laughing about someone considered different and therefore “less than”. The lake for many of them is only a place to take their boat that cost more than most people on earth’s home. I know inside each has their own cares and struggles, and I cannot help but love them as individuals. Still, as I listen and smile, at times I’m thinking with admiration of those guys that leave here on a winter’s morn to go to work driving an old truck because that’s all they can afford as they raise their children.
Thankfully, as she has matured Kyla kitty seems to have decided she prefers staying inside. Though at seventeen she is still agile enough to jump up onto counter tops and windowsills to enjoy looking outside, were a dog to chase her she may not swiftly run and climb a tree to escape as easily as she once could.
Wee little Polly is intensely shy around people, and when outside she may run to hide somewhere that I might take a long time to discover. That happened once, and the two days before we found each other again were simply too heart wrenching for us both to want it to occur again. So I try to be sure she doesn’t go outside through an unattended open door, and when one is left open she usually hides in our bedroom, as if she senses that a stranger might be nearby.
Can feel your excitement! Spring has a way of doing that. The freshness of it all…flowers blooming, trees and grass getting green. A clean smell to the air. It has been in the low 20’s for the past few nights so a lot of our spring flowers and fruit trees received some damage. During the day it hasn’t been much warmer but it is starting to warm up some.
Enjoy digging in the dirt!!! Sending love and hugs
Hi, Pauline,
That’s too bad about your flowers and fruit trees. I’m calling this springtime but online info tells me we will probably have lows in the 20s again.
Wal-Mart has stocked several fruit trees — apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and sweet cherries. I guess that means they can be grown here. Of all, I’m tempted to try sweet cherries, although they can be a challenge in this climate zone. I’m influenced by a memory of sitting in an all-you-can-eat cherry tree provided by a neighbor up Shunpike Road.
Hope all is great with you and your tribe. Love you!
Have no idea why my post ended up here….I was at the bottom of the page!😂 Oh well.
Through the magic of WordPress, your comment will be moved to the bottom and all this up here will disappear!
🙂
Hi! I’m always glad to read your posts. I did check once to see if I missed an email notification but I didn’t worry. 😃See you next time. I’m glad you’re enjoying spring!
Thanks for checking on us, Ronda! Always happy to see your name appear from wherever you “rove.” 🙂
😃thanks
Sometimes..stepping away is good! Always do what is best for you! Play in the sun! Play in the dirt. Play at the thrift mart!
Spring has sprung!
Good advice, Cinandjules! You do the same!
In fact, I’m going outside right now before it gets dark. Reg and Rog are always happier when I’m with them out there.
Glad you’re back. The flowers look beautiful!
Thank you, Dawn. It’s good to be back. 🙂
So good to hear from you and the crew! I am sooo jealous. You have wildflowers in your yard, and I have two foot snow drifts. What can I say. Except that you provide visions and hope of spring. I love your choice to move to a warm clime. Am thinking the same. Have a great time avoiding chores and concentrating on being outside. Enjoy!
Hi, Diann,
Montana is such a beautiful state. You are in a most gorgeous part of it. It’s understandable though that you may be tiring of the cold months with all that snow.
I’m happy you approve of my locale choice! 🙂 It has turned out to be colder and snowier than I expected, but it’s all good. I love that winter visits in small doses, just enough to enjoy the change.
Spring flowers, how lovely! Don’t blame you for taking a few days to enjoy the outdoors. Still winter here but I am never bored no matter what the season. Ll
Hi, Val,
“I am never bored”….. Good for you! 🙂
MISSED YOU.
Thank you for telling me that, Carin. 🙂
Not good, but better. I will always miss my baby, Detta (RIP 1/30/19), but I am trying to learn how a 82 year old widower can survive. I am still reading here Missy…just don’t have anything interesting to post. I love knowing you and the boys are happy in your home. Love to all blogorinos (especially Missy) and Reg and Rog…
Jim, I just want to say how glad I am to hear you’re getting better.
Glad things are improving Jim.
Know that this Missy loves you, too, Jim.
Hi, Jim,
Glad that things are a tiny better. Sending you warm thoughts and **hugs**
Hi, Jim,
Glad that things are a tiny bit better. Sending you warm thoughts and **hugs**
I’ve been thinking of you, Jim. It is a real challenge to this “new normal”. I struggled so. It’s hard when your spouse is young, but after so so many years together, it has to be tough, too. Detta was so blessed to live a long life with the love of her life 🙂 I also remind myself that I was so lucky to have found the person that was perfect for me. Not everyone can say that. Love & hugs to you!!
It’s so good to hear from you Jim! It’s ok if you “don’t have anything interesting to post” – we just want to hear from you and know you are doing ok. We went to a memorial service last week for a friend who passed away and I asked her husband (of 53 years) how he was adjusting to his “new normal.” He said, “Well I just follow the same routines Gerri and I shared together. Except now, when I talk to her, it’s like I’m talking to an imaginary friend.” It made me laugh and cry a little too – because when we are kids our imaginary friends can be some of the best ones we have!! I’m sure you are still talking to your sweet Detta – and that’s a good thing!!!
Oh Jim, good to see your post here, glad that you are a little better. We can survive one breath at a time, one thought at a time, one tear at a time, no, no such thing as one tear at a time is there, but that’s alright. You hold your precious Detta deep within your heart right where she belongs and has always been. Know that she is with you with every breath and every thought watching out for you. Sending my love to you Jim. Take Care.
Glad to hear from you, Jim!! It has to be oh so hard, but hubby and I learning in the midst of our difficult days (due to troubles for our daughter and her kids) that we have to make the best effort we can to have good memories and days too. Hope you are finding some ways to enjoy life too. Sending you hugs and prayers,
Elizabeth
Hello Jim, Sorry to hear of you loss of Detta. Maybe dusting off the old ham gear would give you some happiness. 73 Mick
Hey Sue & blogorinos!
I’ve missed hearing from you but have been watching the weather and figured you were too busy playing in the sun to write a blog. Glad you are back.
I have big news. We are going to again be AZ rainbirds! Over the past month, we’ve been agonizing over what kind of spring trip to take and would accept then discard various ideas. We have been watching the Green Valley, AZ real estate and on April 26 we will be the owners of a Green Valley condo! It’s in the same complex where we were before but this one is bigger with 2 bedrooms and not only has a lovely view of the grassy common area and western sunsets, it also has a washer and dryer (that’s huge, folks). So we’ll travel down to check things out (it comes furnished so I’m sure there will be a bit of shuffling stuff around) then we’ll return to Oregon for the summer then head back down next October for the season. We are very excited and glad to be returning to the desert. It’s entirely possible we’ll decide to make a permanent move but we are very cautious and want to really experience it again. Stay tuned.
Which brings me to the shameless self-promo part of m post, my recent book blog. I wrote about becoming more of a minimalist, titled Sparking Joy: Books for Simple Living. You can access it by clicking on my name.
Can’t wait to breathe that desert air again!
Robin
Wow, Robin! That is exciting news!
Your last line makes me smile. Something about the desert . . . It can grab a-hold of you and not let go.
I’m glad you found a home that you like and it’s better than the one you had before. Wonderful! You’re going to have fun this spring!
Hi, Robin,
Being part-time “Zonies” again – how exciting!! 🙂
Thank you for the reminder about your book blog! Thank you for compiling such a wonderful list of reading suggestions. FYI…The link for “100 things your kids don’t want” does not work; it is pointed to the RV blog story.
I read both of M. Kondo’s books. While she has some very good suggestions, some were silly to me. Thank every item before purging it? Ha! I liked the order of sorting through one’s household, saving pictures and sentimental items for last. Pairing down to only 30 books? For the average reader, this might be realistic. For bookworms, not so much. As an avid reader, I have purchased many books over the years and stained eight (foldable/stackable) pine bookcases to hold my treasures. A few years ago I purged my collection down, sold quite a few to a book reseller. I am now very selective when buying more books; I now check out most books electronically from my library. 🙂
M. Kondo now has a TV show. There has been an upswing of donations at thrift stores. The folks who sell containers should be sending Ms. Kondo a big fat check for all the business that she has sent their way! 🙂
Have fun getting ready for your move! 🙂
Denise, I agree with you that 30 books is not much for a book lover. I have had to reduce my book buying simply because I was running out of room. Also, I find I enjoy buying books less now that there are almost no brick and mortar book stores where one can spend a lazy afternoon thumbing through multiple books and then pick a few to take home. So now I go to the library more often. I do love the books I have and I often re-read them. I always write the date I’m reading (or re-reading) a book on the inside cover and it’s fun to see how my perspective on the book changes over the years.
I know what you mean, Cynthia. Being able to preview a book before purchasing is becoming an elusive experience.
Further down in the comments, I shared some booksellers that still send catalogs. I read the catalogs cover to cover!
My reply was supposed to be to you, but I wrote Robin instead of Cynthia, and on top of it, the message posted in the wrong place. Ah well….TGIF! 🙂
Thanks, Denise. And I hate it when bad links happen! I appreciate the notice and fixed it.
🙂
Spring has sprung in the panhandle too! The dogwood trees and azaleas are in full bloom! We had a total of 4 nights in the 30’s, no hard freeze all winter!
Yay! The boys are just having too much fun! You know, one of the best things you could have done for Reggie was to adopt Roger! Those two belong together! Thank you for doing that because watching them play is wonderful!
Now summer awaits! 😂😄
Hi, Geri,
No hard freeze…. Nice for you, fellow plant-lover. 🙂
I’m eager to plant the seeds you sent me but I’m holding back. I’d hate for the cosmos and other plants to be bit by a late frost which I’m told can occur in April.
Yeah, Reggie and Roger are inseparable. They can’t stand being apart for long. For instance . . .
Roger loves the outdoors so much that sometimes he won’t come inside when Reggie and I decide to. Plus Roger feels the need to guard the house.
Later, when he’s ready to come in, I open the door.
He races into the house and runs straight to Reggie. Oh, the joy! Oh, the happiness! What a reunion! They hop around, ecstatic to be together again.
“Guys, it’s only been a half hour.”
Hahaha!
Haven’t read all the comments yet, but wanted to say glad to see a post from you. I love the pretty little yellow flowers in your yard.
Also, glad Suzi posted the recommendation about the table as I was looking today trying to figure out which one you had as I really like it. Now I have it written down.
Still dreaming of my future RV. Probably a silly waste of time, but keeps my spirits up. DH is holding his own, but that doesn’t help my desire to travel. Also, funds aren’t that plentiful unless I sell the house, not an option. I thought I would continue to save and possible buy a used van, and see if I could convert it to travel in even if just overnight trips.
Gee, Barbara, a van converted for camping might be the answer for you! Of course, I’m partial to vans and also to small rigs. No doubt you are familiar with Bob Well’s popular website for van dwellers (“Cheap RV Living”).
I’m glad you found the product recommendations section helpful. I miss the old way of linking to products recently ordered by readers (have to follow the rules), but I’m hopeful more Amazon shoppers will share recommendations. Some of the things people order are so interesting and I’d love to know what the person thinks of what they got.
Best wishes to you and your husband…
Thanks Sue,
I used to read Bob’s blog all the time and was intrigued. Recently I started watching YouTube and saw quite a few folks who are doing this, some for a living. This past week I saw a 72 year old woman who had converted a Sprinter, but I think she said she had it done. It was awesome, but it did not have a bathroom. Other than that, I liked the design.
I think Bob puts all his info on Youtube now, but will have to check on that again. He is very good. I even ordered one of his books.
You can sometimes use real furniture in a van if it’s not too heavy. My bed frame is light so that could go in. I’d have to shorten my desk but it would be easy to do then that would become both my workstation and my dining table. I already have a port-a-pot that could go in a back corner. My dresser would fit inside the side door leaving room to get in and out and my collapsible water bottle with a spigot would sit on the dresser. Then I just need something to go over the wheel well on which to sit my dishpan to use for a sink. And some containers that can slide under the bed for storage beyond my desk and dresser. Can you tell I dream about this a lot, too?
Hi Barbara,
I’ve been doing a lot of research on vans too. And I seriously think that with a little help, I could build one out in a way that would suit my needs better than a pre-built one. As you said….there are lots of ideas out there. And, If you have a van, you could always add a small trailer later if you wanted to. Lots of dreams here too…..
Good luck!
MB and Bella
I think Cheap RV Living is interesting to more folks these days especially those of us on Social Security or even retirement in general.
Been hearing on the news about the younger generation having buyers remorse after buying a house too.
As you know we redid the kitchen in the fall and typical for us when we do something nice for ourselves, some necessity hits us putting funds in the hole again. Heat went out last night and the repair man put a band aid on it, has to order a part and pray it takes care of the problem for awhile, $$. Since he is also a licensed electrician, I had him look at a couple of things with issues and that will take a few hundred $ to take care of those items too. We just feel like we can’t win for losing sometimes. Wish I could sell this house and RV, just to get out from under.
Glad to see you back and everything is ok. I hope Columbus Calvin is right and spring is coming to our area but I don’t trust Mother nature to be that easy on us. Thanks Robin I’ll be reading your book.
Jimk, I’m sure you’ve noticed that spring goes by quickly these days. We’re going from 101 hours below freezing (this morning) to possible “summer storms” this weekend. I’ve said it before: this is where Mother Nature comes when she’s having dramatic mood swings.
Thanks, Jimk. Good to see you here!
Hi, Sue,
Thank you for checking in. I don’t blame you one bit, wanting to enjoy your gorgeous weather outside! Sounds like you and the zoom-zoom brothers are blissfully happy – which makes me happy, too! 🙂
Another pretty header photo. I love the play of light on the mountains! 🙂
Have fun playing in the dirt, staining the fence, and just being in th moment. We’ll still be here. 🙂
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Glad to hear that all of the tune-up appointments went well! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
Your comments and interactions with fellow blogorinos are a great encouragement for me, especially when I’m not keeping the blog “active” with my own involvement. I’m grateful for your help, the way you infuse this place with warmth and caring. Thank you.
Gracie pup, be extra snuggly with your mom tonight. Let her know she’s appreciated, okay? I know you’re good at that. 🙂
You are welcome, Sue! xo
Gracie gave me extra snuggles tonight. 🙂
Enjoy your Spring fever! 🙂
Good job, Gracie! 🙂
Oh, I know what you mean, Robin! I miss browsing a good bookstore! We have Barnes & Noble here, but their selection is very limited.
Have you heard of these boooksellers? They are small businesses that still send out paper catalogs to drool over!
Bas Bleu – A small bookseller started by several women who love to read. They have introduced me to many books and authors that I was not aware of until featured in their catalog. They have offered lots of exclusive reprints of titles from the 1930s – 1940s. The catalog’s artwork and format is delightful. Much of their catalog is not available elsewhere (Amazon). http://www.basbleu.com
Daedalus Books – They sell over runs or remainders. They have four different catalogs – books, chikdren’s books, music, and DVDs. Their selection is always changing, and their catalogs are an entertaining read. Once again, many titles are not available on Amazon. If you are ever in the Baltimore, MD area, visit their bookstore to browse to your heart’s content! The store prices are the same as the catalog prices.
Hamilton Books – Another seller of over runs and remainders. Their catalog is a long, basic list of their offerings broken down by genre. They offer lots of craft and sewing books not offered on Amazon. http://www.hamiltonbook.com
Oops! This was supposed to post under Robin B (Oregon)’s comment.
Not sure how this happened! No worries….it is Friday and the weekend! 🙂
I am jealous of the flowers, we are expecting snow tomorrow. But the birds know spring is coming, every morning offers a little louder and more varied birdsongs. And from what you have said about the soil in your area I am impressed with your dogs’ tenacity in their digging.
A pleasant discovery: The soil in the flower beds is like solid rock. Out in the yard there are areas where the ground is broken easily. Almost has me planning a vegetable garden.
You are very observant, both re the soil and the birdsong. I know what you mean about the change in the birds’ singing. Lately they’ve been “singing their hearts out.” 🙂
I loved seeing the flowers in your yard! I am so ready for spring!
It is still pretty cold here, but we may have a few warm days next week!
I can’t wait to see what wild flowers spring up in our fields!
Hi, Laurie,
Always a pleasure for me to take pics of flowers and to share them with you. I wish you great waves of wildflowers in your North Carolina fields…. Enjoy the warmth coming your way!
You have been missed!
Those are reassuring words. Thanks, Laura!
I know…I’m always late to the party :(. Things to do & people to see! I just looked @ the thermometer…it read 3.1°! That’s COOLLD!! Think of us while your working in the yard w/shirt sleeves & shorts on. I’m all bundled up w/my long johns & SEVERAL warm blankets cuddled around me.
We had, or @ least my husband broke down & bathed our dog. He balked at it, but after we got him dry, he fell asleep, & haven’t heard a “Berk” out of him since. He smells so nice, and his fur is so soft & silky!
We’re talking seriously traveling to Columbus, GA to visit my spouse’s sister & her family before it gets too blistering hot to enjoy! Got a lot more cogitating about it first, though.
Take care, Sue; & give the puppies a scrunch from me! {{Special Hugs!}}
Cheryl T.
Hi, Cheryl!
There’s no such thing as being “late to the party” here because every comment has the potential of starting up a new party. 🙂 Great to see you here!
It’s hard for me to imagine how cold it is where you are in Michigan. It’s been a long time since I experienced that deep a cold. You remind me to be thankful for the blessings in Arizona. You keep warm in dreams of Georgia — ha!
Yes, if you go to GA, you’d be smart to start your journey soon after the weather “breaks.” Spring in Georgia is beautiful, too…. The redbuds are pretty in bloom… dogwoods… azaleas…. I remember the purple irises I loved, oh, and the daffodils…
Dogs can be like children: They don’t always know what’s good for them. 🙂
If you have time, stop by Callaway Gardens at LaGrange, GA. and see the lovely Azaleas and Rhododendron. They are usually in full bloom around tax time.
We always went down there for DH’s birthday, just to enjoy the beauty of spring in full bloom. We haven’t been there in a good while due to his health. I sure miss that special time.
Hi Sue & Crew
Glad you’re back. Was it an easy fix or did it take all day? Just a quick note to say hi. Getting ready for the farmer’s market tomorrow. The orange blossoms are thick in the air right now. It’s almost too much. Starting to warm up again. I think I see some gate building in the upcoming week.
Thanks for the welcoming note, Barb. Was it an easy fix? Surprisingly, it was. I was surprised because I’ve had a devil of a time dealing with previous tech issues for this blog — hours online, frustrations, confusion, etc.
I realize now that several things have changed: 1) My webhost (Hostgator) redesigned their website making it easier to navigate 2) The chat room helper was patient, efficient, and knowledgeable 3) the help at Jetpack was also easy to follow and 4) as time goes by, I become better at following tech instructions.
Orange blossoms! Oh, my, I love their fragrance. I had forgotten all about the orange tree in our back yard in Florida. I used to stick my face among the branches and breathe it in. 🙂
Oh yes, the gate building! Coming up….. 🙂
I hope you have a great time at the farmer’s market!
Sue, just a suggestion but I use red solo cups to plant my seeds and get them started. I keep them inside in a cardboard box so that I can easily place them outside when the weather is nice. Then when I am sure all the frosty weather is over, the tiny plants get transferred to bigger pots or to the ground. You might want to try that. I am planting my red solo cups today!
Better safe than sorry! Mother Nature tends to be fickle in the spring! 😂
Yes! I should do that! Yesterday I was looking at the seed starter kits at Wal-Mart and thought about doing something with those seeds but I don’t want to buy a kit. What do you use for soil? Potting mix, sand, perlite, ??? Any more suggestions you have will be appreciated!
You know those packing peanuts…ones made of potatoes or whatever? Last year I put those in the bottom of each planter I set a plant into…they seemed to help things stay a bit more hydrated and all plants did fine!! I am soon going to empty out those pots and save what is leftover to mix in with the new stuff in a month or so…plus newer peanuts on hand since then…heh, are we saving the landfills or what?
G’morning!
Desert flowers! Flowers and more flowers popping up due to all the rain we’ve had in the Sonoran Desert this Winter. I love it! Sue, seeing those yellows in your yard make me smile! The ones with the boys make me think of so many of your camping photos. 😊
I know you read every comment, so I know you saw my post about the eagles. Have you ever seen them out here Sue? I don’t know why, but I was pretty stunned. At first we thought they were huge hawks perched on the Saguaros, but they were too dark in color for hawks, and their posture was all wrong for hawks as well. The white band on the underside of the tail when they decided to circle above us, gave their identity away. Just, “wow!”
We will be leaving the Ironwood Forest Monday for Picacho Peak, as I think I may have mentioned. Today we see that the WX is going to be cool and rainy. Sheesh. We break down and book 2 nights at a paid campground, (and I was thinking AC! Yay!) and it’s forcasted to rain both days. Well, well, Oh Well! Darn. Hopefully Larry still gets his hike in up to the summit of Picacho Peak as is his goal. I plan to take many showers, and hike around the area myself.
We have enjoyed our current location, with one caveat; our immediate area is besieged with tiny thorns all over the ground. Luckily I don’t have to walk the cat, although we like to do that around our camps. There are trade-offs for everything in life, so we learn to take the bad along with all the good we are finding; like the sunsets here! O.M.Geeee! Last nights was a doozy! Might have been our best yet. Ever. (Denise, I put up a photo on my IG, if you want to link to it through Kitty’s page😽) Yes, thorns may be a huge drawback for those of you with doggies. No bueño!
*By the way, I do not geo-tag my locations on my Social media. Just so you know. Anyone interested, can contact me personally.
Sue, we have a question? As for the Blackstone Griddle; do you have the one burner -17”, or the 2 burner – 22”? Larry is pushing for the 2 burner, but to me 22” seems pretty large for the two of us. Do any of you other Blogerinos have one of these? And if so, what size do you have, and are you happy with the size you’ve chosen?
Another question Sue, if I may? Is there a dump station near or in Arivaca? Our plan is from Piachaco to go down to Buenos Aires for a few days, a week maybe, then down to Nogales, and up to the Patagonia area. We are browsing camps and dump places along the way. That’s a lot of rural and small towns, and I was curious if you had any troubles getting services down that way? I read one of your posts (well, several) about the town of Arivaca while you were in BA last year. I do see the Mercantile is adequate for our grocery needs! Yay! HaHa. Is there a laundry there, perhaps? This would save us not having to stop in the Tucson area on the way down South to do laundry.
In closing, I’d like AZ Jim to know he’s been on my mind this past month, quite a bit. I think my heart broke in a few places for him, hearing the sad news about Detta. What can I say? I’m just terribly sorry, and with that, I’m sending a ray of beautiful sunshine his way!
Sue, I’m glad you are back! We missed your posts and photos (the boys, what can I say?)
Happy Trails all,
Suzi, Larry, and Kitty 😸
Hi Suzi, I always love to read your comments about being on the road with kitty. If I ever one day realize my dream of traveling, I’ll be taking my kitties with me as well. What is the link to your site? I’d love to read Kitty’s page!
Hi, Suzi, Larry, and Kitty,
I’ll get right to your questions.
I have the 17 inch Blackstone griddle which I think would be adequate for 2 people for simple meals. On the other hand, 22 inch would allow you to make 2 good-sized Mexican pizzas at the same time. Since I don’t griddle hamburgers or steaks (and I assume you do), it’s hard for me to know which would be best for your usage.
I think an important factor is packing up and handling the griddle. I wouldn’t want any larger than 17 inch because it is easy for me to put into the carrying case and easy for me to tote to the PTV. Sometimes ease of set-up and take-down influences how often something is used. If carrying isn’t an issue, 22 inch may be worth the investment. Also will you have guests to cook for? Do you want to cook large batches to have some for later?
Blogorinos: Which do you think is best for two people — 17 inch or 22 inch griddle?
Blackstone Tabletop Grill – 22 Inch Portable Gas Griddle – Propane Fueled
Blackstone Table Top Grill – 17 Inch
You will dump tanks at Picacho Peak immediately prior to leaving and then go to Buenos Aires NWR. I don’t know of any dump station in or near Arivaca. Drinking water is available alongside the Mercantile. No laundromat that I know of.
Patagonia Lake SP probably has a dump station but there’s an entrance fee of $15 or more.
Online search shows a laundromat in Patagonia, about an hour and a half from Arivaca. “Arizona Laundry” in Nogales. I don’t know if these places are still operating.
Now you know why I always carried at least a month’s supply of underwear! 🙂
If you can’t dump your tanks in a timely manner (ahem), maybe you could revise your plans, go to Patagonia and Nogales at another time. Instead head through Arivaca toward Green Valley, Maduro Canyon, Las Cienegas NWR, or wherever. Dump stations and laundry in Green Valley and at Quail Ridge RV park near Las Cienegas. Also Mountain View RV Park may allow use of dump station and laundry for a small fee. Confirm.
Sometimes the nitty-gritty realities of finding services overpower plans. Go with the flow. It’s okay to leave wanting more.
If DesertGinger reads your comment, maybe she can inform you of any services, such as laundromat, in the Marana area.
I love your sense of adventure and your flexibility! Yes, there are trade-offs but the trade is in your favor (sunrises, sunsets, baby eagles, hikes to high places, etc.) No I’ve never seen baby eagles (glad that you did!) but I did see baby herons mature until they were attempting their first flights from the nest (Burro Creek, AZ).
Speaking of adventure.. You are exploring an area with erratic temperatures at this time of year and may very well hit more very cold mornings. I wish you had a heater!
Hi Sue! So glad you are enjoying your beautiful weather! I love the pics of the yellow flowers and of the boys playing! It’s still cold and rainy in my part of the world. Sleet was mixed in with the rain this morning. Thankfully, it’s not cold enough to stick. I am looking forward to spring coming. The trees around here are blooming. I am a little scared for them, as we are still capable of having hard freezes yet. I hope the spring stays awhile and doesn’t transition into summer too quickly. I am also excited that it is FRIDAY!!!!! It is always slow in coming and transtitions to Monday so quickly. I love my Fridays! Look forward to hearing about your fence and lawn and garden projects.
Hi, Dawn!
I’m glad it’s Friday for your sake. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful weekend with clear skies and No Sleet…. and when Spring arrives may she linger for a lovely, long time. 🙂
Sue, I think this post raised such an important issue. We can become overly involved with technology to the point that we miss the beauty of nature and the importance of connecting with friends. I have been guilty of it many times – there have been days when I’ve been so distracted with tech issues and problems on my computer I have literally missed the movement of the sun across the sky, days when I’ve been immersed in blogs and my sweet husband has left the house to run an errand and I suddenly realize I didn’t even listen when he told me where he was going, and days where i have selfishly sat in front of the screen watching puppy videos when I should have picked up the phone and called a friend in need. So, while technology is good and has enriched our lives in many ways, we need to remember there is a real world out there to,, just begging for us to be part of it.
I’m glad you chose to spend time in the sun, with the boys, enjoying the emerging blossoms and soaking up the sun rays. And I’m very glad your check-ups (mechanical and biological) came back well!!! Love to all of you.
Hi, Cynthia,
I replied to your note about books…even though I adreesed my comment to Robin – so sorry! The note did not post under you original comment, but under my comment. Please scroll up to read it. 🙂
Oh my gosh….it is amazing how quickly time goes by when one is online! I think it is worse than TV. TV has commercials and the stop and start of shows….you know how long you have been watching the boob tube. Watching YouTube (sewing tutoials) or researching new fabric lines on my iPad, time can get away from me.
All the typos – geez Louise!
Im so happy for you, spring is my favorite time of the year. Feel free to send some of that good weather to the Pacific Northwest! It snowed on my daffodils just before they bloomed. Ha. It’s not winter its harrassment ant this point!!
Glad to see you back, I’ve missed your posts!
Ahh, spring! Here in MN we are excited that some of the snow is melting today, knowing that tomorrow is bringing another winter storm warning. So glad all is well with you and the crew – enjoy your wonderful weather!
Glad to read you are enjoying life, I loved working in our yard, could spend hours trimming, planting, making cute little garden nooks that made my heart sing, I had two little mini foxies (now over the Rainbow Bridge) who like your boys,loved being out enjoying yard time with me.
Autumn here now, looking forward to some cooler weather. Enjoy your Spring.
Happy International Women’s Day, ladies! 🙂
Here’s to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them.
I am so envious of you, Sue. Also all other blogorinos in Arizona, Hawaii and Indiana. Can you tell it’s time change again!? 🙄 Wish that would change for the rest of us, although longer time to be outside will be great. That is, IF it ever stops raining around here. Love reading what everyone is doing. Took me longer than I would like to admit to realize Suzi is not going to Buenos Aires the country. Prayers continue, Az. Jim and others facing struggles. May you know calmness in the storm.
Thank you so much…God bless you…
Love the new header picture, but love most, some more than others which is normal. Have not been saying much lately let winter get me down for a while but seeing your beautiful weather and the boys playing and digging outside after the snow left has brought me back. You got to experience snow in your new home the first winter, wow was that neat or what? Perhaps not what you might have liked to see but giving you a little look into something you may not have expected. Love the pictures of snow on the new fence, trees, & chairs which made me laugh. The boys walking ever so gingerly in the snow to go do their business. Are they ever a couple of funny guys in the snow. The best is now with the flowers starting to bloom and dirt being dug up. Often wildflowers are every bit as beautiful as flowers we buy, some even more. Glad you are enjoying your life while making others lives brighter with your blog. Thank You for the work it takes to bring it to us, sometimes we may tend to forget that part. Be Well.
I am so glad that you are back. I had thought I just was not receiving your posts. It has been raining, and raining and raining here. I am going to stock by back yard with fish next or build an ark. But today was beautiful and kind of warm. It had the promise of Spring in the air. The birds have been loud and very busy building nests everywhere. I am still working at Amazon. It is a really good company to work for. I am also trying to get yard work planned for the spring garden. I have broccoli and lettuce planted in my little plot so far. I could not till anything, so I just dug a hole as best I could in the mud and put my plants in. So far what the chickens haven’t eaten is doing good. Thanks Sue for taking a little time out in your busy day to include us.
Well, here most of the big dirty snow piles are nearly gone and the rest of it, is all gone. Enough for one year I think!! Hubby worked on this computer and it seems better now!! I hope it lasts yet awhile…so I can come and go here at times…as well, as a few other places I go online. The daughter’s divorce was final last month…so some of the stress has lessened. Tho’ so long as the grandkids are still at risk, we will be worried!! We are trying to make as much of the good days as we can however!! Soon we can maybe start planting some stuff outside…and that is always fun…reminds me of the long snowy, Idaho days of winter when my Grandpa spent time planning his garden, flowers, etc. Fun memories!! Hope everyone is finding weather some improved at least.
SuziCruzi….Thank you so much for your kind thoughts above. She was a wonderful lady and I am struggling to make it without her. Bless you for caring…..
Back from Florida. Took several days to catch up and then got the flu. Wonder why we came back to the great Northeast! I’m grateful for the time away, and for the sunshine and warmth we enjoyed.
My best to all.
Nice to have you back,Annie
🙂
It’s good that you feel grateful, may you and your family feel well in all ways soon.