Sunday, May 21, 2017
MAY 21, 2017 SUMMER CAMP!
It’s that time of year again. I have arrived at Summer Camp.
I had talked earlier with my supervisor, Traci about teaching me how to back the trailer while I was here this summer - she started upon my arrival. I successfully backed it in (how could I help it, I had two people telling me what to do and when to do it). And from there, everything went downhill.
First thing, the campground’s water needs to be re-certified; it didn’t pass regular testing for potability.
I hooked it up anyway, because I could use it for washing up and flushing, and showers. EXCEPT, my hot water tank appears to have not survived the winter. When I hooked up my water, the water flowed right out the side of the trailer, through the Hot water system.
OK. So, no showers. Well, I can make do with sponge baths and hopefully make arrangements with the campground down the road to use their showers this summer.
OK - for washing up, I’ll have to bring in jugs of water to heat and use. That’s doable.
Flushing - also jugs, except that the flap at the bottom of the toilet bowl was stuck shut. I remember my friend Myra telling me about fixing a toilet problem by pouring pots of boiling water into the toilet. Worth a try, and it worked. OK - one problem fixed.
That takes care of the water situation - then there is the refrigerator. No dice. Can’t get it to work. I decided to switch it to propane - I read and re-read the manual. Can’t make sense of it, and for safety, I’ll wait til Monday, and hopefully someone from the FS will be by that knows about such things. I went to the convenience store and bought a block of ice to put in it and it’s working adequately, but, of course, no ice.
That about covers it all. I made the mistake of thinking, “ what next”” Shouldn’t have done that. The “next” turned out to be mice. I have to stay at the campground until my day off - Wednesday, this week. Then I’m headed for Kalispell. I’ll get some steel wool and expanding foam to plug up any access by mice. I’ll have to wriggle under the trailer to use the foam, but, oh, well, it has to be done. And once it's done, and I've trapped any mice left inside, I won't have a problem with them for the rest of the summer
This IS an adventure, isn’t it?
My “Home Chef” meal delivery has begun, and at least I’ll be eating much healthier this year. Going to try my best to leave sugary snacks in the store.
I need to search for my step counter today. I’d like to know how many steps I’m covering during my rounds.
Speaking of rounds, I’ve had my morning cup of tea, and finished my “housewifely” duties and it’s time to put Tucker on a leash and go look for trash to pick up. The Forest Service cleaned up all the campsites before I got here which is a big help, so there is not much trash to find.
It’s very quiet here at this time of the season. Not many campers. The weekend was destination to quite a number of boaters - well, actually fishermen - a bit chilly for recreational boaters.
Until next time,
Boots & Tucker
“She believed she could do it, so she did”
Monday, May 1, 2017
OK, I’m going to give this another “go”
I have been very, very busy the past year. I camp hosted in far northwestern Montana for the summer, am in the midst of making costumes for the third time for the University of Great Falls Theatre.
Last spring the play was “Secret Garden” which was my first. Friend Joye asked me to help sew “some little things like aprons and neckwear” and then walked in with a stack of fabric and said, “we need 4 military jackets” She didn’t ask if I could do it, she just gave me the fabric and said what was needed. I just accepted it. If she had asked me if I could do the jackets, I probably would have declined. I’m so glad I took it on. Working with the play was the most fun I’d had in years. Besides the jackets, I made a nightgown, an apron, and several neck cloths. Not very much to do.
In the Fall, the play was “Jekyl and Hyde” Several fancy (simply made) dresses with bustles, and vests and such - still not a whole lot to do. But, so, so much fun. We found most of the costumes in the “attic” where all the previous year’s costumes are stored, in no particular order. This time, I stayed in town for the duration, and worked daily at the Green Room - where the sewing is done at the UGF Theatre.
Now, it’s spring and the play is “1776” Oh, my goodness. I’m so glad we didn’t start with this, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. 30 men’s colonial outfits. Consisting of breeches, coat, vest and shirt. We cut it down by sewing sleeves to the vests. We found most of the breeches in the “attic” But they have never done a play in the Colonial era so the rest, with very few exceptions are all made from scratch.
We are nearly 4 weeks into it - with just two weeks to go to get most of the rest of the costumes completed, plus a ball gown. We have recruited a couple of sewists who have worked with UGF previously, and I’ve farmed out a total of 6 garments. I’ve recruited my cousin, Shelley to start sewing, too. She has been sewing on buttons and doing some hand sewing for us - that will help tremendously.
We have, as of today, 12 costumes completely finished, 11 nearly so and the rest we’ve merely selected the fabric - but even that is a big help. Most of those left will require major adjustments - like tailoring men’s patterns to fit women, since we have about half the Continental Congress being acted by women. There are only two female parts in the play - Martha Jefferson and Abrigail Adams. Abrigail’s dress is finished, the other - is just partially cut out.
The ball gown - This is going to be so special. Two actresses are playing the part, so the dress has to fit one who wears size 0 and the other size 8 - 14 (according to the measurements on the pattern. The skirt is huge. The entire dress takes 42 yards, oops, make that 54 yards, I mis-calculated the tulle. At least it is the cheapest fabric. The floor length skirt is made up of 8 layers: 1 of satin, 1 of mesh, 4 of tulle, (these all white) 1 of the most luscious pink frilly stuff, and topped off by iridescent organza. The top is fitted
with lacy sleeves.
I’m headed for the thrift store this morning, to pick up a sheet to use to make up the mock-up of the top. (much cheaper than buying muslin for the purpose) ((must keep an eye on the budget don’tcha know?))
In addition to all the costumes, all the men and a few of the gals need period wigs. Not to mention, buckles for their shoes, and a few hats, and handkerchiefs - some very lacy, and Jabots and cravats - Joye is in charge of neckwear.
I’m down to the point that all I do is on the sewing machine - any handwork will be done by volunteers and Shelley. Other than that I have to make pattern adjustments and cut out fabric. Enough to keep me quite busy?
Those outfits we’ve finished are wonderful, and everyone is quite pleased with their costumes.
I’m not including any photos here, It will take me a while how to re-learn how to do it.
UPDATE!!!!!
It is now May 1 and it is all over. The beautiful white ball gown turned out to be the dress from hell. Trying to fit it on the two different actors was a nightmare - each had fears of it falling down, One because she is so curvaceous, and the other because she is very slim. Finally, with just two performances to go, I got it all figured out, and both felt comfortable in the dress.
It has been 8 weeks of 12 - 15 hours at the green room. Exhaustion didn’t hit me until the last week, and then it hit hard. We went through periods of giggles, and Joye was frequently banging her head on her sewing machine, or beating it up.
The performances went very well and was very well attended. The first play I’ve watched multiple times - it was that good!!!
Matt, who played Richard Henry Lee of Virginia - is my favorite. The character is so boisterous and energized, and so is Matt. He had a small part, but he remained with you. What got my attention was when he was quietly sitting in his place, and all of a sudden, it was as if his face turned on like a light bulb - and washed out everyone else. I guess that’s what is called “stealing the scene”
We had many compliments on the costumes. We had four of the actors ask if they could purchase their costumes after the play. That really made me feel good. I heard several comments that this was the first time they had ever had costumes custom made for them. And it’s true. We had stacks of fabric - where to begin. Finally, I picked up a piece and said to Joye, “who does this remind you of?” She made a choice, and we were off to the races.
I broke the news to the Director that I wouldn’t be back for the fall show, inf act, probably not til spring, if then!!!!!
I’m hitting the road, people. More Adventures to write about. I’ll spend the summer camp hosting and planning out the fall and winter travels.
Catch you later
“She believed she could do it, so she did!”
I have been very, very busy the past year. I camp hosted in far northwestern Montana for the summer, am in the midst of making costumes for the third time for the University of Great Falls Theatre.
Last spring the play was “Secret Garden” which was my first. Friend Joye asked me to help sew “some little things like aprons and neckwear” and then walked in with a stack of fabric and said, “we need 4 military jackets” She didn’t ask if I could do it, she just gave me the fabric and said what was needed. I just accepted it. If she had asked me if I could do the jackets, I probably would have declined. I’m so glad I took it on. Working with the play was the most fun I’d had in years. Besides the jackets, I made a nightgown, an apron, and several neck cloths. Not very much to do.
In the Fall, the play was “Jekyl and Hyde” Several fancy (simply made) dresses with bustles, and vests and such - still not a whole lot to do. But, so, so much fun. We found most of the costumes in the “attic” where all the previous year’s costumes are stored, in no particular order. This time, I stayed in town for the duration, and worked daily at the Green Room - where the sewing is done at the UGF Theatre.
Now, it’s spring and the play is “1776” Oh, my goodness. I’m so glad we didn’t start with this, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. 30 men’s colonial outfits. Consisting of breeches, coat, vest and shirt. We cut it down by sewing sleeves to the vests. We found most of the breeches in the “attic” But they have never done a play in the Colonial era so the rest, with very few exceptions are all made from scratch.
We are nearly 4 weeks into it - with just two weeks to go to get most of the rest of the costumes completed, plus a ball gown. We have recruited a couple of sewists who have worked with UGF previously, and I’ve farmed out a total of 6 garments. I’ve recruited my cousin, Shelley to start sewing, too. She has been sewing on buttons and doing some hand sewing for us - that will help tremendously.
We have, as of today, 12 costumes completely finished, 11 nearly so and the rest we’ve merely selected the fabric - but even that is a big help. Most of those left will require major adjustments - like tailoring men’s patterns to fit women, since we have about half the Continental Congress being acted by women. There are only two female parts in the play - Martha Jefferson and Abrigail Adams. Abrigail’s dress is finished, the other - is just partially cut out.
The ball gown - This is going to be so special. Two actresses are playing the part, so the dress has to fit one who wears size 0 and the other size 8 - 14 (according to the measurements on the pattern. The skirt is huge. The entire dress takes 42 yards, oops, make that 54 yards, I mis-calculated the tulle. At least it is the cheapest fabric. The floor length skirt is made up of 8 layers: 1 of satin, 1 of mesh, 4 of tulle, (these all white) 1 of the most luscious pink frilly stuff, and topped off by iridescent organza. The top is fitted
with lacy sleeves.
I’m headed for the thrift store this morning, to pick up a sheet to use to make up the mock-up of the top. (much cheaper than buying muslin for the purpose) ((must keep an eye on the budget don’tcha know?))
In addition to all the costumes, all the men and a few of the gals need period wigs. Not to mention, buckles for their shoes, and a few hats, and handkerchiefs - some very lacy, and Jabots and cravats - Joye is in charge of neckwear.
I’m down to the point that all I do is on the sewing machine - any handwork will be done by volunteers and Shelley. Other than that I have to make pattern adjustments and cut out fabric. Enough to keep me quite busy?
Those outfits we’ve finished are wonderful, and everyone is quite pleased with their costumes.
I’m not including any photos here, It will take me a while how to re-learn how to do it.
UPDATE!!!!!
It is now May 1 and it is all over. The beautiful white ball gown turned out to be the dress from hell. Trying to fit it on the two different actors was a nightmare - each had fears of it falling down, One because she is so curvaceous, and the other because she is very slim. Finally, with just two performances to go, I got it all figured out, and both felt comfortable in the dress.
It has been 8 weeks of 12 - 15 hours at the green room. Exhaustion didn’t hit me until the last week, and then it hit hard. We went through periods of giggles, and Joye was frequently banging her head on her sewing machine, or beating it up.
The performances went very well and was very well attended. The first play I’ve watched multiple times - it was that good!!!
Matt, who played Richard Henry Lee of Virginia - is my favorite. The character is so boisterous and energized, and so is Matt. He had a small part, but he remained with you. What got my attention was when he was quietly sitting in his place, and all of a sudden, it was as if his face turned on like a light bulb - and washed out everyone else. I guess that’s what is called “stealing the scene”
We had many compliments on the costumes. We had four of the actors ask if they could purchase their costumes after the play. That really made me feel good. I heard several comments that this was the first time they had ever had costumes custom made for them. And it’s true. We had stacks of fabric - where to begin. Finally, I picked up a piece and said to Joye, “who does this remind you of?” She made a choice, and we were off to the races.
I broke the news to the Director that I wouldn’t be back for the fall show, inf act, probably not til spring, if then!!!!!
I’m hitting the road, people. More Adventures to write about. I’ll spend the summer camp hosting and planning out the fall and winter travels.
Catch you later
“She believed she could do it, so she did!”
Sunday, June 5, 2016
ON GOLDEN POND
It’s a glorious morning! The surface of the lake is very still, and on the way back to my site, I heard the call of the Loon wafting over the water.
Yesterday was a perfect day, also. There was a group of about a dozen young mothers and children playing at the beach. I had to disturb their play to get them to move a couple of their cars - one side of the parking lot is for vehicles with boat trailers - the other side - for single vehicles. I was told by one young lady that there were no signs designating parking. I slowly turned around and looked pointedly at a 3’ x 4’ red and white sign on an easel not 20’ from her. And then the signs on each side of the parking lot. They graciously moved their cars. It’s a foretaste of the summer weekends to come.
I try to speak to each group of campers at least once. Those who know me best, know I am a very shy person, and trying to hide it. Years ago I wore hats to hide under when I attended any kind of group activity. It’s difficult to speak to people - of course when you get to know me - it’s harder still to shut me up. This is a very excellent experience. Tucker is a great conversation starter.
A couple of young cyclists stopped for the night. They were on their way to Jasper Park in Canada. They were from Switzerland, and had been cycling across the country for 2 months - they had 2 weeks left on their trip. An adventure to remember for the rest of their lives.
School is still in session in this area - I think it lets out this coming week - that will surely officially announce the beginning of summer.
Can you tell that I am really enjoying it here?
Until next time,
Boots and Tucker
She believed she could do it, so she did!
Yesterday was a perfect day, also. There was a group of about a dozen young mothers and children playing at the beach. I had to disturb their play to get them to move a couple of their cars - one side of the parking lot is for vehicles with boat trailers - the other side - for single vehicles. I was told by one young lady that there were no signs designating parking. I slowly turned around and looked pointedly at a 3’ x 4’ red and white sign on an easel not 20’ from her. And then the signs on each side of the parking lot. They graciously moved their cars. It’s a foretaste of the summer weekends to come.
I try to speak to each group of campers at least once. Those who know me best, know I am a very shy person, and trying to hide it. Years ago I wore hats to hide under when I attended any kind of group activity. It’s difficult to speak to people - of course when you get to know me - it’s harder still to shut me up. This is a very excellent experience. Tucker is a great conversation starter.
A couple of young cyclists stopped for the night. They were on their way to Jasper Park in Canada. They were from Switzerland, and had been cycling across the country for 2 months - they had 2 weeks left on their trip. An adventure to remember for the rest of their lives.
School is still in session in this area - I think it lets out this coming week - that will surely officially announce the beginning of summer.
Can you tell that I am really enjoying it here?
Until next time,
Boots and Tucker
She believed she could do it, so she did!
Friday, May 27, 2016
WOW!!!!
Just Wow!!! I have arrived at my post at North Dickey Lake Campground.
near Eureka, MT.
I was met 2-3 minutes after stopping by swarms of handsome young men - the Trail Boss and crew. They delivered a pickup load of cut wood for my site. Soon others arrive. I’ll never be able to put names and faces together. Then Traci arrived - she works in the Ranger Station. She backed in the rig, and along with Lyle went over my duties.
The conversations was sprinkled with comments like, “but don’t worry about that now”, “but you’ll have help here then”, “later he’ll pass that job on to you, when you are ready for it”. “If you feel like it”
I gather that my main duties are to smile, be friendly and make sure there is toilet papers in the outhouses. I’m going to love it here!
Tucker was heartily welcomed, and of course he loved it.
Now, let me tell you about the campground. It’s small - only 26 sites, on a forested hill overlooking a beautiful, blue, serene lake. There is a boat dock at the bottom of the hill. I’ll check that out first thing this morning.
Photo I am so glad that I didn’t designate a specific location to work - other than the Kootenai (and I think the Bitterroot) forests. I couldn’t have picked a more beautiful site.
I’ve been to Eureka one day for the quilt show about 4 years ago. That was a unique experience. There is a “Pioneer” park in this little town where they have collected old barns, cabins and other buildings as well as equipment and odd bits and pieces, and on the Quilt show weekend - quilts are hung on and inside the barns, as well as on buildings going up mains street.
Time to shake Tucker out of bed - it’s 7:30, and he’s still curled up snug as a bug in a rug.
I’ll continue this later, and post when I get to town. I’ve got to finish setting up this morning - set the stabilizing jacks, figure out how to get into the sewer hook-up.
Huge Surprise!!! As Camp Host, the local cable company provides me FREE internet. And, it’s an excellent connection. I may re-subscribe to CBS All-access!!! I want to see this whole year of NCIS. I’ll also have no excuse for not keeping up my blog.
My refrigerator isn’t working - and I’ve had to throw out everything that had to be kept cold. All my meat, all the spaghetti sauce I had made up and packaged.
One evening a camper stopped by to see if I wanted some company. (I need to find my extra cups so I can at least offer a cup of tea!) The next day - in the rain - she sent over her husband to look at my refrigerator - we flipped it over to gas operation, and he lit the water heater as well. I’m in civilization! Showers! Ice Cream ! Whenever I want! Yippee.
It’s Sunday - on a Canadian national holiday - and the campground is empty. All the campers have left - and there is only one boat at the dock. So quiet. Let‘s see how this all lasts.
Well, here I am - procrastinating as usual. It’s been a week and I need to get this posted.
This week was quiet - I found the nearest post office, went to town and bought groceries (ouch!) - but then discovered the other grocery store - it will work very, very well.
I attended a course, and I’m now certified in first aid and CPR. I haven’t needed the training in the first half of my life - let’s hope I don’t need it in the next half, but at least I know something about it.
I met the other camp hosts in this area - they’ve all been at it for decades, most in the same campground. I have a lot to learn from them.
Tucker and I were up fighting the newly resident rat in the middle of the night.. Yes, another one. I’ve been promised a live trap to get rid of it. I’ll bait it with one of my caramels - which seems to be what it likes!!!!
I’m still not through dealing with the results of the visit from the Belt rat. And, no they are not the same rat - this one just showed up 3-4 days ago. I still have to get the A/C fixed in the truck and repair the insulation on the firewall so hot air is not blowing at me while traveling.
Yesterday, I got ready to do my rounds and told Tucker it was time to go to work. I got lost in my thoughts, and all of a sudden, Tucker stopped dead in his tracks and planted his butt on the ground and refused to go on. I looked around, and saw that I was about to pass the first toilet. Tucker knows!!! As soon as I checked it out, he moved on cheerily.
It’s Friday of Memorial Weekend, and…. It is raining, of course. But, as always, a very gentle rain - nice to walk in. The nearby mountain peaks are shrouded in fog, but there are already half a dozen boaters out on the lake.
Last weekend was a national holiday for the Canadians - we had in 3 groups of Montana Campers. This is Memorial Day, and so far, the sites are filled with Canadians, and a couple from Germany who are spending 6 months touring North America. - Even their RV is German made and licensed in Germany. Interesting.
Well - the rain just chased out the tent campers. Or, maybe they were just staying the night.
I’m going to crank up the heaters and make it toasty warm in here - and I think oatmeal would be the perfect breakfast.
Until next time,
-
Boots, and of course, Tucker
“She believed she could do it and so she did!”
..
near Eureka, MT.
I was met 2-3 minutes after stopping by swarms of handsome young men - the Trail Boss and crew. They delivered a pickup load of cut wood for my site. Soon others arrive. I’ll never be able to put names and faces together. Then Traci arrived - she works in the Ranger Station. She backed in the rig, and along with Lyle went over my duties.
The conversations was sprinkled with comments like, “but don’t worry about that now”, “but you’ll have help here then”, “later he’ll pass that job on to you, when you are ready for it”. “If you feel like it”
I gather that my main duties are to smile, be friendly and make sure there is toilet papers in the outhouses. I’m going to love it here!
Tucker was heartily welcomed, and of course he loved it.
Now, let me tell you about the campground. It’s small - only 26 sites, on a forested hill overlooking a beautiful, blue, serene lake. There is a boat dock at the bottom of the hill. I’ll check that out first thing this morning.
Photo I am so glad that I didn’t designate a specific location to work - other than the Kootenai (and I think the Bitterroot) forests. I couldn’t have picked a more beautiful site.
I’ve been to Eureka one day for the quilt show about 4 years ago. That was a unique experience. There is a “Pioneer” park in this little town where they have collected old barns, cabins and other buildings as well as equipment and odd bits and pieces, and on the Quilt show weekend - quilts are hung on and inside the barns, as well as on buildings going up mains street.
Time to shake Tucker out of bed - it’s 7:30, and he’s still curled up snug as a bug in a rug.
I’ll continue this later, and post when I get to town. I’ve got to finish setting up this morning - set the stabilizing jacks, figure out how to get into the sewer hook-up.
Huge Surprise!!! As Camp Host, the local cable company provides me FREE internet. And, it’s an excellent connection. I may re-subscribe to CBS All-access!!! I want to see this whole year of NCIS. I’ll also have no excuse for not keeping up my blog.
My refrigerator isn’t working - and I’ve had to throw out everything that had to be kept cold. All my meat, all the spaghetti sauce I had made up and packaged.
One evening a camper stopped by to see if I wanted some company. (I need to find my extra cups so I can at least offer a cup of tea!) The next day - in the rain - she sent over her husband to look at my refrigerator - we flipped it over to gas operation, and he lit the water heater as well. I’m in civilization! Showers! Ice Cream ! Whenever I want! Yippee.
It’s Sunday - on a Canadian national holiday - and the campground is empty. All the campers have left - and there is only one boat at the dock. So quiet. Let‘s see how this all lasts.
Well, here I am - procrastinating as usual. It’s been a week and I need to get this posted.
This week was quiet - I found the nearest post office, went to town and bought groceries (ouch!) - but then discovered the other grocery store - it will work very, very well.
I attended a course, and I’m now certified in first aid and CPR. I haven’t needed the training in the first half of my life - let’s hope I don’t need it in the next half, but at least I know something about it.
I met the other camp hosts in this area - they’ve all been at it for decades, most in the same campground. I have a lot to learn from them.
Tucker and I were up fighting the newly resident rat in the middle of the night.. Yes, another one. I’ve been promised a live trap to get rid of it. I’ll bait it with one of my caramels - which seems to be what it likes!!!!
I’m still not through dealing with the results of the visit from the Belt rat. And, no they are not the same rat - this one just showed up 3-4 days ago. I still have to get the A/C fixed in the truck and repair the insulation on the firewall so hot air is not blowing at me while traveling.
Yesterday, I got ready to do my rounds and told Tucker it was time to go to work. I got lost in my thoughts, and all of a sudden, Tucker stopped dead in his tracks and planted his butt on the ground and refused to go on. I looked around, and saw that I was about to pass the first toilet. Tucker knows!!! As soon as I checked it out, he moved on cheerily.
It’s Friday of Memorial Weekend, and…. It is raining, of course. But, as always, a very gentle rain - nice to walk in. The nearby mountain peaks are shrouded in fog, but there are already half a dozen boaters out on the lake.
Last weekend was a national holiday for the Canadians - we had in 3 groups of Montana Campers. This is Memorial Day, and so far, the sites are filled with Canadians, and a couple from Germany who are spending 6 months touring North America. - Even their RV is German made and licensed in Germany. Interesting.
Well - the rain just chased out the tent campers. Or, maybe they were just staying the night.
I’m going to crank up the heaters and make it toasty warm in here - and I think oatmeal would be the perfect breakfast.
Until next time,
-
Boots, and of course, Tucker
“She believed she could do it and so she did!”
..
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Long, lazy days of Winter (and spring, too)
January through May 8, 2016
This is another post of meandering thoughts -
The first good news item: My new(er) trailer has a name: Sam Joe Bean.
If you’ve never heard of him, well, that doesn’t surprise me. Sam Joe Bean was my brother’s alter-ego. He wrote stories and poems about Sam. He even wrote an eulogy for Sam, which became my brother’s eulogy. Sam had lots of adventures; perhaps, later on, I can share a couple on this blog for your entertainment.
Second good news item: I just received an e-mail from the Forest Service asking if I am still interested in camp hosting. You betcha I am. They have some openings near Eureka, MT - which is a hop and a skip from the Canadian border. Now, I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for my next communication.
I’ve been working the past few months on a western theme quilt for Brooke. I decided to make it a quilt as you go project. Mistake. Big mistake. I don’t know what started the fiasco, probably I didn’t measure carefully enough, but the thing is really wacky. I tried correcting it before putting the rows together, but I guess once again, I didn’t measure properly. I was in a rush, trying to finish by Christmas - no such luck.
In any event, I spent this whole week putting the rows together - took 4 days. Each row, pinned, stitched, pinned, stitched together, pressed, top stitched, then top stitched on the other side. Took over an hour for each row. And today? Well, today I am unstitching it all. What a travesty. It’s an oversized queen sized quilt - and hard to maneuver on the sewing machine - even as a quilt as you go.
January is gone - can spring be far away?
Have confirmation from the Forest Service - I will be hosting a campground near Eureka, Montana. North Dickey Lake - 26 sites from Mid May to Mid September. I am so excited.
************************************************************************
May 8, 2016
Obviously, the above was written sometime in February, 2016. A bit of time has passed since then.
Let’s see….. I decided I’d move up to Brooke’s about the end of February for the remainder of the winter. About the middle of February, I was invited by a friend to help with costuming for a production put on by the UGF Music Department. I have to tell you, I had more fun in those couple of months than I could have imagined - then dress rehersals began, followed quickly by Opening night…. Still more fun - even Mother Nature got in the act by reminding us it was still officially winter by dropping 6 inches of wet sticky white stuff on us - causing me to be snow bound in Great Falls, since I had spent the night there instead of driving home so late. I had my jacket with me, but was wearing flip-flops, so I had to go buy a pair of shoes.
Finally, Sam was ready to go, and on the third pick-up load to Thompson Falls, Sam went along, too. Everything appears to work - keep your fingers crossed for me.
The first day at Brooke’s, she got me up on a horse - amazing - it’s been how many years????? Far too many - and if there had been a photographer nearby, you’all would have been giggling for a week watching me get in the saddle.
Sadly, my cousin, Diane, passed away that night. I know that she is finally at peace and will be missed by many.
It is definitely Spring Time in the Rockies - beautiful weather, colorful skies, birds singing - wonderful day for Mother’s Day. Brooke surprised me with crepes for breakfast - delicious.
I’ll be leaving here on Monday, May 16 - headed for Eureka to start my summer duties at North Dickey Lake.
I’ve promised more than one person that I will once again start posting on a regular basis. All depends on the availability of the internet - hope it won’t be like it was in Deming last year.
Until next time,
Boots & Tucker
She believed she could do it, so she did.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
I'M BACK!!!..... once again
Around or about January 14, 2016
As I mentioned in my last post, my computer has been down since mid-summer. I went to Brooke's for Christmas and took the computer to the shop in Thompson Falls. It was fixed in less than 5 minutes with no charge. The ram cards were unseated. They just took them out and put them back in, and, Bob's your uncle, we are back in business.
I've been sending out some longish e-mails, bending the "ears" of those I wrote to with nothingness. I mentioned once that I ought to write a book about nothing - then this morning I remembered my blog. So, here I am.
This post is going to have absolutely no order about it - just random thoughts (so what else is new). No photos for now - I left my camera at Brooke's.
As I mentioned, I spent Christmas at Brooke's. It started snowing an hour after I arrived and continued to snow everyday I was there. It was beautiful. And, the daytime temps hovered in the 25-30 range so it was comfortable to spend time outdoors.
Christmas Eve, I took Tucker outside to take care of business, and while I was waiting, I happened to look over to the hay field, and watched in amazement as 8 tiny deer floated across the field. The ninth (Rudolph?) tagged along behind.
I missed the full moon on Christmas night because it was snowing and overcast. I guess I can't have everything.
With the exception of dinner at Scott's parent's home on Christmas Day, we went nowhere! It was wonderfully relaxing.
Progress report on Daisy? Well, there is no progress. After crunching the numbers, I decided to buy another trailer. Even after doing all the work on Daisy, I still would not have a gray water holding tank or a refrigerator with a separate freezer, making it difficult to do any boondocking.
So, I bought another trailer for half the amount I would have had to spend on Daisy - she is now for sale.
The new trailer is 2 foot longer, 20 years younger, has a refrigerator with separate freezer and the gray water holding tank flows into the black water tank. Works for me. I do know the trailer is male, the first male vehicle I have every owned - but he hasn't told me his name, yet. He's going to be quite rustic inside - denim, copper and antler interior. There is nothing I have to do right away, except spend money. The floor needs to be re-done - just because I don't like carpeting. I want to insulate the floor and perhaps tile it - but that can wait. I'll need to buy 2 propane tanks, and an air conditioner. Oh, yeah - also a set of tires. I can get along without the air conditioner for a bit - In Montana, even if it gets hot during the day, once the sun goes down, it gets cold.
Diane is temporarily in a nursing home in Seattle. I was going to leave here rather soon, but decided since I have a perfect set up for sewing, I may just stay here for a bit. I would expect she will be back in a couple months and that will give me sufficient time to accomplish a pile of sewing projects.
I started packing up stuff today - First out - all my denim - well, except for 1 tote of mixed colors. I have a mountain of jeans. And, Diane's daughter in law says she has yet another mountain of old jeans for me.
We WERE in the midst of a major Chinook. (SW wind and high temps that melts all the snow) when it started snowing this morning - and it's still snowing quite vigorously. I can't even see Belt - just a mile down the hill. Darn - I was hoping to get the truck rolling once the snow and mud cleared up. Well, after all, it is winter, what did I expect? And, now that I'm staying on a while, no need to rush.
Well, I've changed my mind. I'm going to post this, then start the next one in "Word". Then I don't have to worry about this one disappearing if my computer should unexpectedly shut down before it's published.
Bear Hugs,
Boots and Tucker and What's his name
"She believed she could do it, so she did!
As I mentioned in my last post, my computer has been down since mid-summer. I went to Brooke's for Christmas and took the computer to the shop in Thompson Falls. It was fixed in less than 5 minutes with no charge. The ram cards were unseated. They just took them out and put them back in, and, Bob's your uncle, we are back in business.
I've been sending out some longish e-mails, bending the "ears" of those I wrote to with nothingness. I mentioned once that I ought to write a book about nothing - then this morning I remembered my blog. So, here I am.
This post is going to have absolutely no order about it - just random thoughts (so what else is new). No photos for now - I left my camera at Brooke's.
As I mentioned, I spent Christmas at Brooke's. It started snowing an hour after I arrived and continued to snow everyday I was there. It was beautiful. And, the daytime temps hovered in the 25-30 range so it was comfortable to spend time outdoors.
Christmas Eve, I took Tucker outside to take care of business, and while I was waiting, I happened to look over to the hay field, and watched in amazement as 8 tiny deer floated across the field. The ninth (Rudolph?) tagged along behind.
I missed the full moon on Christmas night because it was snowing and overcast. I guess I can't have everything.
With the exception of dinner at Scott's parent's home on Christmas Day, we went nowhere! It was wonderfully relaxing.
Progress report on Daisy? Well, there is no progress. After crunching the numbers, I decided to buy another trailer. Even after doing all the work on Daisy, I still would not have a gray water holding tank or a refrigerator with a separate freezer, making it difficult to do any boondocking.
So, I bought another trailer for half the amount I would have had to spend on Daisy - she is now for sale.
The new trailer is 2 foot longer, 20 years younger, has a refrigerator with separate freezer and the gray water holding tank flows into the black water tank. Works for me. I do know the trailer is male, the first male vehicle I have every owned - but he hasn't told me his name, yet. He's going to be quite rustic inside - denim, copper and antler interior. There is nothing I have to do right away, except spend money. The floor needs to be re-done - just because I don't like carpeting. I want to insulate the floor and perhaps tile it - but that can wait. I'll need to buy 2 propane tanks, and an air conditioner. Oh, yeah - also a set of tires. I can get along without the air conditioner for a bit - In Montana, even if it gets hot during the day, once the sun goes down, it gets cold.
Diane is temporarily in a nursing home in Seattle. I was going to leave here rather soon, but decided since I have a perfect set up for sewing, I may just stay here for a bit. I would expect she will be back in a couple months and that will give me sufficient time to accomplish a pile of sewing projects.
I started packing up stuff today - First out - all my denim - well, except for 1 tote of mixed colors. I have a mountain of jeans. And, Diane's daughter in law says she has yet another mountain of old jeans for me.
We WERE in the midst of a major Chinook. (SW wind and high temps that melts all the snow) when it started snowing this morning - and it's still snowing quite vigorously. I can't even see Belt - just a mile down the hill. Darn - I was hoping to get the truck rolling once the snow and mud cleared up. Well, after all, it is winter, what did I expect? And, now that I'm staying on a while, no need to rush.
Well, I've changed my mind. I'm going to post this, then start the next one in "Word". Then I don't have to worry about this one disappearing if my computer should unexpectedly shut down before it's published.
Bear Hugs,
Boots and Tucker and What's his name
"She believed she could do it, so she did!
Monday, October 19, 2015
At home in Belt
Obviously, we made it home from Texas...had a flat tire on Daisy and a minor problem with Luv. (The truck) My computer is resting, it has a virus of some sort, so I figured I couldn't post to this blog. Surprise, another talent of my kindle.
Summer was spent reading and waiting for the mower to get fixed. Also, for Miss Daisy to get picked off her nose once again. That happened in July, decided to wait for cooler weather to begin working on Daisy. In September, I discovered a packrat had taken up residence in Daisy and while trying to find where she got in, we found extensive water damage. We will have to strip the entire interior. That means replacing all insulation and wall board for everything....floor, ceiling and walls. I guess I owe the rat a big thanks.
I 'll keep you informed as to our progress, but bear in mind, we are in Montana, and winter is drawing near. It my be spring before we can start.
I have also applied for a camp host job in northwest Montana for next summer. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Bear Hugs
Until next time
Boots and Tucker
She believed she could do it and so she did.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
OUT N’ ABOUT
(FYI - It's happened again - no internet - a huge Texas thunder boomer wiped it out at the RV park)
Diane decided she wanted seafood for lunch. I mentioned seeing the Bleu Crab Café – and
off we went. The service was slow, very
slow. (I made allowances for it being
Easter Sunday and they probably weren’t used to a crowd on Sundays, but still –
waiting 20 minutes for even an acknowledgement?) The food??? – well the fish, (tempera
battered and fried) was outstanding, the French fries soggy and the hush
puppies leaden. Oh, yeah, the prices
were outrageous for what you got.
Normally, I wouldn’t bother to mention this, but………………..
A while later, while riding around with Myra, supposedly
just to go wash her truck - (with Myra
her “I’ve only got to do this one thing – ride with me” – never is just one
thing) she was looking for somewhere to eat.
We stopped at the “Sugar Shack” – which turned out to be mostly a bar….
A noisy bar….. and, can you believe it in this day and age??? – a smoky bar. Being Easter Sunday – nearly everything was
closed. We tried the Bar-B-Q place
across the road from the campground – closed….
Actually we learned it is only open Thursday – Saturday. In pursuit of good eats for Myra (I was
still stuffed with leaden hush puppies)
we stopped in at the Chinese buffet -
Bingo! Weekend buffet. Weekend SEAFOOD buffet – for about the same price
Diane and I paid for lunch. (Actually, it was less) Myra did not hesitate, she immediately
attacked the seafood table and came back with a plate heaped with crab legs,
steamed shrimp, fried shrimp, fish, frog legs, and many other delacasies (oh, crap….. where IS the spell check on this
thing?) They even had oysters as well
as all their normal fare. I had
finally, finally found a Chinese restaurant worthy of the name for the first
time since leaving Virginia. I sat
there drinking my iced tea while watching Myra devour 3-4 plates of food. I did say she was hungry, didn’t I?
Lest I lie ……. I had
3 large glasses of iced tea at lunch – waiting patiently (well, maybe a tad bit
impatiently) for our lunch to arrive, and 2 more large glasses of tea while
watching Myra eat – need I explain why I am up at 4:30 a.m. typing this blog?
Myra’s “just one thing”
We headed to the car wash, but passed it by to go to Wal-Mart, then we
washed the truck. Then we drove over to
Fulton Beach road, and drove along the beach.
Then we turned around and on the way to the visitor’s center (which was
closed, of course – Easter Sunday, remember) we detoured through the high
society end of the beach to check out the fancy beach homes. Passed the visitor center and drove through
the “art” community, then along the pier looking for fresh shrimp, found a
seafood store open – medium shrimp - $10 a pound, then to the Sugar Shack, the
Bar-b-Q, and finally the Chinese Restaurant.
I mentioned it was 4:30 a.m.
right? I am so glad I am a touch
typist – of sorts. The only light is
from the monitor and the keyboard is
black so it is a challenge. Oh, wait –
I started at 4:30 – it is now 6.00 and day is breaking. Breaking what? Have you ever wondered what that means?
Myra shared with me what she would do with Miss Daisy if she
owned her – and it was very close to a photo of a “Glampered” rig that I saved
from facebook – I’ll have to try to find it and see if I can post it, or at
least move it to a handy place for inspiration.
A week or so later:
We enjoyed a 3 day visit from friends from Virginia who are on a journey to the West Coast and Pacific Northwest - we'll see them again in June when they pass through June. Holly and I enjoyed a nice long game of Canasta. I kept score on a piece of notebook paper - when we were finished, Holly said - "Hey, where's our score notebook" Sure enough in the pocket of my card bag was the little notebook - the last time we played was in 2011 - I'll bring it up to date and include place as well as date - and we'll see how long we can keep it up! (I do plan a trip to Virginia in the not too, too distance future.)
We've been to the China A restaurant 3 times already - bought shrimp for dinner in between times.
Visited the aquarium - with Tucker - he really enjoyed watching the fish. One bright yellow little guy was picking up pieces of coral and dropping it around the entrance of his home - making a porch, I suspect.
I have really enjoyed the thunderstorms we have had here - really loud, really flashy. Tucker - just yawns and keeps on sleeping.
I've got some sewing projects in progress for Myra - Cut them out yesterday - will start sewing on them tomorrow when Myra returns from a visit to her new home.
Oops!!!!! I've just been told the library closes in 15 minutes - I'll post and continue on whenever I can catch up with the internet again!!!
Until next time......
Boots n' Tucker
She believed she could do it and so she did!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
SHAKING THE DUST
SHAKING THE DUST
Of New Mexico off our boots.
I tried to write about the activities of Deming that I missed posting, but I just couldn’t breathe any life into the words. So, perhaps “what happens in Deming, stays in Deming!!!”
So, finally it was time to leave for Texas - we got off early enough - about 9:15 and pointed Luv and Miss Daisy toward Texas. It was a beautiful day for a drive - lightly over-cast so we didn’t have hot sun to deal with - no wind. It was 100 miles to El Paso and the Texas information center.
Our original plans were to stay one night at Ft. Stockton and 2 nights in Banderas so we could drive into San Antonio from there. Upon arrival at the Texas Information center, those plans were adjusted. We were given a print out of the days reported wild flower hot spots, and they were east of Fredericksburg, so we cancelled Banderas.
After leaving El Paso, I swear we drove nearly 100 miles without seeing even one house!! I’ve mentioned before that the Texans claim everything is bigger in Texas - that must include their bladders cause the rest areas are 100 miles apart.
We arrived in Ft. Stockton in good time and got set up. After Deming’s desert colors, the rich green of new grass was awesome. Tucker was in hog heaven, rolling and rubbing around in the grass. The RV Park is under new management - for the past 7 months and the new owner has made many improvements, including a wonderful new dog park, wi-fi, and cable tv for those who want it. The new owner is 29 years old and receives accolades from visitors and employees alike.
The current camp hosts were leaving the following day after spending a year there. This couple really knows how to rough it!!!! They have a huge motor home, and tow a custom made trailer with their jeep and A HOT TUB on it. Can you believe it?
The fellow told me this was the first place they camp hosted where there was not a hot tub, so he called his son and had him build a special trailer to hold the hot tub.
In the morning we got on the road in good time and got off the highway at Junction, TX to meander toward Fredericksburg on a quest for wild flowers. The blue bonnets were just popping out - but were beautiful to behold. There were other flowers blooming along the road also. We came over the crest of a hill and the fields were filled with huge red boulders . Sorry, I don’t have photos, but pulling along Miss Daisy on narrow 2 lane roads does not provide many opportunities for pulling over for photos.
We arrived at Fredericksburg, drove through town and on to the LBJ Historical park. The park was closing in 15 minutes so we back tracked to the Wildseed Farm. I bought a packet of Rocky Mountain wild flower seeds for my daughter, Brooke, and a bottle of fig balsamic vinegar for my eldest. There were other varieties, but I didn’t know what she would like, and I know she likes the fig. Diane bought a Rosemary plant. We looked for Basil, but they were out.
All along the road there were wineries - and new ones being built. A friend in Deming recommended we eat at the Bavarian Inn for good German food.
To get to the Inn, we had to make a sharp left turn into the Inn’s drive. We moved along the driveway and made another hard left that took us along the back of the building. Yet another hard left down the other side of the building, between two rows of parked cars. Yikes, if that truck was a full quad, or a long bed, we would have been stuck. We made a tight, tight right turn, and found a (3 actually) parking spots - You do realize I was towing Daisy all this time, don’t you?
We had a rather forgettable meal of German food and headed out to find a Wal-Mart to park at for the night. This was our first time spending the night at a Wal-mart - it was doable, but very noisy since we were right beside the highway - but it worked out o.k.
In the morning, we went back to the LBJ park - I got the permit to visit the living history farm, maneuvered Daisy around the big parking lot, and got us sort of stuck in the little parking lot at the farm, when Diane said “you go ahead, I’ll just wait here in the truck” Darn! I’d already seen it and I thought Diane would enjoy it, but not to be. But by then, I had Daisy jammed in the end of the parking lot, and we had to wait for two cars to leave in order to pull out ourselves
Back on the road again, we headed to New Braunsful to see if we could find the bakery. (The oldest bakery in Texas) I lost all hope of that when we got shuttled off on a detour. I guess I should tell you that at this point, I was operating without a GPS - it died in Deming. I have a back-up GPS with me, but no instruction manual. A friend downloaded one for me - then I couldn’t get the GPS to turn on - so we were traveling the old fashioned way - with maps only.
The detour brought us back to a main street and I recognized the old round-a-bout and sure enough there was the bakery. I’ve been thinking about this bakery for 5 years - ever since my last visit there. We bought a bagful of goodies - and they were good!!! Oh, my how delicious.
I had planned for a trip to Greune at this point, but without a GPS, I had no idea which way to go - and couldn’t see it on the map, so we headed south - toward Rockport.
Oh, my, the flowers, the flowers, beautiful, georgous, awesome - what else? Drifts and drifts of color - blue, yellow, white, soft orange, bright pink - you name it - covering the verge of the highway. What a treat! I’m so happy we made this part of the trip.
So,….. We arrived at the Bay View RV Resort a day early. The first thing I did upon arrival was to break the barricade! Yep, that’s what I said. Broke the barricade. Not entirely my fault - I was reading instructions (I had called and left a message that we were arriving early, but had not heard back) when a beige pickup drove up beside me and said “follow me in” I really did think she was a member of the staff. I started through, and the barricade started coming down - Oops! I hit the brakes and my “new friend” waved me on - and sure enough, the barricade came down between Luv and Miss Daisy and was left dangling in the road way. I followed the beige pickup through the park until it left the park on a private road. I drove back to the office and was met by a security guard who helped me get to my site. Yes, of course, he mentioned the barricade…….. What did you expect?????
First thing in the morning, I checked in and asked to talk to the boss, who it turns out, was on his way to Lowes to get some parts to fix the barricade. I asked the manager to give him my phone number and have him call me. As of this date, I haven’t heard from him. I have an idea this was by no means the first time the barricade was broken.
That was Thursday night - Friday was spent setting up, and fixing up, and putting away. We hit a rough section of road along the way and the result was the bathroom mirror was shaken off the door - not damaged, thank goodness, and the cabinet with the pull out shelf - well, the shelf pulled out, pushing the door open and the toaster oven, popcorn popper (don’t laugh), and baking pans, and hot pot were all on the floor. Nothing broke - I was grateful the crock pot was in the back - as the shelf wiggled out, the crockpot fell down behind it, otherwise the pottery insert would have been broken!.
Saturday morning, we headed down to Harlingen to visit friends Myra and JT - who had been camp hosting there for a full year, and had just bought a home there. It’s about 200 miles from here - with a single rest area about half way - 100 miles - see what I mean?
When we arrived there, we left Tucker in the 5th wheel we were renting for the night and headed to Mexico with Myra and a couple of her friends.
What a day!!! So different from Paloma. Here the vendors were right in my face - violating my personal space and totally overwhelming me and sucking away my energy. I don’t like crowds, and this was a major crowd.
The first thing was to go to a very nice, upscale (white tablecloths) restaurant for lunch. It was delicious! - and reasonably priced - about $9 for the meal.
We then took off walking. And looking, And walking, and looking some more. Myra has become very good at bargaining since she’s been in Harlingen. She was looking for silver bracelets. She found what she wanted, and then had them throw in another bracelet for $4 - for me. I can deal with that!!!!! What I was looking for in Mexico was silver bracelets and pottery. I decided I’d hold up on more bracelets - I’ll send $$ to Myra and she can pick up some and stick them in an envelope and send to me.
Diane got tired of walking, so we sat her down in a bar (a first for her, I’m sure) and one of Myra’s friends sat with her while we walked on.
So now we were concentrating on pottery. I saw a beautiful bowl in one place, but decided to keep looking. I was also starting to get tired by now. But we walked on., and on. In another large pottery store, I found a pottery light switch cover for Brooke and also a beautiful bowl - I liked the rim shape of the other bowl, but I liked the colors of this one - it went well with a scrap of fabric I was carrying with me.
There were artisan’s working on the street, too. One fellow was amazing - painting pictures with spray cans of paint. ******* 0179
Myra had a bracelet made for my grandson, Seven. We watched it being made
It was time to head back to Harlingen. The next day, Myra and JT took us out to dinner after they returned from church. Then we went to see their new home. It’s a mobile home in a beautifully landscaped park and it has a large room built along the side of it - that is Myra’s sewing room. Oh, she really got me enthusiastic about sewing again! She is involved in so many groups and projects that just hearing about them wears me out. I have to figure out how I can come back and stay 2-3 months just for a “sewing fix”.
We left there at about 4 p.m. and returned to the RV Park in Rockport with out incident.
Let me tell you about this RV Park. It is huge! Over 500 sites - and the only drive through sites are where we are - at the far north - east area of the park. There is a shower/laundry about 100’ from our site. Unfortunately, it is being remodeled. So - we have to drive to the showers. I told you the park is huge. It’s shady - with beautiful twisted coastal oak trees covering the place - and there are a couple of ponds, making it a perfect home for billions and billions of hungry mosquitoes. And humidity……. High humidity…… 97% humidity. We do get lovely afternoon sea breezes and the nights, so far are cool for sleeping.
I got some stuff to spray the site for mosquitoes. You know the kind, you hook it to your water hose. Well, I had it hooked up and was trying to figure out how to start it spraying when I dropped it and it started spraying - ME!!! I figured I would be free of mosquitoes for at least a week, but thought better of it and headed for the showers as soon as I finished spraying the site.
A couple days later, Myra and JT arrived in Rockport with their rig - they will spend the month here too.
Myra is very organized, and is famous for getting people to accomplish, and finish, things. Right now, for the next 3-4 days - they are on the road again. =- to Biloxi, MS with a u-haul trailer to get their stored belongings and bring them back to their new home in Harlingen. I am catching my breath while waiting for their return - Myra won’t let me have a moment’s rest once she returns. She has the whole month organized with projects and day trips, and quilt shop hops. We’ll also make the trip back to Harlingen about once a week - supposedly to check on the house, but really so I can help her with some sewing projects, and she can share some ideas with me.
In the meantime, we have been out and about in Rockport - I can find the Wells Fargo, H.E.B (grocery chain) post office, and Wal-Mart. Oh, yeah, the visitors center, too.
I really want Diane to be able to go to church on Sunday - so I ordered a GPS from Amazon and had it shipped over night. It is a little more basic in operations than my old one, but it will get the job done. It’s about 50 miles to the church - but at least there is one in the area. (About the GPS - I discovered two functions my old one didn’t have - shows the current highway speed limit and shows how many lanes turn on the upcoming exit.)
Until next time, - and I certainly hope there will be many more to come,
Boots & Tucker
In Rockport, TX
“She believed she could do it, so she did!”
Of New Mexico off our boots.
I tried to write about the activities of Deming that I missed posting, but I just couldn’t breathe any life into the words. So, perhaps “what happens in Deming, stays in Deming!!!”
So, finally it was time to leave for Texas - we got off early enough - about 9:15 and pointed Luv and Miss Daisy toward Texas. It was a beautiful day for a drive - lightly over-cast so we didn’t have hot sun to deal with - no wind. It was 100 miles to El Paso and the Texas information center.
Our original plans were to stay one night at Ft. Stockton and 2 nights in Banderas so we could drive into San Antonio from there. Upon arrival at the Texas Information center, those plans were adjusted. We were given a print out of the days reported wild flower hot spots, and they were east of Fredericksburg, so we cancelled Banderas.
After leaving El Paso, I swear we drove nearly 100 miles without seeing even one house!! I’ve mentioned before that the Texans claim everything is bigger in Texas - that must include their bladders cause the rest areas are 100 miles apart.
We arrived in Ft. Stockton in good time and got set up. After Deming’s desert colors, the rich green of new grass was awesome. Tucker was in hog heaven, rolling and rubbing around in the grass. The RV Park is under new management - for the past 7 months and the new owner has made many improvements, including a wonderful new dog park, wi-fi, and cable tv for those who want it. The new owner is 29 years old and receives accolades from visitors and employees alike.
The current camp hosts were leaving the following day after spending a year there. This couple really knows how to rough it!!!! They have a huge motor home, and tow a custom made trailer with their jeep and A HOT TUB on it. Can you believe it?
The fellow told me this was the first place they camp hosted where there was not a hot tub, so he called his son and had him build a special trailer to hold the hot tub.
In the morning we got on the road in good time and got off the highway at Junction, TX to meander toward Fredericksburg on a quest for wild flowers. The blue bonnets were just popping out - but were beautiful to behold. There were other flowers blooming along the road also. We came over the crest of a hill and the fields were filled with huge red boulders . Sorry, I don’t have photos, but pulling along Miss Daisy on narrow 2 lane roads does not provide many opportunities for pulling over for photos.
We arrived at Fredericksburg, drove through town and on to the LBJ Historical park. The park was closing in 15 minutes so we back tracked to the Wildseed Farm. I bought a packet of Rocky Mountain wild flower seeds for my daughter, Brooke, and a bottle of fig balsamic vinegar for my eldest. There were other varieties, but I didn’t know what she would like, and I know she likes the fig. Diane bought a Rosemary plant. We looked for Basil, but they were out.
All along the road there were wineries - and new ones being built. A friend in Deming recommended we eat at the Bavarian Inn for good German food.
To get to the Inn, we had to make a sharp left turn into the Inn’s drive. We moved along the driveway and made another hard left that took us along the back of the building. Yet another hard left down the other side of the building, between two rows of parked cars. Yikes, if that truck was a full quad, or a long bed, we would have been stuck. We made a tight, tight right turn, and found a (3 actually) parking spots - You do realize I was towing Daisy all this time, don’t you?
We had a rather forgettable meal of German food and headed out to find a Wal-Mart to park at for the night. This was our first time spending the night at a Wal-mart - it was doable, but very noisy since we were right beside the highway - but it worked out o.k.
In the morning, we went back to the LBJ park - I got the permit to visit the living history farm, maneuvered Daisy around the big parking lot, and got us sort of stuck in the little parking lot at the farm, when Diane said “you go ahead, I’ll just wait here in the truck” Darn! I’d already seen it and I thought Diane would enjoy it, but not to be. But by then, I had Daisy jammed in the end of the parking lot, and we had to wait for two cars to leave in order to pull out ourselves
Back on the road again, we headed to New Braunsful to see if we could find the bakery. (The oldest bakery in Texas) I lost all hope of that when we got shuttled off on a detour. I guess I should tell you that at this point, I was operating without a GPS - it died in Deming. I have a back-up GPS with me, but no instruction manual. A friend downloaded one for me - then I couldn’t get the GPS to turn on - so we were traveling the old fashioned way - with maps only.
The detour brought us back to a main street and I recognized the old round-a-bout and sure enough there was the bakery. I’ve been thinking about this bakery for 5 years - ever since my last visit there. We bought a bagful of goodies - and they were good!!! Oh, my how delicious.
I had planned for a trip to Greune at this point, but without a GPS, I had no idea which way to go - and couldn’t see it on the map, so we headed south - toward Rockport.
Oh, my, the flowers, the flowers, beautiful, georgous, awesome - what else? Drifts and drifts of color - blue, yellow, white, soft orange, bright pink - you name it - covering the verge of the highway. What a treat! I’m so happy we made this part of the trip.
So,….. We arrived at the Bay View RV Resort a day early. The first thing I did upon arrival was to break the barricade! Yep, that’s what I said. Broke the barricade. Not entirely my fault - I was reading instructions (I had called and left a message that we were arriving early, but had not heard back) when a beige pickup drove up beside me and said “follow me in” I really did think she was a member of the staff. I started through, and the barricade started coming down - Oops! I hit the brakes and my “new friend” waved me on - and sure enough, the barricade came down between Luv and Miss Daisy and was left dangling in the road way. I followed the beige pickup through the park until it left the park on a private road. I drove back to the office and was met by a security guard who helped me get to my site. Yes, of course, he mentioned the barricade…….. What did you expect?????
First thing in the morning, I checked in and asked to talk to the boss, who it turns out, was on his way to Lowes to get some parts to fix the barricade. I asked the manager to give him my phone number and have him call me. As of this date, I haven’t heard from him. I have an idea this was by no means the first time the barricade was broken.
That was Thursday night - Friday was spent setting up, and fixing up, and putting away. We hit a rough section of road along the way and the result was the bathroom mirror was shaken off the door - not damaged, thank goodness, and the cabinet with the pull out shelf - well, the shelf pulled out, pushing the door open and the toaster oven, popcorn popper (don’t laugh), and baking pans, and hot pot were all on the floor. Nothing broke - I was grateful the crock pot was in the back - as the shelf wiggled out, the crockpot fell down behind it, otherwise the pottery insert would have been broken!.
Saturday morning, we headed down to Harlingen to visit friends Myra and JT - who had been camp hosting there for a full year, and had just bought a home there. It’s about 200 miles from here - with a single rest area about half way - 100 miles - see what I mean?
When we arrived there, we left Tucker in the 5th wheel we were renting for the night and headed to Mexico with Myra and a couple of her friends.
What a day!!! So different from Paloma. Here the vendors were right in my face - violating my personal space and totally overwhelming me and sucking away my energy. I don’t like crowds, and this was a major crowd.
The first thing was to go to a very nice, upscale (white tablecloths) restaurant for lunch. It was delicious! - and reasonably priced - about $9 for the meal.
We then took off walking. And looking, And walking, and looking some more. Myra has become very good at bargaining since she’s been in Harlingen. She was looking for silver bracelets. She found what she wanted, and then had them throw in another bracelet for $4 - for me. I can deal with that!!!!! What I was looking for in Mexico was silver bracelets and pottery. I decided I’d hold up on more bracelets - I’ll send $$ to Myra and she can pick up some and stick them in an envelope and send to me.
Diane got tired of walking, so we sat her down in a bar (a first for her, I’m sure) and one of Myra’s friends sat with her while we walked on.
So now we were concentrating on pottery. I saw a beautiful bowl in one place, but decided to keep looking. I was also starting to get tired by now. But we walked on., and on. In another large pottery store, I found a pottery light switch cover for Brooke and also a beautiful bowl - I liked the rim shape of the other bowl, but I liked the colors of this one - it went well with a scrap of fabric I was carrying with me.
There were artisan’s working on the street, too. One fellow was amazing - painting pictures with spray cans of paint. ******* 0179
Myra had a bracelet made for my grandson, Seven. We watched it being made
It was time to head back to Harlingen. The next day, Myra and JT took us out to dinner after they returned from church. Then we went to see their new home. It’s a mobile home in a beautifully landscaped park and it has a large room built along the side of it - that is Myra’s sewing room. Oh, she really got me enthusiastic about sewing again! She is involved in so many groups and projects that just hearing about them wears me out. I have to figure out how I can come back and stay 2-3 months just for a “sewing fix”.
We left there at about 4 p.m. and returned to the RV Park in Rockport with out incident.
Let me tell you about this RV Park. It is huge! Over 500 sites - and the only drive through sites are where we are - at the far north - east area of the park. There is a shower/laundry about 100’ from our site. Unfortunately, it is being remodeled. So - we have to drive to the showers. I told you the park is huge. It’s shady - with beautiful twisted coastal oak trees covering the place - and there are a couple of ponds, making it a perfect home for billions and billions of hungry mosquitoes. And humidity……. High humidity…… 97% humidity. We do get lovely afternoon sea breezes and the nights, so far are cool for sleeping.
I got some stuff to spray the site for mosquitoes. You know the kind, you hook it to your water hose. Well, I had it hooked up and was trying to figure out how to start it spraying when I dropped it and it started spraying - ME!!! I figured I would be free of mosquitoes for at least a week, but thought better of it and headed for the showers as soon as I finished spraying the site.
A couple days later, Myra and JT arrived in Rockport with their rig - they will spend the month here too.
Myra is very organized, and is famous for getting people to accomplish, and finish, things. Right now, for the next 3-4 days - they are on the road again. =- to Biloxi, MS with a u-haul trailer to get their stored belongings and bring them back to their new home in Harlingen. I am catching my breath while waiting for their return - Myra won’t let me have a moment’s rest once she returns. She has the whole month organized with projects and day trips, and quilt shop hops. We’ll also make the trip back to Harlingen about once a week - supposedly to check on the house, but really so I can help her with some sewing projects, and she can share some ideas with me.
In the meantime, we have been out and about in Rockport - I can find the Wells Fargo, H.E.B (grocery chain) post office, and Wal-Mart. Oh, yeah, the visitors center, too.
I really want Diane to be able to go to church on Sunday - so I ordered a GPS from Amazon and had it shipped over night. It is a little more basic in operations than my old one, but it will get the job done. It’s about 50 miles to the church - but at least there is one in the area. (About the GPS - I discovered two functions my old one didn’t have - shows the current highway speed limit and shows how many lanes turn on the upcoming exit.)
Until next time, - and I certainly hope there will be many more to come,
Boots & Tucker
In Rockport, TX
“She believed she could do it, so she did!”
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
ON THE ROAD
We left Deming, NM this morning and made it as far as Ft. Stockton, TX for the night - and Hooray!
I have an internet connection! Hopefully I will have a good connection when we get to Rock Port, TX
In Deming even the library, visitor's center, and McDonald's was hit and miss for wi-fi.
Gotta go fix some dinner and hopefully I'll be able to post this weekend
Boots and Tucker
I have an internet connection! Hopefully I will have a good connection when we get to Rock Port, TX
In Deming even the library, visitor's center, and McDonald's was hit and miss for wi-fi.
Gotta go fix some dinner and hopefully I'll be able to post this weekend
Boots and Tucker
Thursday, January 29, 2015
SILVER CITY
(Once more, no photos - I have them, but cannot attach them)
The day began sun shining, sky blue and clear and we decided it would be a good day for a road trip.
Silver City is 57 miles from the LoWHi ranch. We drove through the desert terrain - flat land surrounded by pop up mountains. By that I mean - there are no mountain ranges, the mountains just individually pop up out of the ground - no foot hills, just like a jack in the box. The land is brush land - mostly low growing shrubs with some yucca plants thrown in for punctuation.
We stopped at the visitor’s center and picked up some brochures and a map of the old town. As we left the visitor’s center, there was a sign on the corner of the lot proclaiming the site of Billy the Kidd’s home and a cabin typical of the area at that time. The cabin was donated to the town by Ron Howard - it had been part of a movie set.
Across the arroyo and into the historic area. The arroyo or as they call it “the Big Ditch” has quite a back story. Originally, when the city was platted, it was decided that this mining camp would have permanent structures - all to be built of brick or stone. During the time of the mining hey day, there was a lot of clear cutting for lumber and cattle grazing up stream from Silver City. All this contributed to major erosion in the vicinity.
Then the floods began. Before the floods, Main Street ran right along the bottom of what is now the Big Ditch. After the floods, the bottom of Big Ditch is 55 below street level and about a block wide. The floods were devastating - one featured a wave 12 foot high and 300 feet wide. During one flood - a man attempted to drive his wagon across the flood. He got to the middle and the current swept the horse from it’s feet. The man was tossed from the wagon and managed to grab a rock and hold on - the horse and wagon turned over and over while headed downstream. The horse was found - alive - quite a ways downstream, bruised, but otherwise unharmed, and the wagon was smashed to bits and scattered along the banks of the Big Ditch.
Another time, a 1000 head herd of cattle was driven down the Big Ditch to a feedlot about 4 miles from town - can you imagine how what that looked like? It was a particularly easy drive for the steep banks of the Ditch kept them under control.
We found a parking space and started walking - all the old buildings are now shops - a lot of galleries, restaurants and various kitch. We walked about 4 blocks to Nancy’s Silver Café where we had outstanding Mexican food for lunch. Great service, basic food and a huge so papilla with honey for dessert.
After visiting the city museum, we started home. We decided to take a different route - a loop that would bring us back to Hwy 180 about half way to Deming.
We cut off to the loop, stopped to see the Santa Rita open pit mine where they mined copper and gold. Ho-Hum - being from Montana and having seen Butte’s pit before they stopped operations, anything else is just a little hole in the ground.
From the overlook, we could see the rock formation “the Kneeling Num”. It really looks like someone praying at an alter.
We continued along the road - looking to swing around back to the desert - but instead, all of a sudden we were climbing hills - then high into the mountains. 10 and 15 mph curves -and icy spots. As we climbed, more and more snow was on the hillsides. These hills, (mountains) were not pine covered, shrubs and bare rock were the norm. We crept along, and the sun started to set.
The curves came one after the other, and we kept climbing. Finally, finally, we came to the summit - 8700 ft. (remember my coments about pop-up mountains? Well, there are ranges, too!) Actually, the Continental Divide runs a bit west of Silver City.
A cyclist was there reading the historical marker. Diane rolled down the window and said, “we’re lost”. Turns out the young man was from Switzerland and was biking through the southwest. He had a very detailed map and told us we couldn’t get to Hwy 180 from there - but that we were only 20 miles from Hillsboro. !!!????? Hillsboro is no where - a tiny, tiny town that we have plans to visit later because the café is famous for hot dogs and bumble berry pie. We had no choice to to continue down the road. The cyclist was headed down hill, also - to find a camping spot for the night - in the snow!?
A short time later we were overtaken and passed by a small dark car - I commented that “he” must know the road well, cause he zoomed by us. About 15 miles later, we came across the same car (we could tell it was the same cause it was the only car that had passed us and there was no where else it could have come from) Hazard lights on, partially pulled off the road. We stopped to see if they needed help - turns out the driver was a young girl with another girl and young man as passengers. They did not know how to change a tire and there was no cell service in the area. We got information from the driver and when we got to Hillsboro, I went into the only open establishment in the town - a bar, made a phone call to get help for the flat tire. What do you want to bet that the next day three young people learned how to change a tire?
About the bar - something I never do is walk into a bar alone - this was a different experience. It was like walking into someone’s living room - it was full with about 8 people there. They let me make the phone call on their phone (no cell service) and were just generally very friendly - men and women both - and one guy that was the image of Sam Elliott - Be still my heart!!!! That is one thing we have talked about since arriving in NM - the people are all so friendly and helpful- and they all look so happy.
Anyway, from there it was another 50 miles to Deming - we cruised in on fumes and found a station open to get a transfusion of diesel.
What an adventure - beautiful country, beautiful people - what more could you ask for???
Until next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots & Tucker,
And Diane, too.
“She believed she could do it, and so she did!
The day began sun shining, sky blue and clear and we decided it would be a good day for a road trip.
Silver City is 57 miles from the LoWHi ranch. We drove through the desert terrain - flat land surrounded by pop up mountains. By that I mean - there are no mountain ranges, the mountains just individually pop up out of the ground - no foot hills, just like a jack in the box. The land is brush land - mostly low growing shrubs with some yucca plants thrown in for punctuation.
We stopped at the visitor’s center and picked up some brochures and a map of the old town. As we left the visitor’s center, there was a sign on the corner of the lot proclaiming the site of Billy the Kidd’s home and a cabin typical of the area at that time. The cabin was donated to the town by Ron Howard - it had been part of a movie set.
Across the arroyo and into the historic area. The arroyo or as they call it “the Big Ditch” has quite a back story. Originally, when the city was platted, it was decided that this mining camp would have permanent structures - all to be built of brick or stone. During the time of the mining hey day, there was a lot of clear cutting for lumber and cattle grazing up stream from Silver City. All this contributed to major erosion in the vicinity.
Then the floods began. Before the floods, Main Street ran right along the bottom of what is now the Big Ditch. After the floods, the bottom of Big Ditch is 55 below street level and about a block wide. The floods were devastating - one featured a wave 12 foot high and 300 feet wide. During one flood - a man attempted to drive his wagon across the flood. He got to the middle and the current swept the horse from it’s feet. The man was tossed from the wagon and managed to grab a rock and hold on - the horse and wagon turned over and over while headed downstream. The horse was found - alive - quite a ways downstream, bruised, but otherwise unharmed, and the wagon was smashed to bits and scattered along the banks of the Big Ditch.
Another time, a 1000 head herd of cattle was driven down the Big Ditch to a feedlot about 4 miles from town - can you imagine how what that looked like? It was a particularly easy drive for the steep banks of the Ditch kept them under control.
We found a parking space and started walking - all the old buildings are now shops - a lot of galleries, restaurants and various kitch. We walked about 4 blocks to Nancy’s Silver Café where we had outstanding Mexican food for lunch. Great service, basic food and a huge so papilla with honey for dessert.
After visiting the city museum, we started home. We decided to take a different route - a loop that would bring us back to Hwy 180 about half way to Deming.
We cut off to the loop, stopped to see the Santa Rita open pit mine where they mined copper and gold. Ho-Hum - being from Montana and having seen Butte’s pit before they stopped operations, anything else is just a little hole in the ground.
From the overlook, we could see the rock formation “the Kneeling Num”. It really looks like someone praying at an alter.
We continued along the road - looking to swing around back to the desert - but instead, all of a sudden we were climbing hills - then high into the mountains. 10 and 15 mph curves -and icy spots. As we climbed, more and more snow was on the hillsides. These hills, (mountains) were not pine covered, shrubs and bare rock were the norm. We crept along, and the sun started to set.
The curves came one after the other, and we kept climbing. Finally, finally, we came to the summit - 8700 ft. (remember my coments about pop-up mountains? Well, there are ranges, too!) Actually, the Continental Divide runs a bit west of Silver City.
A cyclist was there reading the historical marker. Diane rolled down the window and said, “we’re lost”. Turns out the young man was from Switzerland and was biking through the southwest. He had a very detailed map and told us we couldn’t get to Hwy 180 from there - but that we were only 20 miles from Hillsboro. !!!????? Hillsboro is no where - a tiny, tiny town that we have plans to visit later because the café is famous for hot dogs and bumble berry pie. We had no choice to to continue down the road. The cyclist was headed down hill, also - to find a camping spot for the night - in the snow!?
A short time later we were overtaken and passed by a small dark car - I commented that “he” must know the road well, cause he zoomed by us. About 15 miles later, we came across the same car (we could tell it was the same cause it was the only car that had passed us and there was no where else it could have come from) Hazard lights on, partially pulled off the road. We stopped to see if they needed help - turns out the driver was a young girl with another girl and young man as passengers. They did not know how to change a tire and there was no cell service in the area. We got information from the driver and when we got to Hillsboro, I went into the only open establishment in the town - a bar, made a phone call to get help for the flat tire. What do you want to bet that the next day three young people learned how to change a tire?
About the bar - something I never do is walk into a bar alone - this was a different experience. It was like walking into someone’s living room - it was full with about 8 people there. They let me make the phone call on their phone (no cell service) and were just generally very friendly - men and women both - and one guy that was the image of Sam Elliott - Be still my heart!!!! That is one thing we have talked about since arriving in NM - the people are all so friendly and helpful- and they all look so happy.
Anyway, from there it was another 50 miles to Deming - we cruised in on fumes and found a station open to get a transfusion of diesel.
What an adventure - beautiful country, beautiful people - what more could you ask for???
Until next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots & Tucker,
And Diane, too.
“She believed she could do it, and so she did!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!!!
I now have internet connection here at the campground.
I will start posting again either tonight or tomorrow - hopefully with photos.
I have to leave here shortly for Rock Hound State Park for a program on the Ibex - another post, I hope!
Until next time
Bear Hugs
Boots and Tucker
She believed she could do it, so she did!
I will start posting again either tonight or tomorrow - hopefully with photos.
I have to leave here shortly for Rock Hound State Park for a program on the Ibex - another post, I hope!
Until next time
Bear Hugs
Boots and Tucker
She believed she could do it, so she did!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
YEAH, IT WORKED!
January 5-
MONDAY
I’ve just returned from the Visitor’s center where I successfully posted to this blog and I look forward to posting about once a week as long as we are here.
I still will be slow in answering e-mails, so please bear with me - I’m looking into getting a Hot spot box so I won’t run into this problem on later trips. It takes me a while to decide on issues concerning new technical toys, especially when there are no kids around to teach me how to use them
Last post, I explained my dishwashing routine - well it has been expanded - A sewer pump serving two rows of sites blew up and we can’t empty our tanks until it is fixed. First it was suppose to be today - now estimated Thursday. They have to fly in a part from somewhere. So…… since I don’t have a gray water holding tank, I can’t drain water from the sinks - so I’m using 2 large bowls as sinks - then taking a bucket of the used water over 2 rows to an unused site to empty the bucket into that drain - only one problem, there are no empty sites except in the two rows that can’t empty their tanks.
My neighboring camper suggested I empty the bucket on the plants. Yes, there are plants here - there are several wonderful Cactus Gardens - so that is what I’ve decided to do.
The reason there are no unused sites is that 11 new rigs came in yesterday. What a busy day -
Monday’s are Pot Luck night - but now that I have the ability to cook more things (Brooke sent me a Nu-Wave cook top, I can’t think of what to cook!!!! Anyway, we didn’t go to the dinner tonite - I have a whole week to come up with some ideas.
TUESDAY
Woke up to a beautiful day - it was 24 when I woke up - which is why it takes so long to get moving in the mornings - We snuggle up in bed with books until Tucker says it’s time to get up. High Temperature expected today is 55. I need to reset the corner jacks. - then crawl into the back of the truck to get more paper plates and find the plastic flatware - so I can cut back on the dishwashing.
Today is Pink Tuesday - when many of the park campers gather together for a trip to the Pink Store in Paloma Mexico. We didn’t go this time, but we will go next week. ‘
The Bunkhouse library has the whole series of “Thorn Birds” on VHS - so we have started watching it. I suggested to Diane that she go to the Bunkhouse and get movies that she doesn’t have instead of watching all that we have with us
Today has been an absolutely gorgeous day - was forecast to be 45 degrees, but I’m sure it far surpassed that - it was T-shirt weather.
WEDNESDAY
This morning was a continuation of yesterday’s beautiful weather. The breeze has picked up a bit, but the sky is crisp, clear blue. When I woke up, instead of burrowing down in the covers, I jumped out of bed and headed outside with Tucker - and it seems half the park was out with their dogs. One fellow spotted Tucker and had to have a closer look - it ended up with us going to his camper so his wife could meet Tucker and we could meet Lizzi - a short hair Chi - the most unusual color I have ever seen - a very soft light tan color with white points. I got one photo - hope it is not out of focus.
Yesterday, we watched the entire Thorn Birds mini series, and today started “Thorn Birds - the Missing Years” I hadn’t known that the “missing years” existed!
The book I am currently reading (not listening to) is Hawaii - I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve read it over my life - but, well I can’t down load any audio books onto my Kindle - so I have no choice but to read - Hopefully when I go back to Phoenix to visit, my Kindle will straighten out.
We’ve decided to go to the Museum today - I’ll let you know how it goes!
Actually, the museum was very interesting. We only got about half way through it. We’ll go back another time to see the rest of it. Of course, I was very interested in the “wild” west part of it. One article I found particularly interesting was about the “flying Grandmother” I couldn’t read the whole article cause it was hung about 6 inches off the floor - In the late 30’s a widow who owned a ranch, went to the local air field and announced she wanted to learn to fly - the owner thought that was persp…. Prosper…… well, heck - ridiculous!!!! Imagine, a woman wanting to fly. A woman couldn’t learn to fly!!!! Her response was “Why not? You learned!” In any event she learned and she, along with one ranch hand and a plane, managed the whole 50,000 acre ranch on their own. My kind of woman! (and here, I couldn’t even get down on the floor to read the entire article)
At one point, Diane and I got separated. When I caught up to her again, she was talking with an old Geezer (don’t know why I said that - he probably was younger than I am) He was quite interesting to talk with - he stopped me later on and we discussed how the “wild west” was all about young men - out sowing their wild oats; and how women brought civilization with their arrival. Thus tying into my interest in the flying Grandmother.
While in the museum, the wind started kicking up, and the temperature dropped considerably. We returned home, picking up some of Pepper’s fried chicken on the way.
The good news: the part for the sewer pump arrived. The BAD news: It was the wrong part - no idea when it will arrive. More days of hiking up to the public restrooms and watering the trees with used dish water.
I talked with Myra who is in Harlingen, TX right now. I told her we’d be leaving here March 15 and she said she would find a place for us near her to stay for a bit, while waiting for the wildflowers to bloom.
My friend Joy will keep us informed as to the progress of the wild flowers so we won’t miss out.
I played cards again tonite - only 3 of us showed up so we were done in less than an hour. I won one game - 70 cents! Yippee!
THURSDAY
Maintenance jerry-rigged a way to allow us to dump our tanks today - How exciting!
The bad weather seems to have flown right past us - it was chilly - but no heavy wind or icy slush. Sun, clouds, overcast - alternating all day.
I started typing up my collection of recipes - trying to find ones I can use for pot luck dinners. Not much luck - most of my recipes are for desserts. However, nothing wrong with making cakes for all these bachelors in the camp. But, for the first use in my oven, I think I’ll make Taco Touchdown Dip - my favorite.
FRIDAY
This morning a neighboring camper stopped by to see if he could get the furnace started. He did manage to light the pilot, but the burner didn’t catch. He determine that the thermo coupler needed replacement. While here, I had him go over how to light the oven. Good thing I did cause I didn’t know it had two pilots and it takes a while and I might have given up on it. The oven can do some heating on really cold days.
We then went to the library. I got a card based on my LoW’s membership. Diane will have to wait until she has a piece of mail addressed to her to get a card. I checked e-mails, got my Kindle connected and downloaded some books. We checked out some movies for Diane and audio books for me.
We also picked up a brownie mix to try out the oven.
SATURDAY
Time to try out the oven - and it shall remain a supplementary heat source. I finally turned it up to 500 degrees, but the oven only got to 250 degrees. There I was…… stuck with brownie batter and no way to bake it. Then I thought of the 1-2-3 cake. I spooned about 3 heaping spoonsful of batter into a coffee mug and cooked it in the microwave for 3 minutes - and there you have it - a brownie - spoon on the ice cream - and it’s like heaven!
The rest of the day was spent indulging in listening to a book on tape.
SUNDAY
Road Trip! In the morning, we were still trying to decide where to go for the day - at about 8:50 Diane mentioned church. I told her if she could get dressed in 10 minutes we could make it to Las Cruces. We left 30 minutes later - and then had to stop at Micky-D’s for breakfast. We hit the highway at 9:45 - and it’s just about 60 miles to Las Cruces
Of course, services were over by the time we got there - but we located the church.
We located the visitor’s center and picked up a brochure or two. My attention was drawn to an item about the old Mesilla plaza nearby. The little town was founded in 1850 on what was then Mexican territory. They built a central plaza and a Catholic church - now known as the Basilica of San Albino. The square is surrounded with original adobe built buildings featuring arts and crafts from the Southwest, Mexico & Central America.
We wandered in and out of shops on one side of the square checking out jewelry, pottery and embroidered clothing - Those of you who know me well, will not believe I didn’t buy a thing! I made note of several items, though. Beautiful hand work.
Diane bought a silky shawl like item to throw over her outfit - beautiful!
Tucker was the star of the day - in and out of stores - people stopped to ask about him, and we exchanged dog stories. We cut across to the plaza to talk to a vendor who had a Chi-Yorki cross - not much bigger than Tucker. Cars stopped in the middle of the sleepy street so people could look at these two tiny guys.
About then Diane decided she needed a rest - she sat on a bench in the central plaza, taking charge of Tucker and listening to the live Mexican music while I checked out the “Chocolate Lady” store. Still I bought nothing.
Then Diane suggested I go get the car and pick her up - On the way, I stopped at the Basilica. What a beautiful church - The stained glass windows and relief work representing the stations of the cross were awesome and the statues of saints were very well done. But the center of attraction was the alter piece.
And that was our road trip.
Until next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots and Tucker
“She believed she could do it, so she did!”
PS No photos yet - just cant them set up. I will keep trying, though.
Monday, January 5, 2015
DELAYS, DELAYS, DELAYS,……
Internet service is nearly nil for me. I haven’t been able to connect since Christmas Day Please forgive me if I haven’t respond to e-mails. I’m going to the library tomorrow to see if I can connect long enough to post and if I can stay connected long enough, I’ll try to answer e-mails also.
Also, please excuse duplicate information - since I can’t get on the internet - I don’t know what I last posted.
Well, Christmas, New Years, and Birthday have all passed by.
Christmas Eve there was a party and a gift exchange - Actually, the exchange should have been called a free-for-all as there were several bottles of booze on the table and they changed hands multiple times. My contribution to the food was a flock of olive/cream cheese penguins - they were very popular and I received many compliments on them
My gift was a pottery microwave baker. Since I had decided to get along without a microwave, I wasn’t sure I should keep it, but Diane talked me into it, and then the day after Christmas, she bought Miss Daisy a microwave. I have to say the microwave baker makes wonderful eggs.
Adventures in cooking have been very interesting. Before the microwave - not having use of the propane, - I had a crock pot, a George Forman Grill and a toaster oven. I learned to make poached eggs in the toaster oven - after trying to make scrambled eggs in the crockpot - the toaster oven method was quite an improvement - but the pottery baker was even better. I had to stop and think about what I needed to cook anything we thought to eat.
Yes, life in Miss Daisy is quite a rustic experience. I’m not hooked up to water since something inside is leaking copiously. Every day, I fill 3 gallon jugs with water to do us for the day.
As for washing dishes? First I go out and fill the 3 jugs. Then I fill my hot pot to heat water.. I pour the whole pot into the washing sink and fill the pot again. I pour cold water into the one sink to bring the temperature down. When the second pot is hot - I pour it into a half full jug - for rinsing. And eventually, the dishes are washed, rinsed, dried and put away.
Right now, I can’t even wash dishes - the campground has a problem with their sewer disposal - we can’t empty tanks for 2-3 days until it gets repaired. In our case, that means no washing dishes either, because my gray water does not go to a holding tank - it empties directly into the sewer line instead.
It’s been cold - in the 20’s at night and if there is a wind - it blows right through Miss Daisy. We have an electric heater, and I finally talked Diane into getting an electric blanket - so we sleep quite comfortably. Although, for about 3 days after she got the electric blanket, I’d ask Diane if she slept warm and she’d replay - not really, then I’d ask her if she had turned up her blanket and she’d say “no” - so I quit asking
Christmas day we had rain - but the Florida Mountains had a fresh coat of snow. The mountains are very close to here and seem to poke straight up from the desert floor - no foot hills.
My birthday arrived and I thank you all for the wishes for a happy day.
About the internet - I can’t get on with my computer, but occasionally my Kindle connects and downloads e-mails, but usually by the time I catch it, Kindle is off line again - in addition, I’m a touch typist and have a miserable time typing on the tiny keyboard.
One morning I woke up at 6:20 and caught the weather - “Light snow to commence at 6:30 a.m.” I looked out the window - no snow yet - I looked out again at 6:30 and yep! Snow in large fluffy flakes floating gracefully to the ground.
We had planned a trip back to visit Kit and Ken during the second week in January. My daughter, Brooke, mailed my Christmas present to Kit’s for me to pick up when I got there. Then, Kit’s son decided to visit at that time and in order to avoid a crowd, we changed our plans to visit the end of January instead.
A couple days ago, I called Kit and she said “guess where we are? We are headed toward your place” I asked, “where are you going” She said “Deming” She and Ken were on the road to Deming to deliver my Christmas box - It’s a 350 mile drive +each way! How many of you would do that?
Well, on my birthday, Kit reminded me we’d been friends for 57 years. The only person other than family I’ve known longer than that is my good friend Barbara who still lives in Montana.
When we went to the hotel to see Kit and Ken, of course we took Tucker to visit with Sammi and Christi - what a free for all - Tucker chasing Christi, Christi chasing Tucker, Sammi chasing Tucker and Christi.
Today, I finally figured out how to transfer files from my old computer to the newer one. That includes putting my photos on an exterior hard drive - that means that starting with my next post, I’ll be including photos again - But before I can do that, I have to crawl into the back of the truck to find the box containing my camera accessories.
Had pizza for dinner the other night at a place called, “Forghedaboudit” The pizza was great - but not even close to the delicious pizza made by “Bodacious’ in Virginia!!!!!
I’ve got my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to get on line at the library - Headed there now!
******** Well, now - I stopped at the visitor's center first and got right on line - so here it is.
Until next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots & Tucker
“She believed she could do it and so she did!”
Also, please excuse duplicate information - since I can’t get on the internet - I don’t know what I last posted.
Well, Christmas, New Years, and Birthday have all passed by.
Christmas Eve there was a party and a gift exchange - Actually, the exchange should have been called a free-for-all as there were several bottles of booze on the table and they changed hands multiple times. My contribution to the food was a flock of olive/cream cheese penguins - they were very popular and I received many compliments on them
My gift was a pottery microwave baker. Since I had decided to get along without a microwave, I wasn’t sure I should keep it, but Diane talked me into it, and then the day after Christmas, she bought Miss Daisy a microwave. I have to say the microwave baker makes wonderful eggs.
Adventures in cooking have been very interesting. Before the microwave - not having use of the propane, - I had a crock pot, a George Forman Grill and a toaster oven. I learned to make poached eggs in the toaster oven - after trying to make scrambled eggs in the crockpot - the toaster oven method was quite an improvement - but the pottery baker was even better. I had to stop and think about what I needed to cook anything we thought to eat.
Yes, life in Miss Daisy is quite a rustic experience. I’m not hooked up to water since something inside is leaking copiously. Every day, I fill 3 gallon jugs with water to do us for the day.
As for washing dishes? First I go out and fill the 3 jugs. Then I fill my hot pot to heat water.. I pour the whole pot into the washing sink and fill the pot again. I pour cold water into the one sink to bring the temperature down. When the second pot is hot - I pour it into a half full jug - for rinsing. And eventually, the dishes are washed, rinsed, dried and put away.
Right now, I can’t even wash dishes - the campground has a problem with their sewer disposal - we can’t empty tanks for 2-3 days until it gets repaired. In our case, that means no washing dishes either, because my gray water does not go to a holding tank - it empties directly into the sewer line instead.
It’s been cold - in the 20’s at night and if there is a wind - it blows right through Miss Daisy. We have an electric heater, and I finally talked Diane into getting an electric blanket - so we sleep quite comfortably. Although, for about 3 days after she got the electric blanket, I’d ask Diane if she slept warm and she’d replay - not really, then I’d ask her if she had turned up her blanket and she’d say “no” - so I quit asking
Christmas day we had rain - but the Florida Mountains had a fresh coat of snow. The mountains are very close to here and seem to poke straight up from the desert floor - no foot hills.
My birthday arrived and I thank you all for the wishes for a happy day.
About the internet - I can’t get on with my computer, but occasionally my Kindle connects and downloads e-mails, but usually by the time I catch it, Kindle is off line again - in addition, I’m a touch typist and have a miserable time typing on the tiny keyboard.
One morning I woke up at 6:20 and caught the weather - “Light snow to commence at 6:30 a.m.” I looked out the window - no snow yet - I looked out again at 6:30 and yep! Snow in large fluffy flakes floating gracefully to the ground.
We had planned a trip back to visit Kit and Ken during the second week in January. My daughter, Brooke, mailed my Christmas present to Kit’s for me to pick up when I got there. Then, Kit’s son decided to visit at that time and in order to avoid a crowd, we changed our plans to visit the end of January instead.
A couple days ago, I called Kit and she said “guess where we are? We are headed toward your place” I asked, “where are you going” She said “Deming” She and Ken were on the road to Deming to deliver my Christmas box - It’s a 350 mile drive +each way! How many of you would do that?
Well, on my birthday, Kit reminded me we’d been friends for 57 years. The only person other than family I’ve known longer than that is my good friend Barbara who still lives in Montana.
When we went to the hotel to see Kit and Ken, of course we took Tucker to visit with Sammi and Christi - what a free for all - Tucker chasing Christi, Christi chasing Tucker, Sammi chasing Tucker and Christi.
Today, I finally figured out how to transfer files from my old computer to the newer one. That includes putting my photos on an exterior hard drive - that means that starting with my next post, I’ll be including photos again - But before I can do that, I have to crawl into the back of the truck to find the box containing my camera accessories.
Had pizza for dinner the other night at a place called, “Forghedaboudit” The pizza was great - but not even close to the delicious pizza made by “Bodacious’ in Virginia!!!!!
I’ve got my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to get on line at the library - Headed there now!
******** Well, now - I stopped at the visitor's center first and got right on line - so here it is.
Until next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots & Tucker
“She believed she could do it and so she did!”
Monday, December 22, 2014
GETTING SETTLED
Getting settled is more unsettling than I thought it would be. Because we did not have the opportunity to load Miss Daisy ahead of time, we brought more than we needed, and now have to sort it out and re-pack some into the truck - so I am constantly moving stuff in or out - trying to fit it in.
Internet access is extremely poor - the only time I can count on connecting is in the middle of the night, and last night I couldn’t even count on that. So, I am typing posts in a word document - waiting for a connection - hoping it will last long enough to complete the post.
I mentioned to a friend that it was cold here last night and she was surprised, thinking we were warm and snug in the south. We are south - only 30 miles from the border, however we are at nearly 4500 ft elevation and in the middle of the desert with extremely low humidity - which makes for pleasant days and chilly, and sometimes downright cold nights.
Phoenix, on the other hand, is at about 1000 ft elevation and enjoying warm, sunny days and comfortable nights, except when California sends over its storms.
On Tuesday, we joined the campground group for a trip to Paloma, Mexico for lunch. The food was delicious, the service excellent , and the atmosphere of the Pink Store fascinating. I did about 5 minutes checking out the pottery and other native wares - gathering ideas for future visits.
I learned that the boot store down the block does custom made boots for around $80. Can you guess there is a pair of red boots in my future? I've wanted boots all my life - but have not been able to find a pair to fit, and since I've been waiting all this time, I plan to be frivolous!!!! Red, high top boots (not cowboy - this time) I am treating myself, big-time.
Every afternoon at 4 p.m. we gather in the bunkhouse for Happy Hour - actually for announcements as to what is happening in the campground as well as in the area around Deming. Yesterday, during Happy Hour, a birthday cake and ice cream was served to celebrate all the December birthdays - there were 5 of us being so honored..
Among the honorees was a fellow from ...... drum roll, please..... you guessed it - Great Falls, Montana!!! - We now call each other "Montana"
The campground has a Bark Park for Tucker and his tribe. When I was last here, two years ago, I could not turn Tucker loose in the park because there were a number of holes in the fence. However, considerable effort has been made to bring the fence up to par for little fur balls, and I can now turn him loose to play there.
There are plenty of dogs in the park, large and small - so he has the potential of making many, many friends.
I still have not turned on the propane , we are heating with an electric heater, and I wont risk another flood so we are not connected to the water - I just step outside with a jug and heat water in my hot-pot when its needed. Cooking takes creativity. We finally had our first hot meal - thank goodness for the crock pot . I do have my camp stove with us - but no fuel right now - have to make a trip to Wally World.
We have signed up for the two big pot luck dinners next week - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day On Christmas Eve, well take appetizers and on Christmas Day - Diane wants to make cranberry-orange relish - but we don’t have a food processor so that is out. We do have a huge sweet potato and if I can managed to cut it down to size without a chain saw, Ill make sweet potato/apple casserole. - if I can figure out how to cook the sweet potato - I think Ill start a day ahead and cook it in the crock pot.
Its been overcast all but one day - while remnants of the California wet weather streams overhead, so we haven't been overly active - I do have to go to town today, though - its time to get a microwave - even if its not a red one, and a 9 volt battery for the smoke detector. And a few other small essentials - like a short extension cord so I can re-charge my kindle while I sleep. (In the end, I decided we could live without a microwave)
We are still discovering what is available in the town - From the ads I've read, there are quite a few art galleries, and other places of interest. For practical purposes, there is a KFC - which is significant to me - both KFCs in Great Falls closed down as well as those in Helena, once in a while I really enjoy some KFC chicken. There is a Dollar Tree, as well as a Dollar General - for saving money, and there are auto parts stores, and RV services and a quilt store - which I have not found yet, and a Wendy's for frostys and chili
I don’t think well go wanting or hungry for that matter.
When I wake up in the mornings, I can look out the window and see the most amazing sunrises over the Florida Mountains. Cloud formations are awesome - saw one yesterday that looked like a watercolor.
I need to find my camera accessories and do some charging - and take some photos to share with you.
Until Next Time,
Bear Hugs
Boots & Tucker
& Diane, too
"She believed she could, so she did!"
Saturday, December 20, 2014
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER ……………………………..
Buy a used camper and take it on a six months trip without trying everything out first!
Please note - these are not complaints - merely observations.
Let me give you the history of my meeting and acquiring Miss Daisy - since I wasn’t posting this past year.
Since I first decided in 2010 that I was going to get a rig and go full time RVing, I had been defining and re-defining what I wanted. I started big, and gradually brought my expectations down to reality. At first I wanted 28ft with slide outs - what I finally decided was that something around 20-23 ft - no slide-outs (just another something to go wrong) and I wanted twin beds so if I wanted to I could have a traveling companion (currently that’s Diane)
Right after Christmas last year, for some reason I decided to check out Craig`s list for a rig. And, there she was! A 22ft travel trailer, no slides, and best of all - twin beds. Just what I was looking for - and…….. The price was right. I snapped it up.
Brooke suggested I tow it out to their place (300 miles west) and Scott would go through everything to make sure it worked correctly and was safe.
Scott had a couple surgeries to recover from so it was August before we made the trip. That was my first time pulling a trailer in at least 40 years.
Scott did a lot of work while we were there - he noted that the frame was torqued, and jacked it up to see if that would help, and put in a new ¾ inch sub floor to help keep it straight, fixed the electrical pigtail which had a wire cut in two, checked to make sure the air conditioner worked, and checked out the propane situation - the stove, oven, and furnace. He also built me a custom step - deep enough to fit my whole foot onto and shallow steps for comfort.
While Scott was doing his thing, Brooke was helping me clean and paint. We ended up staying there for two full weeks. During his inspection of the rig (who’s name is Miss Daisy, by the way) he discovered critical problems with the black water tank.
When we returned home, I called a local RV repair shop and made an appointment - first available was 30 days away - September 17. While waiting for the appointment, I worked on the painting and puttied (sp?) the floor, preparing it for finishing it with brown paper bags - if you’ve never heard of this - check it out on line - it looks really neat.
The day for the appointment came with painting still to be finished and the floor to be started.
Well, long story short - Miss Daisy was in the shop until December 8th. We had to load all our stuff in the truck, pick up Miss Daisy and head down the road.
I’ve already posted about our trip down to Sun City AZ - so now Ill continue on.
We got all the cabinet doors attached and the latches installed. We left Sun City at 9:30 for the 350 mile trip to Deming. I figured 6 ½ hours - but that was based on not getting lost exiting Phoenix - Yep, that’s what happened - so, we backtracked and found Hwy 10 and started out again - we arrived in Deming a little after 6 pm - office shut tight - so I found a site and got temporarily set up. Plugged in the electric and hooked up the water.
About 15-20 minutes later, I noticed water flowing across the floor - I went outside and found we were standing in a lake. I turned off the water, and thought maybe I just didn’t get the connection tight enough - we had jugs of water, so I didn’t worry about it. When I got up in the morning, entered the bathroom and stepped in a puddle of water. Yikes, the plumbing is leaking - somewhere - in any event, I am not hooking up to the water again - Ill manage by hauling jugs of water in.
While I was working on this post, the battery on my laptop went dead, so I hauled it over to the Bunkhouse (coffee, widescreen TV, library, jigsaw puzzles, and card playing) and I met one of the campers and she told me not to dare turn on the propane unless someone (her next door neighbor in the camp - a retired engineer) checked it for safety. She was very forceful on that point - then she told me that just 2 weeks before, a lady lit her furnace, not knowing that propane had leaked in her rig and the explosion blew out the back of her trailer and caught the next door 5th wheel on fire. She got out ok, but her beloved little dog did not. So - I will definitely wait til I have it checked out.
About that time, my new friend looked out the window and said “here comes the nicest and most helpful lady in the campground“. I looked out and saw the rig she was walking away from, and asked - is that Grace? She said - do you know Grace? I met Grace 2 years ago when I was here in my tent.
When the office opened at 9 - I went to check in and they had me move to another site and there I met more people - the couple to our right are on their first RV adventure, too. The gentleman on our left was very helpful - he helped me get Miss Daisy settled into place and will help me with the sewer set-up - first step being I needed a couple more fittings for the hose.
So, once Miss Daisy was in place, we took off for Wally World and picked up a few things - couldn’t get all the fittings, and missed the hardware store, so Ill try that again tomorrow
The weather here today is absolutely beautiful - in the mid 50s and tonite will be in the mid 30s
I am going to close this for now - Diane is taking a nap, and I am headed to the Bunkhouse for announcements. Tonite is pot luck dinner night - for which we have nothing to contribute - but we will just explain we are not yet set up for cooking. How I wish I had an electric cook top right now - I wouldn’t have to worry about the propane.
They have now increased the strength of their internet - not that I can get online in my rig, but at least I can take my computer to the Bunkhouse and get connected - so maybe the delays between posting will not be quite so long.
Until next time, Bear Hugs
Boots and Tucker and of course, Diane
She believed she could, so she did!
Please note - these are not complaints - merely observations.
Let me give you the history of my meeting and acquiring Miss Daisy - since I wasn’t posting this past year.
Since I first decided in 2010 that I was going to get a rig and go full time RVing, I had been defining and re-defining what I wanted. I started big, and gradually brought my expectations down to reality. At first I wanted 28ft with slide outs - what I finally decided was that something around 20-23 ft - no slide-outs (just another something to go wrong) and I wanted twin beds so if I wanted to I could have a traveling companion (currently that’s Diane)
Right after Christmas last year, for some reason I decided to check out Craig`s list for a rig. And, there she was! A 22ft travel trailer, no slides, and best of all - twin beds. Just what I was looking for - and…….. The price was right. I snapped it up.
Brooke suggested I tow it out to their place (300 miles west) and Scott would go through everything to make sure it worked correctly and was safe.
Scott had a couple surgeries to recover from so it was August before we made the trip. That was my first time pulling a trailer in at least 40 years.
Scott did a lot of work while we were there - he noted that the frame was torqued, and jacked it up to see if that would help, and put in a new ¾ inch sub floor to help keep it straight, fixed the electrical pigtail which had a wire cut in two, checked to make sure the air conditioner worked, and checked out the propane situation - the stove, oven, and furnace. He also built me a custom step - deep enough to fit my whole foot onto and shallow steps for comfort.
While Scott was doing his thing, Brooke was helping me clean and paint. We ended up staying there for two full weeks. During his inspection of the rig (who’s name is Miss Daisy, by the way) he discovered critical problems with the black water tank.
When we returned home, I called a local RV repair shop and made an appointment - first available was 30 days away - September 17. While waiting for the appointment, I worked on the painting and puttied (sp?) the floor, preparing it for finishing it with brown paper bags - if you’ve never heard of this - check it out on line - it looks really neat.
The day for the appointment came with painting still to be finished and the floor to be started.
Well, long story short - Miss Daisy was in the shop until December 8th. We had to load all our stuff in the truck, pick up Miss Daisy and head down the road.
I’ve already posted about our trip down to Sun City AZ - so now Ill continue on.
We got all the cabinet doors attached and the latches installed. We left Sun City at 9:30 for the 350 mile trip to Deming. I figured 6 ½ hours - but that was based on not getting lost exiting Phoenix - Yep, that’s what happened - so, we backtracked and found Hwy 10 and started out again - we arrived in Deming a little after 6 pm - office shut tight - so I found a site and got temporarily set up. Plugged in the electric and hooked up the water.
About 15-20 minutes later, I noticed water flowing across the floor - I went outside and found we were standing in a lake. I turned off the water, and thought maybe I just didn’t get the connection tight enough - we had jugs of water, so I didn’t worry about it. When I got up in the morning, entered the bathroom and stepped in a puddle of water. Yikes, the plumbing is leaking - somewhere - in any event, I am not hooking up to the water again - Ill manage by hauling jugs of water in.
While I was working on this post, the battery on my laptop went dead, so I hauled it over to the Bunkhouse (coffee, widescreen TV, library, jigsaw puzzles, and card playing) and I met one of the campers and she told me not to dare turn on the propane unless someone (her next door neighbor in the camp - a retired engineer) checked it for safety. She was very forceful on that point - then she told me that just 2 weeks before, a lady lit her furnace, not knowing that propane had leaked in her rig and the explosion blew out the back of her trailer and caught the next door 5th wheel on fire. She got out ok, but her beloved little dog did not. So - I will definitely wait til I have it checked out.
About that time, my new friend looked out the window and said “here comes the nicest and most helpful lady in the campground“. I looked out and saw the rig she was walking away from, and asked - is that Grace? She said - do you know Grace? I met Grace 2 years ago when I was here in my tent.
When the office opened at 9 - I went to check in and they had me move to another site and there I met more people - the couple to our right are on their first RV adventure, too. The gentleman on our left was very helpful - he helped me get Miss Daisy settled into place and will help me with the sewer set-up - first step being I needed a couple more fittings for the hose.
So, once Miss Daisy was in place, we took off for Wally World and picked up a few things - couldn’t get all the fittings, and missed the hardware store, so Ill try that again tomorrow
The weather here today is absolutely beautiful - in the mid 50s and tonite will be in the mid 30s
I am going to close this for now - Diane is taking a nap, and I am headed to the Bunkhouse for announcements. Tonite is pot luck dinner night - for which we have nothing to contribute - but we will just explain we are not yet set up for cooking. How I wish I had an electric cook top right now - I wouldn’t have to worry about the propane.
They have now increased the strength of their internet - not that I can get online in my rig, but at least I can take my computer to the Bunkhouse and get connected - so maybe the delays between posting will not be quite so long.
Until next time, Bear Hugs
Boots and Tucker and of course, Diane
She believed she could, so she did!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
SCAM ………. or not?
This has never happened to me before - and I wonder if it has ever happened to any of you?
I didn’t find out the details until I called my bank on Friday.
In Springfield, Utah, I stopped at a Flying J truck stop for gas. I have used Flying J before and even on this trip and never had anything like this happen to me before.
I pulled into the area designated for private passenger vehicles and RV’s. I put my debit card in the slot and got a message telling me to see the cashier. When I went in to the cashier, I was told that my card was denied. We figured it was because I was traveling and my bank, seeing the interstate use of the card had put a hold on it as a safety precaution - I had not thought to notify the bank of my travels this time.
I used my credit card with no problem - which I thought was a bit strange because it was issued by the same bank as my debit card.
We went on our merry way and when we got to Kit’s I called my bank and this is what I learned. When I inserted my card in the pump, it tried to grab $500 from it - this particular account did not have $500 in it, so it was denied. Needless to say, I was furious.
I am used to a bank putting a limit on purchases at a gas station - usually $75 - and it’s a pain when I have to pump twice to fill my tank - but, well, that seems a reasonable action to me. But to try to take $500 from me? No way!
I called the Springfield Flying J and talked with the general manager. He said very matter of factly (is that a correct thought?) that it is normal for the bank to do that and that in a few days, they will post the correct amount purchased and refund the difference. I asked him what if that was the only account I had (it wasn’t) and I was stuck in the desert for days until they refunded my $446? (my fuel came to $54)
What he did was give me a “verbal shrug” - ie: he said “yes, and then they would refund the difference.
I’m afraid at that point I lost my cool, and told him that I would never use Flying J ever again and I hoped no one else got caught in their scam, and I hung up.
I have decided to send a copy of this blog to the Flying J home office. Perhaps they have an intelligent, viable explanation for this--
Now, have I over reacted? Is this something that happens regularly? Have you had this happen to you?
I know that if posting for a purchase is delayed, normally $1 is posted so you know its being processed, but $500 - now, really!!!!???!
Until next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots and Tucker -
Diane, too!
She believed she could, so she did!
Friday, December 12, 2014
HEADED SOUTH, AT LAST!!!!
Monday morning: Spent another 3 hours loading the truck - I was unable to find my spare glasses, my camera or the big inverter.
We finally left at 11 a.m. only to find the repair shop closed til 1:00. So, we got some lunch and went back to the shop to pick up Miss Daisy. I very hurridly pull stuff out of the truck and threw it into Daisy - enough so we could see through the truck to hitch up.
I asked many questions - but forgot the most important of all - "How do I hook up the black water tank for dumping?" Luckily I know that Kit and Ken in AZ can help me there.
We left Great Falls at 1:30 and headed to Helena - our first stop - only 100 miles away. It was a good drive. When I pulled in behind my friend Barb's home, I managed to pull Daisy into the only pile of snow on the street. I backed up and pulled forward a couple times and figured I wouldn't have any problem getting back on the road in the morning. Not! The temperature dropped to 21 degrees, and all that snow turned to ice. My wheels just spun on the slippery surface.
We had a great visit with Barb - a friend from childhood. Tucker enjoyed visiting with Della.
We slept in Daisy - it was, as I say, 21 degrees and really cold because of the snow on the ground. Not to worry - I had the two denim quilts, and two double fleece blankets in Daisy - and later found 2 more brand new quilts that I had forgotten were in the cabinet. I had an electric blanket which didn't seem as warm as I thought it should be - reason being? It wasn't heating. The lights came on - but no heat, be we slept warm enough anyway.
In the morning I called AAA and was told, after explaining what happened, that "we'll send out one truck with one man and that is covered. If necessary, we'll send out a second truck and 2 men, and that will be covered for 2 hours. After that you are responsible for the charge." I tried to tell her it wouldn't take that much, but she was not impressed.
Two hours later, the truck showed up, when my feet were nearly frozen - having chosen sandals with socks over closed shoes - since there was no snow in Belt when we left. The towman looked the situation over and shook his head. "you've got yourself in a mess, he said" He looked under the trailer and said he was afraid he'd damage the underside pulling it over the ice. I told him - there was no snow under the trailer, only half the width of two tires was on the snow. In any event, he hooked us up, and in about 10 seconds had us out on the road. HE was very impressed!!!
So, we headed out - stopped at the tire store to have Daisy's tires checked out - and the situation was pronounced well under control. Even though the tires were about 10 years old - the tread was excellent and just the slightest sign of weather checking - so we were good to go.
Once again, we got on the road at 1:30 and we had a little over 300 miles to go to get to Pocatello.
Daisy pulls like a dream -no problems there. I felt totally relaxed
I chose this route to New Mexico because it had the fewest mountains to overcome. We had to go over Monida pass - but its a very gentle rise with no winding roads with steep drop offs - we were over it by dark.
It was a bit warmer in Pocatello - but we had the problem of total disorganization. We were hooked up to electricity and had the hot water steaming - but no knives, forks or spoons. Well, I can be resourceful when needed - so all worked out.
I had to get fuel in Dillon - but it was easy for my first time towing Daisy in a gas station - pull off line up and pull out. What a relief. Not so in Pocatello. The station had several pumps and only one car there. I discovered they only had a single diesel pump - on the same stand as a gas pump and of course that is where the only other vehicle decided they had to pump gas. I slowly and carefully drove around the pumps to discover that indeed the only diesel was at the first pump. So, we waited.
As I was finally at the pump, a gentleman came out and told me that as I came into the station, the door on Miss Daisy came open. I checked it and the door was shut tight and locked.
To leave the station, I had to once again circle slowly and carefully to the left to get to the entry and then make an immediate hard right turn - we accomplished that with not a little concern and hit the road again. Approaching the on ramp, a driver mouthed out "Your door is open!" I pulled over and check the door. Yep, shut tight and locked! On the ground, I found a bungee cord and looped it around the handle and door knob and headed out once more.
Approaching Salt Lake City - which I really was not looking forward to, a car pulled up beside us and the driver held up a sign that said "Door is Open" and right behind him another driver who told us the same thing - We were moving into heavy traffic and had to cross 2 lanes including an "exit only" lane with traffic whizzing all around us. I got out and checked the door - shut tight and locked! But, the bungee cord was broken. So apparently bumps or curves caused the door to come open. I fixed it good, though - I grabbed a wire coat hanger, and wrapped it round and round and we didn't have any more problems with it. For the rest of my life, whenever I miss something, I'll probably tell myself it must have fallen out that time in SLC.
We managed to make our way through SLC traffic with no problems for which I am very grateful. I don't like driving in traffic at the best times, and pulling a trailer through it was no fun at all. It was such a relief to reach Provo and know that we were out of it.
The journey down the central corridor of Utah is such a wonderful experience - the mountains on each side are incredible. There was a mist that day and the sky was overcast causing the distance mountains to look like a very delicate water color. The very tip of the mountains had the barest blue outline which drifted down into the mist. Awesome!
We spent the night in Cedar city with a little over 400 miles to go. If you look at a map of Utah and Nevada, you will see a very small corner of Nevada belongs to Arizona. It's only 27 miles wide and about 15 miles of it is the most awesome canyon. It's like driving over a cliff - you drop over 500 ft, twisting and turning down to the bottom - not unlike driving to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Then, after about 15 miles, you just pop out - onto a level landscape - no climbing back up again - a very interesting outcome!
Shortly before arriving in Las Vegas, my GPS quit. When we started out in the morning, it gave a message that the battery was getting low. How can this be, I had it plugged in. It did this once before and then mysteriously restarted, seemingly with no assistance. It finally occurred to me that it might be the cord - and you guessed it - the cord was bad. When we stopped for gas, I switched cords and we were back in business. (I like to keep track of how many miles left to go)
While searching through the gadget bag for a different cord, I found my spare glasses and my camera. Now if only the inverter would turn up.
We arrived at my friend, Kit's house in Sun City, AZ just in time for dinner. Tucker was so happy to be reunited with his friends Sammy and Christi.
We will spend today visiting and tomorrow organizing Daisy, installing the mirrors so I don't have to keep moving them from bed to closet and putting up the remaining cabinet doors - and...... getting the door catches to actually hold.
On Sunday morning (no rush hour traffic to worry about) we will leave here for the last leg of our trip to Deming, New Mexico to the LoW's campground.
Until next time, Bear Hugs
Boots and Tucker
"She believed she could and so she did!"
Monday, December 8, 2014
NEW MEXICO BOUND
Yep - the day has finally arrived - Daisy has been released from the repair shop, and we are headed out later this morning.
I had been developing a fear of towing Daisy - but I had a long talk with myself today about negative thinking attracting negative events - now the fear is gone and I'm so excited about starting out that I'm not sure my feet are touching the ground.
This trip is going to be a real education. I have so much to learn about operating a RV and living the freedom of the road.
Today we are going as far as Helena - 120 miles - we're going to have Daisy's tires checked by a particular tire shop - they have a good tread - but they were purchased 10 years ago and have been out in the weather - unprotected - so we'll see what the experts have to say about them.
Diane's (my cousin, if I haven't introduced her previously) daughter is meeting up with us in Helena since she couldn't make Thanksgiving dinner due to the weather. We have a Christmas goody bag to give to her. We just may spend the time in the Wal-Mart parking lot shifting stuff from "Luv" (my truck, remember) into Miss Daisy. She went into the shop containing 2 blankets and a pillow - that is the sum total of her contents.
I didn't dare bring her back to the house to load her up - we might not have been able to get her out of the yard, loaded. It's pretty muddy here from recent storms.
So everything is being loaded into Luv and then will be transferred into Daisy - some will have to be switched at the shop so I'll be able to see through the back window in order to hitch up. I just know we have way too much stuff - especially clothes and food - more than I would normally carry - but why leave it here in the cupboards, and have to buy the same food .... again.
My own bedding takes up a lot of truck space - consisting of a 2 inch mattress topper and a down comforter - I never travel without them - but once in Miss Daisy, and the beds made - they won't even be noticed.
Diane gave me a huge black trash bag of clothes - but then there were still piles of more clothes on her bed. I asked her about it, saying that we have to watch what we take - and she said "but I haven't even packed my dresses yet!" I reminded her that she has worn a skirt only one time to church in over a year and if she had to take dresses - she could take one - just one!
As she continued to shuffle through the piles of clothes, I got down her larger duffle bag and told her she could take whatever she could fit in it, and the rest had to stay home. I had not wanted to take that particular duffle because of it's size. I did not realize, she also had a small duffle filled - and..... I neglected to tell her that she had to be able to zip the duffle when she had it filled - oh, well.
She is also taking her rather large Christmas Cactus cause it's about to bloom. Don't know where we are going to put it - but taking a cactus to the desert makes some sort of sense, doesn't it?
Now, not to make Diane sound like the villian in this - I decided to take my sewing machine after all - - I plan to work on the slipcovers for the dining benches this winter - so, in addition to the machine - a large tote with accessories, thread, needles, scissors, etc, 2-3 large bags of scraps of old jeans plus 1 huge bag of whole jeans - all this takes up quite a bit of room in the truck. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot - the wall hanging I'm making for Kit.
After all, I'm not going to be stuck with nothing to keep me busy, so, along comes the card bag, the domino set, the French language lessons, my embroidery bag, my kindle, and my trek sticks. Clothes, not so many - a small bag for spring/summer clothes, and 2 grocery bags for winter clothes - plus 4 coats - heavyweight, rain, fleece vest and wool plaid shirt-jac - layers work best.
A lot of the stuff has been packed since Miss Daisy went into the shop in September - but I noticed in passing that I have a lot of plastic storage containers. Hopefully that is why there is so much stuff in the truck - at least it doesn't weigh much.
It's 4:25 a.m. - I've been awake since 2 - Tucker is here helping me write this post and periodically he plants a paw on the keyboard and all sorts of exciting things happen.
We have a great weather window for travelling this week - clear and dry all the way south.
I've only lost track of 2 items while packing - my larger inverter - which may already be in the truck, tucked into a box I packed in September, and my camera - where in the world could my camera be? At least I have a back-up camera so hopefully I can get some photos out of this trip.
Well, I'm going to try to get another hour or so of sleep - although I see from face-book that my friend Carol is awake - so I may chat with her some.
Tuesday night, hopefully, we'll be stopping in a KOA in Pocatello, ID - if I can, I'll post from there to let you know how it is going.
Until next time, Bear Hugs.
Boots and Tucker
"She believed she could, so she did!"
I had been developing a fear of towing Daisy - but I had a long talk with myself today about negative thinking attracting negative events - now the fear is gone and I'm so excited about starting out that I'm not sure my feet are touching the ground.
This trip is going to be a real education. I have so much to learn about operating a RV and living the freedom of the road.
Today we are going as far as Helena - 120 miles - we're going to have Daisy's tires checked by a particular tire shop - they have a good tread - but they were purchased 10 years ago and have been out in the weather - unprotected - so we'll see what the experts have to say about them.
Diane's (my cousin, if I haven't introduced her previously) daughter is meeting up with us in Helena since she couldn't make Thanksgiving dinner due to the weather. We have a Christmas goody bag to give to her. We just may spend the time in the Wal-Mart parking lot shifting stuff from "Luv" (my truck, remember) into Miss Daisy. She went into the shop containing 2 blankets and a pillow - that is the sum total of her contents.
I didn't dare bring her back to the house to load her up - we might not have been able to get her out of the yard, loaded. It's pretty muddy here from recent storms.
So everything is being loaded into Luv and then will be transferred into Daisy - some will have to be switched at the shop so I'll be able to see through the back window in order to hitch up. I just know we have way too much stuff - especially clothes and food - more than I would normally carry - but why leave it here in the cupboards, and have to buy the same food .... again.
My own bedding takes up a lot of truck space - consisting of a 2 inch mattress topper and a down comforter - I never travel without them - but once in Miss Daisy, and the beds made - they won't even be noticed.
Diane gave me a huge black trash bag of clothes - but then there were still piles of more clothes on her bed. I asked her about it, saying that we have to watch what we take - and she said "but I haven't even packed my dresses yet!" I reminded her that she has worn a skirt only one time to church in over a year and if she had to take dresses - she could take one - just one!
As she continued to shuffle through the piles of clothes, I got down her larger duffle bag and told her she could take whatever she could fit in it, and the rest had to stay home. I had not wanted to take that particular duffle because of it's size. I did not realize, she also had a small duffle filled - and..... I neglected to tell her that she had to be able to zip the duffle when she had it filled - oh, well.
She is also taking her rather large Christmas Cactus cause it's about to bloom. Don't know where we are going to put it - but taking a cactus to the desert makes some sort of sense, doesn't it?
Now, not to make Diane sound like the villian in this - I decided to take my sewing machine after all - - I plan to work on the slipcovers for the dining benches this winter - so, in addition to the machine - a large tote with accessories, thread, needles, scissors, etc, 2-3 large bags of scraps of old jeans plus 1 huge bag of whole jeans - all this takes up quite a bit of room in the truck. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot - the wall hanging I'm making for Kit.
After all, I'm not going to be stuck with nothing to keep me busy, so, along comes the card bag, the domino set, the French language lessons, my embroidery bag, my kindle, and my trek sticks. Clothes, not so many - a small bag for spring/summer clothes, and 2 grocery bags for winter clothes - plus 4 coats - heavyweight, rain, fleece vest and wool plaid shirt-jac - layers work best.
A lot of the stuff has been packed since Miss Daisy went into the shop in September - but I noticed in passing that I have a lot of plastic storage containers. Hopefully that is why there is so much stuff in the truck - at least it doesn't weigh much.
It's 4:25 a.m. - I've been awake since 2 - Tucker is here helping me write this post and periodically he plants a paw on the keyboard and all sorts of exciting things happen.
We have a great weather window for travelling this week - clear and dry all the way south.
I've only lost track of 2 items while packing - my larger inverter - which may already be in the truck, tucked into a box I packed in September, and my camera - where in the world could my camera be? At least I have a back-up camera so hopefully I can get some photos out of this trip.
Well, I'm going to try to get another hour or so of sleep - although I see from face-book that my friend Carol is awake - so I may chat with her some.
Tuesday night, hopefully, we'll be stopping in a KOA in Pocatello, ID - if I can, I'll post from there to let you know how it is going.
Until next time, Bear Hugs.
Boots and Tucker
"She believed she could, so she did!"
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