Feeling Stuck but not Stagnating, In an RV Park

After a month sitting at Belly Acres RV park in Ajo Arizona, while my tow vehicle was having some major front-end issues that needed repaired, I am finally free to be out in the desert again! The campground was fine and the camp-hosts were very friendly and helpful, and people there were also. Its just my nature to be off by myself most of the time. I had meant to take pictures of the campground but never got around to it....
I did however find a park where I decided to let Sasha off leash and
see if she would run her energy off and come back to me without running off. That .... was a success! I am so proud of my girl!!

I loved watching her run for the sheer pleasure of it!!
I used my time at the RV campground to paint as much as I could and sold several paintings via a sign and paintings displayed in my front window. I even had new business cards made up while I was there and started knitting on another pair of socks. Something to keep my mind occupied and my hands busy. My daughter had sent me the yarn for a Christmas present

 The best part of staying at the RV park was that there was free cable and so was able to watch our new president and vice-president sworn into office. Yes, free wifi and free cable!

More later on. Have a great day!

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

More repairs.....

I did find out what Lady Blue's brake problem is and it not a master cylinder as expected. It is the ABS system causing the braking to mal-function. So..... the mechanic called for a new part to repair it. Uh oh, Ford no longer makes these parts ( LB is 20 years old as of January, well, probably already)

Mechanic said they can get a used part. It will take a week to get it shipped in, and he says hopefully it will work. No guarantees.  Say what? Ok so if this $250 part doesn't work, we look for another one that also might not work?? Hmmmm.....

As this year is supposed to be a little warmer winter in my region, I thought about not leaving out till at least after November anyway and maybe even the middle of December. Although Miss Izzy is anxious to go traveling as well. she even got treated to a spa day lately!

Meanwhile, I have been doing lots of yard work and trying to get things taken care of so there is not so much to do in the spring. Garden beds are being cleared and topped with lots of rich organic matter (known as compost from kitchen/garden scraps, leaves, and chicken manure)

I have thought long and hard about selling this sticks and bricks place and going full-time. I could do it and be perfectly happy......except I dont want to give up my chickens. Now isn't that silly?

I view my home here as my "summer camp". It is really peaceful, and serene.... if I don't have to look at the road in front of my house, and all the neighbors houses, and only view the back acre. I do have really nice neighbors, but sometimes I feel so closed in by it all.

More next time..... Thanks for stopping by!

Gypsy Voice Calling....

I don' know what there is about fall that makes this gypsy in me get the urge to travel....

Hmmm, maybe this is the reason!

Actually 2 weeks ago I sent for Benchmark map books for Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada, as well as added the new "RV Camping in Corp of Engineers Parks" book to my kindle library. 

I had to have a new alternator put on Lady Blue this summer, as well as a complete new awning; and a timing chain repair done to my Rav4 toad. I need to get the brakes on Lady Blue checked out, and we should be ready to roll again. 

This year I am leaving half the stuff I used to pack at home. I found out I didn't need that many clothes, jackets, dishes, and several other gadgets that I had packed before.

Izzy will be going with me again. I think she will enjoy it. She always does.

No people visiting plans this year.... just travel and see whats over the next hill. Going to see if I can get some spark back into my life.

Closer to Leaving

Packing up! All repairs (that I know were needed) are finally done! Just waiting on a couple Rx's from my doctor. A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks. My computer was jeopardized, my debit card compromised, and I am fighting depression from lack of sunshine. No matter, all has been repaired except me, and that's coming. Hens have been "fostered out" while Izzy and I take a much needed vacation.



Repairs and More Repairs

My pretty "Lady Blue" got her new tranny in and running just fine. Well..... the tranny is.

She's had a little trouble with her "git-up-n-go" apparatus. Oh dear, no fun being sick! And talk about the cost of office visits (repair garage) and the cost of another surgery (part replacement)!!

Seems her "git-up-n-go" got up and went!

She had to go back to the "doctor" and be "re-diagnosed". This time it seems the throttle feed, which is electronically controlled by a rheostat, not cable, had started to fail just when the new tranny had renewed all of our excitement about looking forward to the upcoming journey. I am sure glad to be learning about it now instead of breaking down somewhere, after we started out. Thanking the Lord!!

 

Part is ordered ($$$'s zoweeeee!!) will be put in Monday. Mechanic felt so bad about taking so long with the tranny he is only charging me for the part, not labor. Well, that is some good news!

  Rav4 toad has new back tires and rotors.

Maybe now,  we can all stay well and get going before the cold weather hits??

Oh, and Izzy has been to the vet for a checkup and to the groomer for a shampoo and trim.

"Can we go now, Mommy, please??"

We are all just chomping at the bit to get out there again, although it will be another couple weeks yet.  Can you say "FREEDOMmm"???

 

PS. 103:1-5

 

Correction and News...

I had mentioned goting to sales over the weekend with my brother and s-i-l, but called it by the wrong name.  It's the Girls Estate Sales. Website is www.thegirlsestatesales.com also have a store at 3728 E Grant Rd in Tucson.

I have posted a few more paintings on my painting blog "Sunny's Studio" if you care to look. Trying my best to keep up with one painting a day but when brother wants to take me somewhere to show me a place, I usually cave and go. Not his fault, mine. Plus he says I am always rearranging or organizing and I guess he's right. But I think I am finally pretty well done with that now.

Today we took a drive to West Saguaro National Park. Trying to decide where I want to go next week as I am still in his back yard this week......

Plus, I am not very happy with me right now as I seem to be getting my days and nights mixed up. I slept in til 10 am this morning! Thats 12 noon eastern time. I am always up by 6:30 or 7 am back there in PA. What is WRONG with this picture?? I don't even LIKE sleeping in. Its a waste of time far as I am concerned. My dogs will let me sleep the day away... they aren't supposed to do that!

I got the new lens and some bulbs for my porch light today. I was about to walk out the store when I spied these outdoor RV mats, 9 x 12, on sale. I had wanted to buy one before but always more money than i wanted to pay, so I got one today.

Tomorrow I need to patch a small hole in my awning. That means getting up on the ladder as the tear is next to the RV side. That and fill up with propane by the end of the week and I'm about set to roll, ....somewhere....

Later.....



New Challenge (s)

Today I got my RV into All RV Service Center in Tucson.

I needed to get this roof vent

replaced!

 

....as well as a shorted-out turn signal in the rear driver's side that I had previously *fixed*, and needed to get the batteries checked because when I went to start up to leave this morning the engine complained.... alot!... and would not start. This was the 3rd time in 3000+ miles. We arrived about 10 am, brother and s-i-l enjoying the ride.

The guys at the service center did a good job. They had the roof vent and the arm and it was installed quickly. Good thing I had them check the batteries, as one was dead and 2 were "compromised". So, new roof vent and 3 new batteries.

They checked the turn signal and it was badly corroded, which I knew, and they had to replace the whole thing as the turn-signal/tail-light comes as a sealed unit. No biggy, as I was sure it was as old as the rv itself. And I had them check the other side as well. I didn't want trouble down the road. Yep, it was corroded also.

So, new roof vent and arm, 3 new batteries, 2 new turn-signal/tail-light units, and 4 hrs later we got back to the *ranch*.

Carol started on linner (lunch/dinner) while I got Miss Izzy and Curley Joe out for a walk. We had hamburgers and Texas fries! Oh they were so good! We had not eaten much that morning and were hungry!

After that, true to my committment, I got my painting stuff set out. Barely dipped the brush in the turp when the phone rang. I almost didn't answer it .. but decided to. It was daughter #3 telling me about the awesome advancment in her job. Whoo-hoo! A company car and a gas card!!! She does alot of traveling working for Visiting*Angels. I was so happy for her, and glad I had taken the call.

Back to painting, determined..... pressing on.

I decided my theme would be about my experiences while RV'ing this winter.

So here it is  And I accomplished Day 1 !!

"In the Beginning ... Winnebago Winnie"

3.75 x 4.75 Oil on stretched canvas

and now I am finishing the other half of my other daily committment. Thanks for stopping by!

Stay safe out there!



Seeing the sites near Tucson, and a broken roof vent

Old Settler town buildings at Fairbanks.

 

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SASS shooting range and livery

 

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  Town of Tombstone

I loved the old stagecoaches.

 

Just look at those big feet on the horses!!

The old frontier town

Street to Boot Hill

We went shopping at Tombstone in the quaint little shops. We especially like the jewelry shops. By the time we were ready to get something to eat, the restaurants were closed . But this was on Christmas Eve, so I guess it was to be expected.

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On Wednesday, the day after Christmas, we went to to the courthouse to apply for my passport as we are planning a trip to Nogales soon. I paid the extra to get it sooner ...... 2-4 weeks :-/

At least that is done and out of the way.

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Today after church we drove to Camper World to pick up a couple small things I needed for repair for the RV. Those plastic covers for the bumper ends where you store the blackwater hose needed replaced, and some hooks to attach the bottom of the miniblinds that had broken off. I looked for a knob that holds my shower curtain closed but no luck there. I could have stayed and looked more but  needed to get back to the fur-babies. We also drove around a couple rv sales lots just looking....

 

Good thing we got home when we did as I had left the top vents open a ways to make sure the dogs were cool enough. Well apparently the wind had been blowing and the roof vent over the driver area was blown clear off and broken. As rain was threatening I had just time enough to duct-tape plastic to the inside in a funnel shape, and poke a hole in the middle of it to hopefully drain the water into a bucket on the floor underneath it for the night. I will see about getting it fixed in the morning.

 

Going to get cozy and listen to the raindrops, which I hope are not too loud nor too close together :)

Getting things Done

Some of the kids and grands came over to help me out today. And then I ordered pizza.  This is what we got done.

1. New doorknob and lock on the garage mandoor.
2. New solar lights on driveway posts.
3. Garden beds cleared of old plant debris.
4. Garden hoses and tomato cages stored in garden shed.
5. Outside summer decor and patio tables put away.

We sat around enjoying this unusually warm (70*) fall day, and watching the leaves fall as the wind blew. The girls pick up twigs and acorns for some crafts they had come across on Pinterest. Little 2yo Miss Maddie was the entertainment for the day.

 

Here are a couple pictures of the day

 

Daughter Rachel, myself, Little Miss Maddie, and Daughter Gwen

 

Miss Maddie taking  a ride, but she's not quite sure about this....

Maddie and Momma Gwen

 



Rachel's creation  with the things they gathered. These are not the right size candles but will do till she gets some. I thought it was pretty.

 

All thats left for me to do now is finish packing up the RV and pick up my prescriptions. I already have my phone, internet and cable set to shut off, and mail ready to be forwarded. I have a Knit Night Tuesday night at my home and then it will be at my friend Norma's home until I get back. The girls all have such fun getting together.

 

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!