Just The Way it Goes Sometimes (long post)

Ok, I've said it.... I've lost interest in blogging. Or maybe its just my interest in blogging about RVing.

I had intended to come back, clear out , and get ready to sell my house by fall. Not going to happen. The longer I was here the more I was having second thoughts. I really didn't need to sell ... and I actually was beginning to like being here again. I will probably never be a full-time RVer, although I had thought that was my goal. But, you know what? It's ok. I have the best of both worlds.

There is so much else that takes my time, like spending time with my pups, Miss Izzy and Sasha. Since I have been back, Sasha has had her big girl surgery and healed up nicely.

Lots of work here to be done.......  I started a fire in my chiminae one evening and sat there contemplating what all needed to be done, and what was not necessary to do.

I'm glad now I did build that fire and enjoy it, because a few days later I had put the pups on the deck (Sasha on her cable) while I mowed the yard. She had gotten her cable wrapped around the chiminae and down it went into more pieces than anyone would care to count. I did not scold her as it was absolutely my fault for not thinking ahead.

I have been working at getting the yard and gardens back in shape after being away for 7+ months. 

(I must mention here that My eldest daughter and sil worked very hard at getting those oak leaves raked up and the yard mowed a couple times before I got back, and I thank them so very much! It sure saved me alot of work!!)

I bought hanging baskets of flowers on sale. and put out my yard decorations,

 bought new cushions for the rockers and a mat for the deck; doing what I could to make the entrance an inviting place. 

Then there was the issue of spraining my ankle so badly that it has been very painful to walk and kept getting worse. I wish I hadn't been so stubborn and gone to the ER when I first hurt it. So of course things are getting done slower. Here it is the almost end of June and all my garden beds and flowers have not been put in yet, but I have made up my mind to do what I can and not stress about it. So I am just enjoying the process.....

However, I did get my second 3' x 8' herb bed planted (the older one still needs cut back and the anthill dealt with) I love working with herbs. The scents are so calming! I also dry them and use in salad or for cooking or potpourri.

Till next time....

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

Exploring on the Backroads

My grandson came to visit me for several days. One day we decided to go exploring. He loves nature and the woodsy areas around where I live, so I took him to this newly discovered (to me) area I had found last spring. It was on Pump Station road off of Creek road. I should have gotten a picture of the pump station, which consisted of several about 6" or 8" round pipes coming out of the ground and joining about 3' above ground. The design was interesting.

There was a sign that said 'no motor vehicles beyond this point, walk in only", so we did.

However I did get some nice pictures of the water, trees and reflections.

Color up and down the creek....

Beautiful water reflections!

 We could also see where others had had campfires circled round with stones, and paths where they had walked back through, and bare areas that looked like someone had been tent-camping. But we just enjoyed the beauty around us, and PM even pointed out fish in the water.

Getting out in nature rejuvenates the soul. We enjoyed experiencing some of God's beautiful creation!

Thanks for stopping by. 

I hope you also enjoyed this little journey through our pictures!

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.

Playing Quicky Catch-up, Chapter 4

Saturday, Nov 1

The temperature had dropped and it was windy so I ran the heater all day. I thought I was being a wimp, till I saw a boy with a ski mask on, lol! Camp host, Jerry, got the handles off the rectangular basket I keep my movies and DVD's in, so it would fit properly in its place. This way I don't need to bring out one movie at a time to see if its the one I want to watch. I have been doing quite well with this organization project of mine. Need to fit a lot of stuff in small spaces.

I decided to take a break and do some painting. This was my 4th painting of Energy Lake.

I loved how the sun threw shadows of the trees on the ground while the leaves were falling.

Sunday was a rest day, I painted a little more and got stuff put away as we would be leaving in the morning. I mapped out my route, I would take I-24 east to Nashville, then I-65 south to I-20/I-59. We used to travel the 20/59 when driving truck, and I had always loved the route.

I got the Rav4 hooked up in the morning with no problem although it was on a slight incline. I made good time and drove to Tuscaloosa, AL before stopping for the night. I was only 3 hrs from Daughter #3 just north of Hattiesburg MS. My fridge was giving me fits again about not running consistently so I wanted to get there asap to get plugged into electric.  

 

Next chapter- tomorrow...



Going on the Road Again!

Yes!!  I will once again be on the road this fall! I am so excited!!

"Myself, my lovely Lady Blue, and Izzy too" are planning on leaving within a month for parts unknown! (did I tell you how excited I am??)

Scene near Otto Mill, in NY

Let me back up just a little.... last year I felt I was to stay home and spend Christmas holidays with my kids and families. I had had a wood stove installed and lots of wood on hand to keep warm. Besides I was enjoying keeping a couple milk goats again and some other critters, About the second week in January I was hit with an osteo-arthritus flare-up that was so debilitating I could hardly get out of bed. Some days I barely fed myself. It had gone through my whole body. It seems the extreme weather and the fact that it was my first winter back in northwestern PA since 2003, was taking its toll on me. All I remember about the rest of Jan and Feb is lots of pain and having to have my DIL come each day to take care of my animals and get wood in for me. Daughter #1 and #2 also came many, many times to help. To make a long story short I gave up all animals except my beautiful heritage chickens, which I thoroughly enjoy. My doctor put me on medication which took another 3-4 weeks to kick in. The only activity I could muster was knitting, and therefore developed severe carpeltunnel which led to surgery in April. That went well, the medicine was working fairly well, and I began recooperating and gaining my strength back. Just in the last month I have felt really recovered.

Remains of Otto Mill in NY

I took a 3-hr trip the last couple days in August, driving my little Rav4 to my sister's in NY to see how well I could manage. I am glad to say I did just fine. At the same time my RV went into a transmission shop to have the tranny replaced. I just need to have it inspected and the tires checked and rotated and then I can begin to pack. 

Fort Niagara

Fort Niagara Lighthouse

I have been out of the loop so long, probably no one will be reading this but that's okay. At least it is down for my record. But if you do chance by to read it, thank you and have a great day!! 

Niagara River that joins Lake Ontario to Lake Erie

 

Isaiah 41:10



Snow in Tucson

WhenRon and Carol went to town this morning I opted to stay "home", as I needed to contact my insurance agency and had a few other online and phone chores. I told him they could take the RAV if they wanted as I knew he's been itching to drive it, but he said no. A while later I was glad he didn't.

Snow started to come down, or rather side-ways, and it turned into blizzard-like conditions for a while. I could hardly believe my eyes...

Must be because of Global warming ....

It clung to the ground...

and clung to the trees...and even the cacti looked silly wearing their snow bonnets!

And there was snow all over my pretty new blue RAV

Then it stopped almost as quickly as it had started and went away. No snowman building today!

Tonight it started up again and came down even heavier. Brother said he hadn't seen anything like it since moving to Arizona several years ago. If there is still snow tomorrow I am building me a snowman!!!

 

Keep warm out there!

Weather Forecasts....

....... are not always right. Say what? You already knew that??

Old man wind tried to trick me today. The rain came in ...which was expected. However the wind that came with it was not. My brother and I had been working with my awning a few days ago and I had decided to leave it up as the forecasted wind mph was low enough for several days. Fortunately I was "home" all tucked in my little rig, working on a painting,when the winds started whipping up big time!!

I  hollered at  called my brother out of his house to help and it was all we could do to hang onto the awning and get it rolled back in without the wind taking it out of our hands. But we managed to get the job done. Whew! That would have been an expensive fix! We were both soaked through, so went in to dry off. After about an hour of torrential downpour, the" R and C River" ran pretty deep right outside my door.

 Lesson #9 learned.... Always set up on higher ground.

 

We had a great day inspite of the weather. A package was brought to their door "Special Delivery" later in the afternoon. I can't wait to show you all..... but I have to (sigh)

Excitement runs high here at the "R and C Ranch" !

 

I will leave you with this picture of my current painting for now.

'Saguaro at Sunset"

4" x 5"

Oil on stretched canvas

 

Have a blessed weekend and enjoy your travels!



Cold? ....naw.

Cold  to me is milking 6 goats morning and night in a 2 week long spell of  -17* weather, breaking up the ice in their water buckets, refilling, and hoping they drank enough before it froze again.

Cold   is waking up to find out your fuel oil furnace ran out during the night, and your 6 month old baby girl had soaked through her diaper, nightgown, AND blankets. Temp in the old cold house?  0*

 

Cold   is a house catching on fire at 1:00 am on Jan 4th 1978 in the  dead of winter in PA; and handing your 5 kids a coat to throw over themselves as they ran out the door to safety.

 

Cold ..... is also the unexpected death of a spouse, who had always been there to lean on; after 32+ years of marriage.

 

Some wonder why I smile alot (and I do). Its because, through the hard times you learn to smile so you don't cry. Its also because I know who holds tomorrow....... and that warms my heart!

However, I write this as I sit in my rig tonight at 65* indoors temp..... shivering. :-)
 Funny what age does.....

 Brother, Deaf Ranger, and I after a 4-whlr ride in the desert.

Ranger just told me it is supposed to be in the teens tonight... oh my!
Have a blessed day tomorrow! and of course, stay warm!!!



Cold Weather Comforts

I finished these the other day, just in time for this cold snap that is hitting Tucson now. I am wearing them this morning! Comfy warm!

My s-i-l, Desert Shade (Carol), makes these insulated hot-pads. she happened to have one in my favorite design, sunflowers! 

This pretty hot-pad comes in handy, along with the tea-pot cozy made by my daughter #1,

 to keep my pot of tea hot longer.

I also used it this cold morning to keep hot my warm dish of oatmeal w/ apricots!

Yesterday, Deaf Ranger and I took my rig to dump the tanks, fill up on propane and diesel fuel.Other than that not much happpening except walking the dogs, and painting. I did a couple western scenes which you can view here if you like. You also may like the one I did of the Rv / auto light bulb.

Still doing a painting a day!

 

Can anyone tell me what the weather is like in Quartszite or Yuma desert? I'd rather hear it from someone who is there than the weatherman.... just sayin  ;-)

 

Stay warm wherever you are, and count your blessings for they are many!



On My Way ......Yay!!

By the time you read this I should be on my way
 (I hope.... finally.... whew!)

 

I just didn't realize how much *stuff* I thought I would need to take with me to last the extent of the trip, should I decide to stay the full time. Loading up for the first time is enough in and of itself, but for an extended stay, it seems like it takes forever!

I loaded up several misc. tools including a power drill/screwdriver, hammer, wrenches, hand screwdrivers, battery cables, extra heavy-duty power cord, duct tape (a must have!) a two-step ladder, gas cans for the generator, etc, etc, etc.I won't bore you with pictures of all the packing. I am sure most of you have done enough of it yourselves.

I have gone through my clothes twice and cut down both times, trying really hard to be reasonable. Food items, supplies, vitamins, meds, and personal items is another story. Never know when there might be a run on certain needed items. So.... all that food I dehydrated this summer? It's going with me, plus my winter squash, a peck of apples, onions and more potatoes.I also am taking a 7 grain bread mix, yeast and a bread pan. I am so spoiled with good home-grown food! You can take the girl off the homestead but can't take the homestead out of the girl ;-)

 

I used 2 1/2# ground beef from our last cow and made into little meat loaves, with an onion, the last green pepper, and some chopped celery, seasoning , eggs and oatmeal, plus BBQ sauce for flavoring.

They fit neatly into these 9.5 oz food keepers. Just the right size!

Well..... after I cut off a couple slivers to taste.

I also fried up some apples I had that were starting to wither just a little. Sometimes I like this southern dish rather than applesauce.

I  roasted the last 2 rabbits (oh, my goodness, YES! they are a wonderful meat!) that I had doubly packaged and frozen. These were some of the last from our commercial rabbit raising business.

Pulled out some canned food I wanted to take, as well as other store-bought dry food products.

 

Several movies have been packed, including the new 10 or 15 (I forget) DVD set on the civil War. I have also many books, including my Bible, Ten-Second Rule, a devotional based on the book of Proverbs ( I need all the wisdom I can get) and my recently purchased RVing books. There are also several music cd's. Of course there's my computer, camera and batteries, cell phone, and bluetooth so I can talk hands-free.

 

Then there is the knitting..... oh, dear, which yarns shall I take?? and needles?? Could not make a decision on that so I took the whole yarn stash!!!!

This stash hamper contains yarn for MANY pairs of socks, a hat, an afghan I have started, a doggie sweater for Izzy, and a *shrug* for my daughter. It fits nicely beside my bed on the side I won't need to get in on. These baskets below, hold the 3 pr socks I am presently working on, and lots of dishcloth yarn. Go ahead, you can laugh now :) but I find I need to keep my hands busy, and no, I won't use it all, but I can at least have choices  :D

 

Oh yes, and then there is my painting supplies; 2 easels, palette tray and disposable palette tablet, LOTS of canvases of all sizes, and all the paint and brushes I own! I also included my sketch pad, pastels, and other misc. supplies.

I do hope to get some things done while I am out in this beautiful country!

 

This is actually what it looked like at home before I left. I am surprised at how many trees have lost all their leaves already. These oaks will hold their leaves much longer.

My garden will be ready and waiting for my return.

 

 I will be back on when I get wifi down the road. I know some of you snowbirds are already at your winter destination. I may be slow, but I'll get there!



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!