Bits 'n Pieces and Weather in Tucson

The wind picked up yesterday in the Tucson area. I could tell by the sky that a change in the weather was coming. Besides that, the weather app on my phone was working just fine 

 I took my chimes and other decor down, rolled my awning in, and folded the chairs and set them against the RV.

The table was still setting near the outer edge of the mat so I thought that would hold the mat in place pretty well. Supper over with and the dogs settled until their last out, I thought I would use the time to prep more canvases for painting, and as I worked I watched the 85th Hollywood Christmas Parade on tv.

After going to bed I laid there and listened to the wind; felt the ever-so-gentle rocking effect on the RV, even though my stablizers were down. Sometime during the night I heard the rain come in.  I love listening to the sounds of nature during the night and you can hear things more clearly in a camper with its thinner roof. It really poured for a bit.... I rolled over and went back to sleep.

 In the morning when I went to take the dogs out, I opened the door to the sight of the mat blown up against the table and the chairs all down, not in the place they had been. My lantern cage was several feet away, and the welcome rug was over by the tree. Hmm, this weather reminded me of Pennsylvania in the fall or spring! I finished taking care of the furry members of the family and went out to straighten up the mess. I realized my arms and legs were aching. Probably from the change in weather. So I added Tylenol to the many vitamin pills I take daily. I don't think it got out of the 50's all day. The predictions are for in the 60's the next several days.

 I decided to finish the pencil sketch of a painting I am working on. I also had started a oil painting study of the same, but I would like to make a larger painting of it (this small version is not finished yet.

Other than that I spent a good part of the day just reflecting on life in general. My great granddaughter was at her graduation ceremony for RN school. I am so very proud of her! She and her husband have worked long and hard to make this a possibility. Also they are expecting their first child at the end of January! Seems like it was perfectly timed. So my family continues to grow and I am out here enjoying the days I have left with my travels and painting.

I may decide to put up a few decorations for Christmas and the New Year. We shall see how my body reacts with the weather tomorrow or Monday.... 

Thanks for visiting!

Isaiah 54: 5b Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the Lord God of all the earth

My time in Tucson

So I have been here at my brother's home since a week ago today. I had been here 4 years ago, and they had flown back to PA for their 50th wedding anniversary a couple years ago, but it sure was good to be able to visit again. I was going to leave Wednesday, but he wanted some tips and help with his beginning oil painting. Since all I have is time, I thought, "It's not like I need to be in a hurry.... I have several days more that I could spend here as I am not committed to be anywhere....", so I decided to stay. Its good to have plans, but also good to be flexible. I enjoy being with my brother and sister-in-law. She is the perfect hostess; always concerned if I would like to eat with them, if I need anything, I am welcome to use the washer and dryer.... Besides I get to do what I love most! helping and encouraging someone else to be creative. ( as well as painting myself ....) Can't beat that :)  It has also been fun reminiscing our childhood adventures.

 Their property boasts beautiful desert plants... as well as a couple orange trees

                                               

Here is my motor home, all set up.

...... and set up for our first art lesson....

So it is fun, but I would still like to be out in the deserted desert before Christmas.

Just a preference of this "hermitess" lady.

The wind has been high  all day today and according to what my brother saw, its to be up to 40+ mph tomorrow. I felt the wind hit the side of the motor home a couple times today. Can't imagine what it will be tomorrow. Hmmmm.... maybe we should be painting waves instead of desert the way the wind rocks me around! 

Safe travels everyone and Merry Christmas to you all!!

Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace.

Historic Willcox

Driving into the town of Willcox, Arizona, I was mainly interested in touring the historic district. I came onto Rex Allen Blvd, named for one of the first of the famous cowboy actors that came on the scene before I was born. I vaguely remember seeing his episodes when we got our first tv. I was about 8 yrs old and loved the cowboy movies. Who didn't?? 

 I turned onto Railroad street and stopped near the old train station. There are still trains running through the west on a regular schedule, The huge engines pull very long lines of cars, making their rumbling noise as they cross the vast countryside.

There are a couple railroad cars here near the station that have been turned into restaurants. There is a nice railed porch all along the near side,

This one boasted fabulous Barbeque. As it was early morning I did not go in to order.

 I headed on down the street past the Willcox Historic Theater, which to my understanding still shows movies for special occasions . You can also see the wall art on the side of the Rex Allen Museum.

A very interesting museum, displaying the costumes, including boots, hats, and spurs worn by this early-days hero of cowboy films, as well as other interesting memorabilia.

Immediately next door in the white attached building, is the Marty Robbins Museum and Gift Shop. Small but lots of interesting items. Copies of his old recordings included. 

I have added the photo of the Willcox Commercial building as its decorative colors add to the interest of this western town

Across the broad street is The Railroad museum and park displaying a statue of Rex Allen and in front of it is the grave of his beautiful horse that was such a huge part of his films.

Close-up of the Rex Allen statue....

I would like to know the age of this humongous tree, with it branches spread so wide...

It grows on the esat end of this park

You can get a good idea of circumference of this tree here....

A couple more interesting places in town are this "unique antique" shop opening right into the street With all its old-fashion barrel of tools, wagon wheels and other oddities.

And a couple pictures of the western landscape as I left town and headed back to the campground.

The next day I would continue on to Tucson and my brother's home. 

Isaiah 26:3 He will keep them in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon Thee.

Las Cruces, NM to Willcox AZ

After fueling up at Las Cruces, I headed on into Arizona, planning a stop-over in Willcox.

These were the first of the beautiful mountains after crossing the state line. I began to feel very peaceful inside...... Arizona has that effect on me... God's country some would say.

Wide open spaces....

A nut grove at the edge of town

I drove on past the town to the west side and pulled in the station there. They had propane so I got the tank filled, then headed back a half mile to Fort Willcox Campground. I failed to get a picture of the entry and the campground itself, but it is a very tidy place. The pull-through sites are gravel and have full hook-ups and a picnic table. I paid for 4 days and got set up. Sasha and Izzy were anxious for a walk. We had our supper then settled down for the evening.

A beautiful sunset was beginning in the western sky.

It turned from shades of light lavender with a pale yellow 

to oranges, pinks, and purples. 

With the deep blue mountains against the colorful sky, it was a beautiful end to a picture-perfect day! 

Tomorrow we take a trip into town. 

Psalm 104:3 He makes the clouds His chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.

Clovis NM to Las Cruces, NM

As the winds rose and temperatures dropped in Mule Shoe, I made ready to depart and go into Clovis NM and then southwest toward Alamagordo by way of rt 70. There was no picture taking time as the wind seemed to prevent me from making any time on this leg of the journey. Going into Roswell the daylight was fading, I did make a quick stop to let the dogs do their business, however not finding a convienient place to park for the night and no real rest areas like on the interstates, I kept going. Getting into the mountains the traveling wasn't too bad, but I could not see a place to pull off in time to get off the road. (I know..... I really need to plan better) Up , up, and round and up somemore in the mountains, always warning signs when I came to a steep down grade. I let my past semi-driver  training kick in and finally spotted a Walmart up a the hill on the left coming into Ruidoso, A quick look at traffic and sharp turn to the left had me going up to the parking lot. I surely hoped they had no problem with letting RV'ers park there overnight. It was late and I was tired. My eyes were tired. dogs had been fed and pottied earlier and were settled so I just went to bed.... didn't even change into my comfy jammies. Hopefully the pups could hold till morning and not go in the kennel. 

I woke to sunshine and cold in the morning. Having not really seen the hills I had been climbing through after dark, I was a bit delighted at the scene that met my eyes in the morning.

 I love western mountains!

The openness and vastness all around makes me feel very peaceful!

I had brought the dogs out to potty but the parking lot was paved clear up to the guide rails. Now Izzy had no trouble scooting under to do her business, but Sasha was another story. She would not jump the rail and thats likely a good thing because it was almost straight down on the other side. I wasn't sure I could get her back over if she had jumped. She also would not potty on the pavement, being of the fine upstanding breeding she is (Haha) After coaxing her I finally took them back to the motorhome and proceeded to get on my way. I would just have to find someplace else safe to stop where there was dirt and/or grass.

This was Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation land. I

 had seen a few casinos I could have stopped at but I made my way down the mountains and pulled off where there was a very wide paved spot and relieved the pooches there.

Across the highway, down into the valley below

the purple mountains were very magestic looking....

Sasha looking for gophers!!

Mountains we had just come through...

The little town of Tularosa, just north of Alamagordo, deserves a revisit! A very colorful town with interesting shops that I glimpsed as I made my way through town. Just no place to stop...

After Alamagordo we drove through an area I had been at before, delivering military freight in the semi with hubby. I was not prepared for the memories it stirred up;  memories of when we were proud and humbled to be able to serve our country delivering military goods after 9-11. This was the White Sands Missile Range and Holloman AFB.

I was able to stop for the night near Las Cruces, letting my dogs out of the kennel for supper and some play time with me before retiring for the night.  Tomorrow we fuel up, get the propane filled and head over to Willcox, AZ for a few days of kick back before going further. I have laundry to do and bookwork to catch up. I'm sure Sasha and Izzy think its about time for some real outdoor exercise

Thanks for coming along on my journey....

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Mule Shoe, Texas ; a great little town with a Big Heart!

I'd heard there was a large cold front coming across the plains and on eastward. So I didn't know whether to follow my planned route or "chicken out" and get south as far and fast as I could. But that little town of Mule Shoe sounded interesting from what one of the RV'ers on a facebook rv group was saying about it, and I had been across I-10 a dozen times already, not counting times in the truck with hubby. I was ready for something new so I decided I'd visit Mule Shoe, regardless of the forecast. On the way there I saw several miles of those huge windmills. They have always fascinated me, so high up on strong steel poles, their blades moving in a rather slow rhythmic pattern, On the ground beneath were fields of the remains of recently harvested cotton.

At the east end of town are huge cattle yards and an auction barn, A National Wildlife Refuge is on a road south of town, and had it been warmer I would have visited it. The town also has a very large antique store and many varied and interesting items were displayed outside.  As it was not only cold , but windy as well,  I forego visiting these places of interest.  I'm sure it would have been well worth my time. I can only hope to revisit some point in the future.

The nice thing was that in the center of town there was an empty gravel lot with hook-ups for 7 or so RV's, and all free for up to three days, then a small fee. What a nice accommodation  for a town of this small size! I stayed one night there and just hooked up to electric as I had water on board and had just dumped my black and gray water tanks in Abilene.

As night began to fall I noticed the muleshoe shaped decorations on the lightposts clear down the main street of town, adding a very unique atmosphere.

The next morning I was ready to put miles behind me and get to a warmer ( I hope) place.

 I would liked to have stayed longer but with the cold and me not feeling all that great, I felt it best to get on over to Clovis and get started SW to Alamagordo, NM.

Thanks for visiting!

! Peter 5: 7-9 Casting all your cares on Him for He cares for you...

Thanksgiving Week and Repairs

Tuesday morning surprise! and not necessarily good..

I got ready to depart Lake Mike Conner Campground near Collins, MS. I unhooked the electric, put up the automatic jacks and picked the pads they rest on. I hadn't unhooked the car so nothing to do there except to plug in the braking system, or so I thought. The car battery was dead.... again. It had been giving me problems off and on. I was still able to tow it so I went to Auto Zone where the battery was promptly replaced at no charge as it had been under warranty. So it was going on 2 pm when I actually got going for the day.I drove to just west of Monroe, LA and stopped for the night at a truckstop. Gave the pups their attention and took myself to bed.

Wednesday Morning... I got up feeling quite refreshed and as the traffic didn't look too bad I decided to put as many miles behind me as possible. When I got close to Dallas/ Fort Worth area I had to decide whether to stop at the last rest area before the metropolis or go all the way through. Traffic was getting heavier and it was late afternoon, but I still felt fine so I decided to go for it. For some reason I always feel better when I have that leg of the journey behind me.The first place I found to stop was a rest area west of Weatherford about 7:30 pm. I was tired but I got the dogs fed and played with them a bit before heading to bed myself.

Thanksgiving Day...  found me continuing on toward Abilene, looking for a campground along the way. I stopped at one to inquire the price, but declined to stay. As I was pulling away to get back on I 20, a man in a pickup truck jumped out at the stop sign and informed me of a very flat front tire on my Rav. (I had had the tires checked before leaving PA as to the likelyhood of making the trip to AZ) Wondering where I could get the tire changed on Thanksgiving day, I started to slowly make my way around the next corner heading for the ramp ahead, when I spotted a tire shop on the far corner and a man walking around there. I pulled in and 'Yes, he could change the tire for me'. His wife came out and said they wouldn't normally be open but this year they were going to their daughter's for late afternoon dinner. I was so glad to find someone open and so close!! That was only one thing I was thankful for that day!

He had the tire changed quickly. It was a mess! I cannot imagine I had driven very far with it flat as I wasn't that far from where I had spent the night. I tipped him $5 which he didn't want to take but I insisted. He also informed me the other front one was not looking too healthy either. It was wearing very unevenly.
So wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving I left and got on my way. I still had about 70 miles to go to Abilene where I planned to stay till the holiday weekend was over. I stopped at another rest area to get some lunch and walk the dogs. I checked the net for RV camps. I chose to try one about 8 miles east of Abilene, and right off of I 20. They were not open but it had pull-through sites available on the honor system. It was a quiet campground with full hook-ups.The sites are gravel, but grass in between each space. There is a laundry shed with 2 washers and dryers available.  I was able to get tv reception here with about 10 channels. I pulled in and set up, and fed and walked the dogs.  I noticed no one else had their awning out so I took that as a sign that it could be windy there without too much notice, so I left my awning retracted as well.


 I heated up leftovers for my supper and just chilled the rest of the day. I sat and looked out my huge front window as the day was ending. What a beautiful sky!

The next day I snapped these pictures...

I did put out my awning long enough to take this one

And this one of the early morning sky

Rough looking entrance but don't judge it by that

Friday's galavantings... I called the nearest WalMart to see what they had for tires and if they could possibly get me in on Saturday. They said that Friday (Black Friday... ugh) would actually be better as they weren't that busy, but Saturday they would be. So off I went to Abilene. I decided to make it a worthwhile trip. I not only got tires put on, I also got a much needed haircut by a gal who also wasn't very busy that day. 'Terri' took alot of time with me giving me little hints and really working with my hair and gave me her opinion of products that would help my overly-dry hair problems. We talked and laughed and had a good time.

 I had a hard time figuring out how to take a good picture of us until she showed me how.

(permission granted to post her picture)

I also did some shopping for needed items on my list as I was still waiting on the tires.

It turned out to be a rather long day. Both Sasha and Izzy were glad to see me when I got back. Even though my feet hurt I took them out for a long walk and gave them treats and lots of hugs and petting.

Saturday...whew, getting tired of running! I was able to get my car in for alignment, and a good thing too, as the front was way out. And likely the cause of the flat.

 I also found a car wash nearby and took advantage of that.

On the way back this favorite drive-thru kept calling my name... I just had to stop and get a Cantina Power Bowl Burrito!

Home at last! done running!! (Home being the motorhome presently)

I surely had alot to be thankful for this week! Safety, provision, faithfulness of the Lord to supply my needs whatevr they were. The Bible says He will supply our need. I like to turn that around to " if I do all I can in my human ability, and He doesn't supply it, I don't need it"

Thanks for coming along on my journey!

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you