Little House On Wheels

What Dogs See

2011-12-17T23:03:00.001-08:00

I am now a happy person that shares her home with two dogs. Miss Sophie has moved in with us full time. She is a Miniature Pinscher, 6 years old and just a delight to have around. Zuni seems to be happy with her but she does have moments of jealousy. We took our first trip in the van with our puppies and it was great. Miss Sophie has a calming effect on Zuni so when the furnace kicked on Zuni stayed on the bed and didn’t try hiding under the passenger seat. Mom and I went to Phoenix for the weekend. This week we are planning a trip to southern Arizona.

The only trouble I had was sharing my little itty bitty bed. I put Miss Sophie’s bed between mom and me. Then I put Zuni in bed with me. It was a cold night and Miss Sophie decided that it would be much warmer under the covers with me. I don’t know how it all came to be but I ended up laying half on the dog bed with Miss Sophie curled up next to me. So I threw the dog bed toward the front of the van and pulled my pillow over. That night I slept in a question mark position to accommodate the two dogs in bed with me. The next night I was able to put the dogs in positions that would allow me to sleep like a normal human. I am curious to see what will happen on our next trip.

I have had a few unusual occurrences. I mentioned it once and the reaction from the folks who read this blog was interesting, so much so that I never mentioned it again. I have had long discussions with someone who knows and understands. Someone who knows what to say when I call and say I see the color brown. She recommends that I find someone who deals with dogs and what they see. Dogs see or sense things that humans cannot. I have a dog that watches something that I don’t see. She can stare for minutes at something or she will move her head like she is watching something moving. Tonight she came running into the house after her walk only to stop suddenly and give a low growl. Then she stood still for over a minute watching something that I couldn’t see. So what does she see?

Is this something I can google?

Life is interesting.

Wild Burro Trail

2011-11-23T10:31:00.001-08:00




	Heading Home

	My little Sophie Girl

Song Of The Day

2011-11-21T18:14:00.001-08:00

"I Wanna Get Married"

I wanna get married
Yes, I need a spouse
I want a nice Leave it to Beaverish
Golden retriever and a little white house
I wanna get married
I need to cook meals
I wanna pack you cute little lunches
For my Brady bunches
Then read Danielle Steele
I wanna escape
This rat race I've created
I'm feelin' enervated
I don't care if I make it
I just want to bake a sugar cake for you
To take to work in the morn
And I'll stay home cleaning the dishes
And keeping your wishes all warm
I wanna get married
That's why I was born

Life Is Good

2011-11-17T18:57:00.001-08:00

Dinner with the family.

Top 10 Absolutely Do Nots!

2011-11-14T18:37:00.001-08:00

Top 10 List Of Absolutely Do Nots For Zuni.

10.) Do not take the shoes by the front door and hide them.

9.) Do not chew on the trash bag.

8.) Do not eat beetles they have a tendency to bite back.

7.) Don't eat my socks.

6.) While we are on the subject, don’t drag my underwear or bras throughout the apartment.

5.) Don’t grab my nose.

4.) Don’t chew on my feet at 3:00 a.m.

3.) As much as I love gifts, please don’t pick up anymore dead mice.

2.) Don’t chase lizards, birds, or anything else that moves. I haven’t ran that fast since 2nd grade.

1.) THE CARPET IS NOT A CHEW TOY!

Fortunately, there are more thank yous than do nots. The number one “thank you Zuni” is for showing me that butterflies do fly at night.

A Day In The Life…

2011-11-12T01:14:00.001-08:00

I have not lived closed by my oldest son, James, in over 10 years and during that time he has gone from being a teenager to a grown man. He is five minutes away now and it is fantastic to have him near. You could say we are getting to know each other again. There is one quirk in my personality he has forgotten and that is my ability to have unusual people approach me without my encouragement. The first time it happened with James was a couple weeks ago when we were ordering ice cream and this man walked in and singled me out to ask what I ordered. I told him Dark Chocolate and Coffee. That started an interesting conversation between light and dark, in that order. He was explaining it to me not in the sense that dark is evil and light is good but how nature marches in light and dark. I had to disagree with him on that and he pointed out my choice in ice cream. Then he explained how the ground was light and the sky dark. You know it made sense. The whole time I was talking to this gentleman my son kept trying to push his way between us and then he tried to pull me away. I tried to explain to him that this is what happens to me and I have had only a handful of scary experiences that I was able to deal with.

The one thing that hasn’t happened to me was having someone approach me in my vehicle when it is in drive. There is always the first time though.

A few days ago I had to slow down to avoid hitting a lady. She then ran over to the van before I could hit the accelerator and knocked on driver’s side door. I rolled down the window and the aroma of a alcohol wafted in. She said “can I have a ride?” I asked her for her purse and she gave it to me and I told her… get in.

I decided that if she is carrying a weapon it would be in her purse and what she was wearing left very little to the imagination, button up shirt with one button buttoned and shorts that would make Daisy Duke blush in shame. She explained she needed to get to Frys to pick up her meds. Such a sad lady. No I will not pick up anymore strangers because that did make me feel uncomfortable. It really surprised me that she was so quick to hand me her purse through the window. The power of drink.

I tried to be constant just like a star
I tried to be steady and yar
But the storms keep breaking over my head
I'm aching for blue skies instead
'Cause I'm a zephyr on the inside
And it's a hard ride when you feel your heart tied down
Hide-and-earth bound
But there's no tether
I'm a zephyr ~Mary Chapin Carpenter~

What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor?

2011-11-10T11:50:00.001-08:00

That is the mood I am in. The Blaggard’s versus is a little risqué, to say the least. If you want to hear it just go to you tube or download Dropbox and let me know that you did and I will send it to you.

We are wintering in Tucson and rented an apartment. Renting an apartment is a lot different than 30 years ago. We were shown an apartment with furniture and pictures on the wall. Freshly painted and professionally decorated, we liked the price, and it was cute. Then we found out that this isn’t the apartment that we will be renting. WTH I was taught never buy anything until you take a look at it. When I insisted to see the apartments that were available I was told I could only look at the one I was shown. So we rented one sight unseen. We did get to pick it out from a map and we are pleased with it. We have beautiful views of the mountains and we live next door to dog people, which in my opinion are the best people in the world.

After hanging around my grandpuppy, Sophie, mom and I decided to adopt an older dog. That way we will know if there are any medical issues and psychological issues. We found a mix breed, about 7 pounds, and we were told she was a year old. Perfect. In the beginning she was quiet and she acted like a dog. Then the honeymoon period ended about a week later with a high pitch yelp. She loves to start off in the bedroom and run lickety split to the living room squealing. So I looked into her mouth and discovered baby teeth. She is a puppy. Truthfully I just didn’t want to deal with chewing and housebreaking. She has wormed her way into our hearts as all puppies do. She is doing great with housebreaking and she seems to be fairly well adjusted. She is getting over her fear of loud noises and she has found her voice. She is not quiet but she knows hush. Mom changed her name from Tweeter to Zuni.

My life was tragic and sad
Yeah I was the archetypal loser
I was a pageant gone bad
Then there was you on time
And wagging your tail
In the cutest mime
And you was in jail
I said woof, be mine
And you gave a wail
And then I was no longer alone

“The Dog Song” Nellie Mckay

Mom and I are well and adjusting to this new lifestyle. We are looking forward to taking off for a week though.

Yes kids I will blog about “What Do You Do With A Drunken Lady” tomorrow.

Lazydays RV Park Formerly Beaudry RV Park

2011-11-09T11:55:00.001-08:00

Sir:

My mother and I were thrilled to learn that Beaudry RV Park was purchased because it was very convenient to our needs when we were visiting Tucson. We were customers of Beaudry RV Park and had stayed there quite a few times.

My mother and I live in a 2009 Roadtrek Van and that seemed to confuse the guards during our stay in October. We planned to stay the entire month but left early. We were asked by the guards on a few occasions if we had a tow vehicle or if this was the only vehicle we owned. The guards also seemed to be very confused on what questions to ask and what gate to let us in. One time we actually thought we were going to have to get a motel room for the night. Fortunately I was given two identical passes, one to place on my dash and one I could hold up so the guards could see it coming and going. That stopped the guards from stopping me on several occasions when leaving the park. I decided I could put up the aggravation until we left at the end of the month. Around the 15^th I was trying to leave your RV Park. I had my pass on my dash and I was holding up a pass…. I was stopped and told I could not exit unless I had another pass, a day pass. I was told that every time I wanted to exit the park I had to stop at the office and pick up a day pass. I told the guard to let me out and I will not be returning. He was kind enough to let me go and I went in search of another park. I will never stay at your park again. It was a horrible experience and one I will not repeat.

The service department: *** was wonderful the service on my newly replaced air conditioner was not. It is still acting up and I have another company working with me on that issue.

My experience with your company was horrible. I told the person who called me that and now I responding to your letter. Please do not contact me again.

Sincerely

Elizabeth M Richardson

I Am Still Alive

2011-10-31T13:53:00.001-07:00

I was a bird that loved to fly
Catching the wind as it went south
And I could touch every inch of sky
And the sweetest songs trilled from my mouth
But I'm no bird anyone can see
And there's no wind waiting for me
It's just a dream, it's just a dream
To be a bird flying free
I was a cloud that loved to drift
Offering shade to lay upon
And the greenest grass was my gift
And a summer day was my song
But I'm no cloud anyone can see
And there's just dust instead of green
It's just a dream, it's just a dream
To be a cloud drifting free
I was a light that loved to dance
Without a care of who might see
I tempted fate and welcomed chance
And I held the world inside of me
The clouds have fled, and the birds have flown
And the light that was is all but gone
It's just a dream, it's just a dream
To be a light
To be a cloud
To be a bird
Flying free

Mary Chapin Carpenter Lyrics

Changes

2011-10-08T00:49:00.001-07:00

We have been in Tucson most of the summer. We took a few weeks off to travel north but other than we have been staying in Tucson. When we first arrived we had every intention to leave as soon as mom’s doctor visit was through. Unfortunately he found some problems with her blood work and referred her to a kidney/hypertension specialist.

The first doctor mom saw, she called him Dr. Dum Dum, was not very good at communicating. He wouldn’t return calls, took mom off her blood pressure meds substituted it with another drug that didn’t work. She asked for another referral from her primary doctor and we finally have one that we like. Her blood test is fine but her blood pressure isn’t. She checks her blood pressure twice a day. We are on top of it. Due to this we decided to winter in Tucson. We plan to hit the road again as soon as mom’s blood pressure is stabilized.

Our decision was made easier because of having family here. My son and his girlfriend have moved here from Washington. Mom and I have even baby-sat. I know I have said that I am not a kid friendly person but it is easy to be one when it comes to Malachi. He is a neat person and mom and I enjoy him.

The question came up if I was going to maintain my blog since we are not traveling like we use to. We are planning to take side trips here and there. I also have a lot of hiking I want to do so yes I am going to blog but it will be on a weekly basis. So I will sit down every Friday and type. I will blog more when we take our side trips.

We also decided to rent an apartment, short term lease, instead of staying in the van. This way we can focus more on diets and have a little more room. The joke between mom and I is the dog has a bed but we don’t. We are going to have a BYOC (bring your own chair) party after we moved in. Mom and I just look at this like another chapter in our lives.

Anna's Cakes

2011-10-04T21:10:00.001-07:00

Another wonderful cake by Anna.

Shhhhh

2011-10-03T16:24:00.001-07:00

Blooger For Iphone

2011-09-27T18:14:00.001-07:00

This is done using my IPhone.

2011-09-27T18:10:00.001-07:00

Girl’s Weekend

2011-09-20T22:00:00.001-07:00

My son, James arrived Friday pulling a trailer with the rest of their belongings. We all jumped in to help unload the trailer and as soon as we were finished, Anna gave James a kiss good-bye and we left for our weekend in Phoenix. As an employee of a certain hotel chain she receives free nights at an expensive hotel. So mom and I were treated to a $300 a night hotel. It was awesome. It was a beautiful hotel and we enjoyed our stay immensely. We arrived Friday night and decided to go the the Botanical Gardens on Saturday. As usual I took to many pictures. Enjoy.

We (Mom and I) are currently heading to Wickenburg and will be there tomorrow.

To learn more about the Desert Botanical Garden, Click Here.

Niagara of the West Shoshone Falls Taken 8-5-2011

2011-09-14T22:54:00.001-07:00

Crater of the Moon National Monument

2011-09-14T01:11:00.001-07:00

One of the places mom and I went to in July was Crater of the Moons National Monument. Craters of the Moon National Monument is located along U.S. Route 20, southwest of the city of Arco, where we stayed. Arco is located along the Big Lost River and is a gateway to the Lost River Valley. Arco was first called “Root Hog” then they tried to change it to Junction but folks considered Junction to common. So they named the town Arco after Georg von Arco an inventor and a pioneer in the field of radio transmission. Arco was the first community in the world ever to be lit by electricity generated by nuclear power.

Crater of the Moon was an interesting place to visit. The landscape was created by volcanic eruptions. Cracks in the earth's crust allowed lava to blast, plop, and flow onto the surface to form such unusual features as cinder cones, monoliths, and caves. Two Hawaiian words - pahoehoe and aa describe two of the lava formations. Pahoehoe (Pa-hoy-hoy) is smooth or ropy lava. Cooler lava hardens on the surface' hotter, more fluid lava runs under it often leaving caves or tubes behind. Aa (ah-ah) is the rough, jagged lava. The molten lava is much less fluid and usually moves slower. A Crust never hardens on the surface, but chunks of cooler rock tumble along the top and sides instead. Aa can be impassable.

It’s A History Lesson And Cemetery Pictures

2011-09-12T21:01:00.001-07:00

Jerry and Suzy – The statue of the children was just there and it was beautiful. I was thinking it was a memorial for the children that had died.

I found several stories but these two I found interesting.

Jane Elizabeth Manning James

Copied and pasted from LDS Women Of God

Jane Manning was born in Wilton, Connecticut in a free black family. She heard the LDS missionaries preaching their message in 1842 and wanted to be baptized. Many of her family joined at that time as well.

She organized her family, and together with the missionaries, they set out for Nauvoo. They took a boat to Buffalo, New York, but because they were black, and no one believed they were free, they were separated from the others. They were forced to walk the rest of the way, being over 1000 miles. “We walked until our shoes were worn out, and our feet became sore and cracked open and bled until you could see the whole print of our feet with blood on the ground. We stopped and united in prayer to the Lord, we asked God the Eternal Father to heal our feet and our prayers were answered and our feet were healed.”

While crossing a river without a bridge, they were neck-deep in the water. “We went on our way rejoicing, singing hymns, and thanking God for his infinite goodness and mercy to us, in blessing us…protecting us…and healing our feet.”

As they entered the city of Nauvoo, they were directed to the Mansion House where Emma warmly greeted them inside. The Prophet sat next to Jane and listened intently to her story. Upon hearing of the entire ordeal, Joseph said, “God bless you. You are among friends, now you will be protected.”

Her family all found homes and jobs to perform, but Jane was invited to stay with Joseph and Emma. She lived comfortably with them and many others who were in and out of the prophet’s home.

After the martyrdom, Jane lived in Brigham Young’s home until she met and married Isaac James, also a member of the Church. Jane gave birth to a son, in Winter Quarters, before they all set out west in one of the advance groups.

Life was not easy those first few years in the valley. Jane comments, “Oh how I suffered of cold and hunger”, but she was always willing to share with her friends and neighbors.

The James family settled in the First Ward where six more children were born to the family. They managed and prospered quite well. After twenty years in the valley, Isaac left the Church, and Jane, leaving her to remain faithful, which she did. Twenty years later, he would return to her, and the Church. She accepted him back, took care of him, and buried him.

Jane Manning James remained active in her faith, and true to the Relief Society. She worked on special projects, donated toward temple building funds, and contributed to the Lamanite Mission.

Her faith never failed her. She requested numerous times to be sealed to her family. It was never granted; however, she was able to be baptized for her kindred dead. At this writing her temple work, as well as much of the work for her family, has been completed.

She dictated her own biography later in life and wanted her testimony to be remembered. “I want to say right here, that my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is as strong today, nay, it is, if possible, stronger than it was the day I was first baptized. I pay my tithes and offerings, keep the word of wisdom, I go to bed early and rise early, I try in my feeble way to set a good example to all.”

Hirini and Mere Whaanga

Chief Hirini Te Rito Whaanga (Ngāti Rakaipaaka) and his third wife Mere (the daughter of a Pākehā whaler) lived at Nūhaka in Hawke's Bay. In 1884 they and most of their fellow Māori Anglicans converted to the Mormon faith when three American Mormon missionaries arrived. In 1894 the couple and other family members travelled to the central Mormon temple at Salt Lake City in the US. Whaanga later returned as a Mormon missionary to Māori communities.

Pictures of Salt Lake City Cemetery



	A Butterfly Among Bees

	Jane Elizabeth Manning James
Jane Elizabeth Manning James	Jane Elizabeth Manning James








	Hirini Whaanga

Its Been A Family Week

2011-09-11T23:09:00.001-07:00

It has been wild and crazy around here. My best friend’s daughter, who I consider one of my own, had her baby one month early on Thursday. I wanted to grab the first plane to Missouri when I receive the call. Hunter Breeze arrived weighing a healthy 6 pounds and will be going home tomorrow.

Anna and Malachi arrived in Tucson this afternoon and it was great seeing them again. She loved the apartment and the view from the balcony. My son will be here Thursday with the rest of their belongings and he will start his job October 3rd. So I will have my sons in one place for the first time in a long time and that will be nice.

Pictures of Mt. Olivet in Salt Lake City Utah

Top Ten

2011-09-05T16:45:00.001-07:00

My daughter, Hannah Jane, likes to get on my computer and look at my top twenty five songs I listen to. To prevent boredom I will post my top ten.

1. More Like You, Freebo, Dog People

2. Ahi Wela/Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Alone In IZ

3. Murder in the City, The Avett Brothers, The Second Gleam

4. The Dog Song, Nellie McKay, Get Away From Me [Disc 1]

5. Georgia Lee, Tom Waits, Mule Variations

6. Orange Colored Sky, Nat King Cole, Unforgettable

7. Heartaches, Ted Weems, Ted Weems Greatest Hits

8. Wasp Nest, The National, Cherry Tree

9. Incomplete And Insecure, The Avett Brothers, I And Love And You

10. I Wanna Get Married, Nellie McKay, Get Away From Me [Disc 1

Looking at this list you can draw a lot of conclusions. Heck if you look at my top twenty five you would consider me somewhat eclectic in my choice of music. What I see is a hike I took a couple weeks back with my son, Scott… Fairbank Arizona… a forgotten cemetery… As I glanced down the trail I saw me carrying my old friend, Surely Not, and realizing then that it was time to say good-bye to her. I realize now that whenever I look at a dog that needs a home I search for her. And that little hike near Fairbanks made me miss my old friend.

More pictures to share. These are from our trip to Salt Lake City, Utah – Herriman Cemetery where one of my ancestors is buried in an unmarked grave.

More Like You
Freebo from the album, “Dog People”

Soft and tender tough as nails

Here and now you know what's real

No one tells you how to feel

You lie there so peacefully

Loving unconditionally

I wish I was less like me

What can I do to be more more like you

When I get in my way what would you say to get me through

Days like these I know I need

To be More like you…….

As I try to beat the clock that voice inside my head won’t stop

You just sit no need to talk

As the sun is going down

You just smile and I just frown

I’m, so lost and you’re so found

What can I do to be more, more like you

When I get in my way what you would say

To get me through

Days like these I know I need

To be more like you…

All the commotion all the human misery

In a world that so confused

But your love and devotion is such a perfect mystery

Guiding me to someday be

To be more like you

Life is short here and gone

Through the tears I’ll carry on

Give me hope and keep me strong

To face my trouble know what’s true

To treat each day like it’s brand new

I know that’s what you would do

That’s what I will do

To be more, more like you

When I get in my way that’s what I will say to get me through

Days like these it’s hard to be

Yes days like these I know I need

To be more like you….

Salt Lake City

2011-09-02T01:02:00.001-07:00

Last month Mom and I decided to drive to Salt Lake City. My father's family is from Salt Lake and surrounding area. They traveled from Nauvoo Illinois to Iowa then on to Utah, they were Mormon handcart pioneers and I am in awe of them. The hardships they faced and the family member that were lost, yet they persevered. My g.g.g. grandfather had 4 wives and 34 children. He was in Nauvoo when they were forced out and his family made the perilous trip to Salt Lake City. Ebenezer had three wives before he reached Utah; Angeline King, Polly Ann Child, and Phoebe Child. Ebenezer was called to go on a mission to South Africa and he also visited the gold mines in California. He was described as a large man in stature and had dark curly hair. He played the fiddle, was a prankster, and loved children. How he managed to beget all of those children is beyond me.

One of the places we visited was "This Is The Place Heritage Park." The location of the park is where, on July 24, 1847, Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake Valley that would soon become the Mormon pioneers' new home. To visit their website Click Here.

The following pictures are of the This Is The Place Monument.

Long Day

2011-08-29T20:41:00.001-07:00

We had an appointment for today and that of course created another appointment for next week… we are not going to make it to New Mexico. At least it was not a medical appointment. No, I haven’t heard about the air conditioner but I am hoping I will tomorrow. I hate making plans…

For some reason I am very tired this evening so I decided to put some pictures on my blog that I took with my cell phone. Sometimes I get an interesting shot….

	Picture of Scott’s back yard…. Bernie had to be in the picture.
	Another backyard picture.
	My daughter sent me a picture of my grandpuppy, Ella. I just love the way she is sitting.
	This is Bernie… ghost dog.
	I love this photo of mom.
	Almost as much as I love this one.

	While in Idaho it hailed so much that it covered the ground. The kids were outside making ice balls and throwing them at each other. Fortunately there was no blood.
	Oh Hail…
	Shoshone Falls Idaho

	Malachi – Anna sent this to me.
	A beautiful lake in Nevada.
	Here's your sign…
	I love the color. I was at a stop light.
	Catalina State Park
	Fortune cookies that I sent my daughter.

Good Night!

Thank You

2011-08-29T01:33:00.001-07:00

Thank You for the emails and phone calls reminding me that I haven’t blogged in quite a while. When my plate gets a little full I step away. So I am ready now to start blogging again.

I know I mentioned that the doctor put me on a diet – a low fat, low carb diet. When mom’s turn came for her yearly physical she was placed on a diet as well. Since we live in together, share meals together, her doctor sent her to a nutritionist. So now mom and I are on a low fat, low carb, low salt, low potassium, and a low phosphorus diet. Not a whole lot to eat out there. Mom has been back to the doctor this past week and the diet is working! She dropped 10 pounds since I last blogged. We were concerned that we would have to stop traveling and concentrate on learning how and what to eat but it seems we are getting the hang of cooking in the van. I have a George Foreman Grill and a toaster oven that I use frequently. The doctor wants to see her again in 3 months so we will be wintering in Arizona this year.

Since I last blogged I had a family reunion. For a few days I had all of my children together for the first time in five years. I can’t believe how wonderfully different my children are from each other. There is a song titled “Murder In The City” by the Avett Brothers and there is a line that makes me think of my kids….

Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name

Our family finally met James aka Rusty’s girlfriend Anna and her wonderful son, Malachi. She is just awesome. We just hit it off like we knew her forever. I was worried that we might scare her off.

What transpired from our family reunion is my oldest son, James aka Rusty, decided to move from the state of Washington to the State of Arizona. It wasn’t the easiest decision for him to make because of his children but he feels it is the best one. He is so fortunate to have a girlfriend that supports him and yes she is coming too. They will be here in the middle of September. He found a job with Dept. of Corrections. This year we will be spending our holidays with Anna and James. I am so looking forward to it.

We had sometime before mom’s next doctor’s appointment so mom and I headed north. We went back to Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. My father’s family is from Utah and I wanted to do a little more research on the family. Currently mom and I are staying at an Extended Stay Motel in Tucson. The air conditioning in the van went out and a new one was ordered. It should be here Tuesday. Then we will head to New Mexico for about 10 days.

Tomorrow I will start adding pictures of our latest journey.

Life is Good.

Ground Squirrel Love

2011-06-05T22:35:00.001-07:00

I just love to sit outside and watch. The desert is full of motion – from small wasps that burrow underground to the occasional road runners that wander through. The animal I enjoy the most is the round-tailed ground squirrels. This is the best time of year to watch them because the babies are out and about. There is a lot of wrestling and playing going on. The mothers are there, ever watchful. They can stand straight up and not move for hours. In fact they look like little stumps. I have been outside so much watching that I have become a fixture in their lives. So they play close by and occasionally one will stray into my space and stare back at me. There is one ground squirrel with unusual markings on it’s belly and mom named her Buttons. The other day I grabbed my pistachios, a cold drink and my book and went out to sit in my chair. You can imagine my surprise when Buttons came up to me, then sprawled out on her belly next to my feet. There I sat, calmly reading with a ground squirrel at my feet. She didn’t move until I moved to go in the house. Maybe she thought I was one of them because I eat nuts too or I gave her wonderful shade.

This morning I heard a commotion… I saw a crow, flying low to the ground and the ground squirrels all went diving into their homes. For a few moments there was total chaos and then I saw the crow fly off with one.

I hope it wasn’t Buttons.

I have uploaded more pictures of the trip to Carlsbad, Click here to see the rest.

At Last

2011-06-05T03:00:00.001-07:00

I finally have all of the appointments set up and I know what we are doing. Mom and I will be taking off Wednesday and head north for a couple of weeks. I am just going to drive and stop when the mood hits me. I am not searching for a cooler climate either, just going to drive. Then mom and I will be back in Tucson around the 22nd in time for doctors and the visit we are looking forward too.

Scott and I went to Carlsbad Caverns. It is spectacular. I didn’t know there was so much to do around Carlsbad and mom and I discussed going back in the future.

Enjoy the pictures and to see more click here.

Bernie’s Story

2011-05-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

I am a desert dog. I live among the cacti, javelinas, and coyotes. I know where to walk, which animals to avoid, and which plants I can baptized. I laugh when my Kansas cousins come to visit because they just can’t figure out why desert plants bite.

This month my sister and I went on a road trip. Since my life revolves around smells I don’t know where I was taken but my home is wherever my person, Scott is. I just adore that boy. I just made myself comfortable and situated myself where I can see him.

And I waited.

Our first stop was by a body of water, commonly known in the human world as a river. Then Scott put up a house for us to sleep in and we all settled down. Chicken was cooked, beer was opened, and the smells of that along with all of the wonderful smells was divine.

The next morning we got up early and we climbed on another vehicle (a school bus) and off we went. If I knew then what I know now I would never have gotten on that bus. We drove for a while and then we were dumped. I know dumped because I am a pound puppy and being dumped is not a good thing.

I was so confused especially when they dumped off a long thing that floated on the river. I watched Scott put a cooler in it, I saw grandma get in, and then he called my name.

I didn’t know what to do. A part of me wanted to run, another part of me wanted to obey so I just stood there… frozen. I might have Labrador running through these veins but I am a desert dog. Water is to be drunk. I found myself being picked up and carried to the floater thingie, which was embarrassing. Then a push was given and I found myself in the middle of the river. So I started drinking. I thought I could drink the river dry and everything would be okay.

We had to stop so I could baptize a bush. Then Scott went in the water, he started calling my name…. I don’t know what he was thinking but it is for sure that I was not going out there. I found myself, once again, being carried out to the middle of the river… then I was dumped.

They say I reached the shore in less than a second. It was there I watched Scott. Just to show him there was no hard feelings I jumped into the floatie thingie and off we went down the river. They tried to make the river a good thing, a fun thing by giving me pieces of their lunch and lots and lots of attention. Since my home is wherever Scott roams I was content…

Enjoy the pictures. If you want to see more click here!

Its Raining

2011-05-28T22:28:00.001-07:00

I decided not to post until things start going right and so far it hasn’t – when it rains it definitely pours. I had to rethink things and start to focus on what is going right. Between the layers of so many wrongs there are some rights.

Mom and I decided to head north this year and head into Canada but it looks like we will be in Arizona for a while. Mom had her nerve test and she needs surgery. So we are waiting for the doctor to call to get the ball rolling. While waiting for the surgery we will explore Arizona some more.

The change in plans has turned into a good thing because (if all goes right) I will see all of my children in one room at the end of this month. The last time we were all able to get together was 5 1/2 years ago. Needless to say I am beyond excited.

I will be posting about my float trip that I took with my son, Scott tomorrow. We took a lot of pictures and had a wonderful 10 days on the road.

For now all is well.

Critters and Plants

2011-05-19T07:46:00.001-07:00

We Have Arrived

2011-05-15T21:50:00.001-07:00

We made it to Spring Branch Texas at 6:30 p.m. After we set up camp, Scott started the charcoal and we sat by the river listening to an owl and a bunch of peacocks. The campground is pretty sad but what is important is sitting around the picnic table enjoying a meal of chicken and succotash with family. It was a wonderful evening. Tomorrow we are hoping to rent a canoe and hit the river. Mom is going to stay home and baby-sit the grandpuppy, Louie. This will be Bernie’s first time in a canoe and on a river. Scott and I have never flipped a canoe yet but I have a feeling our record will be coming to an end. Bernie weighs about 80 pounds.

Last night we spent the night at Balmorhea State Park. The wind was so bad that we just knew Scott’s tent will blow away but it didn’t. The three of us and the two dogs stayed in the van until bedtime. I am finding out that the five of us can be comfortable in our little house on wheels.

Louie the Chorkie is the little escape artist. It didn’t take her anytime to figure out how to escape the tent so she has been bunking with us. When Scott and Bernie leaves she will sit by the door waiting for him to return. It takes her about 30 minutes to jump into bed and even then she is ever alert and ever hopeful.

Enjoy the pictures.

A little Chapel on the way to Balmorhea State Park	It was built over a hundred years ago.

On The Road To Texas Hill Country

2011-05-14T22:19:00.001-07:00

We decided to take my son, Scott to Texas Hill Country for a float trip. We will be there tomorrow. He brought his tent to sleep in and the only trouble we have had is his dog, Louie, figured out how to escape from the tent. So she is bunking with us and she is not a happy little camper.

My son is doing all of the driving which is a nice break with me. Currently we are staying in Balmorhea State Park in Texas. It has been a very windy day and Scott is not liking the wind very much. Our little van gets blown around pretty easy.

I will post more later.

It Started With A Phone Call

2011-05-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

I was in the middle of a conversation when my phone just turned off. I turned it back on and called the person back. After that call my little phone continued to die so I took it to Verizon. The first clerk that took care of me claimed that all he had to do was wipe out my hard drive and that would fix the problem. When he wiped out my hard drive he also took away my ability to get on the internet.

Folks, you can come over and kick my dog and slap my mama but do not take away my internet…

The next morning I was at Verizon. That is when I found out two things:
1.) You can not tether your phone to your computer anymore
2.) When your phone is turning itself off – it is toast

Fortunately I had insurance and there was no problem. Verizon would send me a new phone. I was still upset over losing the internet. So I agreed to to a 2-year contract for Verizon internet. Only I didn’t have to pay anything but my monthly payments. All other fees were waived.

After running a couple errands I went back to the park and plugged in my internet to let it charge. It took three hours and when I tried to connect it wouldn’t. Now I was upset. The next morning I went to Verizon. I was amazed that there were about 20 customers already there. The technician I saw the day before saw me and came over. He took my internet box, my lap top, and off he went. It seems that Verizon’s 4G internet service wasn’t working and there were a whole lot of angry people in the there. Fortunately for me my technician told me to go to lunch and he would call me. Sure enough an hour later he had everything working great plus my new phone would arrive that afternoon at my son’s house.

Life was getting good again.

My new phone arrived and I noticed that it wasn’t new it was refurbished. My definition of refurbished is “taking on someone else’s headache or problem.” Sure enough the darn thing wouldn’t work. Guess where I was the next day? I was back at Verizon. They shipped my new refurbished phone back and finally I received a new, refurbished phone yesterday.
I am back in business… I have the internet and I have a phone that is working.

During all of this bull hockey with Verizon I was dealing with getting my generator fixed. Of course I was told that the part would be in Friday. Ha ha ha I won’t go there. I am planning a trip and I needed the generator to be in great working order. So I am going on my little trip without it. I am not saying where I am going because I don’t want to jinx it. My luck hasn’t been too good lately.

I was also dealing with a van radio that stopped working as well. Folks it seems like everything was falling apart. We replaced the radio with an inexpensive one that works fine. I drove from Kansas City to Tucson using my ipod and cheap speakers and so this sounds divine! Those that know me know I have to have my music. I have enough songs on ITunes to last a month without having to listen to anything twice. I am talking letting it play continuously for one month.

With Verizon, the generator, the internet, the phone, the stereo you would think my technical problems would be over. I don’t know what I have done to make the techno gods angry because during all of this my computer ate my CD. I couldn’t get it out so I had to take my computer to Best Buy. The tech looked at my machine and said the only way to get the CD out was to totally dismantle the computer. It would cost like smoke and then there is an chance, after they put everything back, the machine might not work. I had to buy an external CD player.

I should be afraid to leave the house but I am not.

My mom had her yearly physical… I will discuss why the doctor said she has a chance of becoming a “fancy monkey” for another blog

I am still in Tucson. Loving every minute.

Desert Scenes And Grandpuppies

2011-04-27T00:19:00.001-07:00

Thank Goodness

2011-04-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

We moved today. We are still in Tucson but in a different park. It is less money, with cable and internet. I might even jump in the pool. It was cheaper to rent it by the week and that is what we did. We are settled and happy.

Guess what I did today? I ran over the sewer connection. Why they put it in the middle of the lot I will never know but I back right over it. First time I have ever did something like that. :-)

I also miss my computer. Mom was nice enough to loan me her computer while mine is missing it's cord. I left it over at my son's house so no pictures and no stories but maybe tomorrow. Life is good.

Fort Stockton Texas Sunset

2011-04-22T20:53:00.001-07:00

We are in Tucson and not Fort Stockton. I was going through my photographs this evening and thought I would post these pictures I took while in Fort Stockton.

I Am Still On The Road

2011-04-19T20:12:00.001-07:00

We are in Texas, Fort Stockton to be exact. I met up with a friend this evening and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and great conversation. Tomorrow we are heading to New Mexico and we are hoping to be in Tucson on Friday. If all goes well.

We did spend a couple of nights in Oklahoma but left before the weather turned crazy. Texas is so dry and so many parts of it is on fire. It is truly a scary situation for those living here.

We are alive and well and moving down the road. More later.

I Am On The Road To Tucson

2011-04-09T08:29:00.001-07:00

Right now we are turtling our way to Tucson. I will be posting more this evening or tomorrow.

Still In Missouri

2011-04-03T20:22:00.001-07:00

The reason mom and I ended up in Missouri was to see a doctor for my yearly physical. Once again my cholesterol level was brought up. I have had this problem for years and I am on some pretty strong medication. My weight was not a factor, it is hereditary. I hear “you have to watch what you eat,” yet I am not sure what it is I am suppose to be eating. Last night mom and I went out to eat and I was trying to figure out what I could eat. It was a buffet so I concentrated on fish and a salad. The couple sitting next to us heard us talking and a wonderful conversation started. The gentleman was a Vietnam vet, been exposed to Agent Orange which of course caused a myriad of medical problems. He also has diabetes. He was a wealth of information. He uses a book to keep track of everything he eats which I am checking into purchasing it. There is a web page, Calorie King, which I am going to use. It lets me know exactly what I am eating and what is in it. I was given a George Forman grill and I am going to purchase a toaster oven. Try to eat smarter. I have started taking fish oil, 2 tablets 4 times a day. Which is not a good thing when you live in an itty bitty van. I have been told my body will adjust.

Tomorrow we need to run back to my hometown to sign some papers and then back to Kansas City for the night. Tuesday, knock on wood, we will be out of state.

I Have Been To Italy

2011-03-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

Well, actually I have been in Kansas all this time BUT my credit card number was in Italy. It was having a grand old time. I am not sure all it purchased but it I do know it stayed in a really nice hotel. Isn’t it sad that your credit card ends up having a grand old time while you are stuck in Kansas… Sigh You know something the person using my credit card did all of these fun things absolutely free. Fortunately I paid for protection against these things. All I had to do was cut up my globe trotting credit card (that will teach it to have fun without me) and wait for a new one.

Question – Have you ever done something so stupid that you wonder, after the random act of stupidity, what the heck you were thinking? I arrived at my daughter’s home and there sitting on her counter was Robert’s Christmas present to her. A Keurig which is a single-cup brewer. At first I considered it a doo dad. Hannah patiently showed me how to brew my own teas with it and then she showed me how to use the K Cups. K Cups hold coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc. The next morning I decided to brew a cup of decaf coffee on my own and it tasted so good I had a few more cups of joe. At the end of the week Hannah came home and I met her at the door with a big old howdy and said “hihoneyhowwasworkIdidthelaundryIplayedwiththedogsandbythewayyouareoutofdecaf. I was wired for sound. I have been off the caffeine long enough for it to really be potent. So we headed for the store to purchase more coffee. I ended up buying a small Keurig for myself. I live in a van and I have absolutely no idea where I am going to store it when we are traveling. I only purchased decaf coffee and I have all the tea I need. So no more bouncing off the walls and staying up till 3 a.m.

This afternoon will be my last visit with the dentist and we will be heading out tomorrow morning for Camdenton. After Camdenton we will be heading to Las Vegas New Mexico or someplace near. It will feel good to be on the road again.

Life is good.

We Made It

2011-03-03T21:09:00.001-08:00

We arrived in Kansas around 11:30, just in time for lunch. Hannah and Robert took us to Bo Ling's, one of my favorite restaurants. Unfortunately it was right next door to Half Price Books. The afternoon was spent browsing through books and talking. Hannah and I both have a love of poetry. We also share the dislike for romance books. She works among books and she says the romance books always smell of tacos, menthol vapor rub and cigarette smoke. I am sorry if this offends some but reading a romance novel is like reading the same book over and over and over. Two basic elements comprise every romance novel: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. I like substance, I like variety and I don’t need a happy ever after. I am not in the norm when it comes to this way of thinking because romance sells and sells big.

Tomorrow I meet my new doctor. Life is good.

Topless Interstate Driving

2011-03-02T18:47:00.001-08:00

We are in the state of Oklahoma this evening and tomorrow around noon we will be sitting down having lunch with my daughter.

It has been pretty boring the past couple days with the exception of one morning. I did the usual morning routine and we took off. About thirty minutes later I started scratching. I could see the bumps appearing on my arms. I made a quick dash into a Dollar General Store and bought Benadryl lotion. By the time I got to the counter it was obvious I was breaking out. I made the comment that I am going to have to take my shirt off the minute I get into the van. That caused an eyebrow to lift from the cashier. I medicated myself and put on sleeveless shirt. About a half hour later the itching stopped and eventually the redness disappeared. The strange thing is when I put on the shirt I wore when I developed the rash, I broke out again. I am allergic my to my shirt. It is an old shirt that I have worn countless times. I plan to wash it and then see if I break out. I hate to throw out an old friend.

I told mom that I would get us to Hannah’s on time even if it means driving topless to Kansas…. Fortunately that didn’t happen.

Life is good.

We Are Still In Louisiana

2011-02-28T20:01:00.001-08:00

One of the places we wanted to see in Louisiana was Myrtle Plantation. When we drove into St. Francisville and did a little research on the area we both reached the decision to wait. There are historical cemeteries, historical homes, civil war battle sites and hiking. To much to do in less than 5 hours.

We did find a RV park in St. Francisville. It was a wonderful park. Okay a little run down but wonderful. We were greeted by a wagging tail, nice people, and reasonable rates. Later that evening another pooch came up to visit while mom and I were sitting outside. The trouble I had was my doo hickey kept going off. I bought an electrical thing to monitor our electricity. It was really really cheap and it flashes 120 and F60. It was a cool night light and I was looking forward to having Robert, my daughter’s beau, explain it to me. Then it went off and I found myself googling “Reverse Polarity Fault Condition” to “Low Voltage.” It was a crash course in electricity. That is why I love the RV life. You learn so much, you experience so much, and life is really never dull. I fixed the electrical problem by hooking up to a different electric “doo hickey.” LOL

Right now we are in Marksville Louisiana and the Paragon Casino RV Park. It is a Good Sam and Passport America park and the rates are very reasonable. We are leaving tomorrow and will be in Kansas as planned.

We met another Van Dwelling couple from Canada. They wintered in Texas but are not committed to staying in one place during the winter. They were a nice couple and a delight to talk to.

I am actually looking forward to the drive tomorrow. Life is GREAT!

Bay St. Louis Mississippi

2011-02-25T21:34:00.001-08:00

This morning mom and I got up early and headed for the casino. It was a very good day for us. On top of winning a few extra dollars we lucked into a seafood buffet for 9.99 a piece. There are days I am so happy to be over 50… Tomorrow we are planning on spending the night near Baton Rouge.

While we were in Apalachicola Florida, mom and I stopped at Chestnut Street Cemetery, a historical cemetery . Dr. Alvin Wentworth Chapman, Botanist, is buried there. Dr. Chapman was the author of "Flora of the Southern United States", first published in 1860 with several later editions by the author. For nearly fifty years this was the only manual of flowering plants in the southeastern states. An 1830 graduate of Amherst College, he moved to the south in 1831 and to Apalachicola, Florida in 1847 where he practiced medicine. He collected rare plants throughout the southeast and stayed in contact with northern botanists including Asa Gray. The genus Chapmania was named in his honor

Some of the stones in the cemetery showed signs of repair but other than that, it was in poor shape. Which is distressing to me because there is so much history there.

A few pictures I took of the cemetery.



	Epitaph Found At at Chestnut Street Cemetery Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding O’er the spoils that death has won, We would at this solemn meeting Calmly say, “Thy will be done.” Moravian melody written by Thomas Hastings

	Epitaph Found At at Chestnut Street Cemetery When I am dead and all will soon forgot My words and face and ways I somehow think I'll walk beside thee yet Adorn thy afterdays. I die first and you will see my grave But children you must not cry For my dead hand will brightest blessing wave O'er you from yonder sky.

	Epitaph Found At at Chestnut Street Cemetery All that which pleases only for a moment All that troubles us is but for a moment That only is important which is eternal.


Epitaph Found At at Chestnut Street Cemetery Clarence Goet Tinger closed his eyes in death, and flesh and spirit severed When earth and father-land and home With all their beauty Sank in gloom say was it to be forever No not forever
	Epitaph Found At at Chestnut Street Cemetery While we weep as Jesus wept Thou shalt sleep as Jesus slept With they Saviour thou shalt rest Crowned and glorified and blest

Three States

2011-02-24T17:51:00.001-08:00

We are in the state of Mississippi. Our plan is spend one more night in Mississippi before heading to the next state.

Last night we spent the night at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, another beautiful state park. We got in around 4:00 p.m. and I took a walk on the beach. It was a little chilly but I enjoyed the solitude.

Later that night things got a little freaky. I did not have phone service nor internet service consistently. The freaky thing happened when I notice my phone was on Central Standard Time. The park ranger said we were still on Eastern… I had picked up my phone to look at it and then I set it down on mom’s bed. It went to Eastern Standard Time. So mom, technically, was an hour ahead of me all night. I turned my phone off because it was confused. I didn’t turn it back on until we hit Mexico Beach.

A few pictures I took at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Florida.

Big Ears, Little Spiders

2011-02-22T20:55:00.001-08:00

One morning, last week, Mom and I were going to do a little exploring so I went outside to unhook. When I reached under the electric box to unhook my electric a lizard just leaped out and landed on my arm. It was just amazing and I honestly wasn’t expecting it. I started laughing and I walked over to the front of the van to show mom. She took the pictures. My neighbor came over to see what was going on and I showed him the lizard, who was sitting quite happily on my arm.

I walked over to a tree and gave it a little nudge to get him to move. I went back to the electric box and and looked at it. It was covered in small spiders. I said to the man, “I interrupted his dinner.”

He said, “My wife would be screaming by now.”

A voice came out of nowhere, “I would not.”

Hannah, I am getting very excited too. I am looking forward to our salads from Whole Foods, coffee with books. I am looking forward to conversation over tea. By the way, I have three different kinds of honey to try with our teas. And I have a honey salad dressing as well. We definitely have to go back to the head shop in Columbia as well as the art shops. I would like to go back to the shop where I had the Hindu Gods framed. If you can find a vegan restaurant I will think I have died and gone to heaven. I have been texting you a little Andreas daily. We are going to have a great weekend and I am heading to your house now. We are in Chiefland Florida. LIfe is Good.

Alive and Well

2011-02-21T18:18:00.001-08:00

We are alive and well. Currently we are in Mims Florida…

Why?

It was on the way.

Tomorrow we will head to Micanopy Florida and start our journey back to Kansas. I am looking forward to seeing my daughter, Hannah and her beau Robert as well as my sister, Deanie and her family. I am extremely excited to see Carol who was released from the nursing home on her birthday. I just don’t like the whole doctor thing.

I will be posting more tomorrow. I just wanted to let everyone know we are alive and kicking.

Life is good.

Off And Running

2011-02-13T22:18:00.001-08:00

Today we set off for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for a 2.5 mile walk through Slash Pines, Cypress Trees with their knees, and wildlife. I didn’t see many birds but I enjoyed being outside.

Tomorrow we will head back to Fort Pierce to see my Uncle one more time before heading for Kansas. We plan to take it slow since I don’t have to be there until the 2nd. I have really enjoyed my time in Florida and plan to come back for another visit. Florida is just beautiful thanks to the State and Government. If it wasn’t for the preservation of land, Florida would not be as fun. That is what mom and I really enjoyed. Around the beach the traffic is amazing and I often laugh and say “I can’t wait to drive around Kansas City.” In comparison Kansas City is a breeze. The majority of people we have met have been very friendly and welcoming. I know the Keys is the biggest tourist trap but that was an amazing place to go as well as the Everglades.

Mom and I visited Shark Valley and took the tram through part of the Everglades. We also took our first air boat ride. No, the Everglades was not what I imagine. I pictured it swampy but it is a slow moving river, hence the name “river of grass.” Some of the fun facts I learned about the Everglades:

Everglades National Park is home to over 1,000 species of plants.
The Everglades ecosystem provides a home to over 350 species of birds.
The Everglades comprise the largest wetlands located in the lower 48 states in the U.S.A.
America’s Everglades are home to 67 threatened or endangered species.
The Everglades is the only place in the world where the American Alligator and the American Crocodile co-exist in the wild.
The ubiquitous grassy plants known as sawgrass (a sedge), feature serrated, razor-edged blades of grass that are so sharp, they have been known to cut through clothing.
Ten thousand different islands make up Everglades National Park. Each of these islands is inhabited by natural wildlife.

Pictures I took while visiting the Everglades.

Double Fisting Drinking My Blues Away

2011-02-12T23:26:00.001-08:00

For those that heard that horrible crash that was me falling off the Caffeine Free Diet Coke wagon and I took a chocolate cake with me. No, turning a year older didn’t cause my fall it was Valentine’s Day. I was in Winn Dixie with about 10 items more than the express land would allow. So I went to the the next register and I had to move again because I was in the “Valentine Express” lane. Christmas time there wasn’t a “Santa Claus” express lane and I am sure on Easter there will not be a “Easter Bunny” express lane. I had no choice to get behind a woman with two grocery carts full. I tried to make Ma buy me a dozen roses and a box of chocolates so I could get in the Valentine Express lane… but she said I wasn’t worth it

My son’s girlfriend, Anna posted a picture of herself and James on Facebook that really threw me for a loop. When James was a teenager he wore a grey sweat shirt, jeans and tennis shoes every single day until he joined the Navy. Then he traded his teenage attire for a Navy uniform that he wore every single day. Then he traded in his Navy uniform for a Correctional Officer Uniform. I have never seen in him in anything but a uniform or jeans and a t-shirt. Until last night. I was so shocked that I woke up Ma and said “you are not going to believe this.” Anna thank you for the picture.

She also posted another picture, a picture of all my grandkids. They make a great looking family.

Life is good.

Birds

2011-02-10T20:40:00.001-08:00

I love to watch birds but I am not very good at photographing them. I was so lucky this winter to see a few rare birds and to photograph some. I am not an avid bird watcher so I don’t know the names of some of the birds I have seen or photographed. Google has been instrumental in helping me identify most of my birds.

Mom and I took an airboat ride and I saw my first Snail Kite. The Snail Kite is a endangered species in the Florida Everglades. It is a bird of prey, its diet consists almost exclusively of apple snails. I saw two of them in fact. Another bird I saw the Wood Crane. It reminds me of an old man, I don’t know why. Of course there were the Limpkins, Blue Herons, Bitterns, and my favorite the Anhinga.

I decided to post pictures of the birds I have seen. Enjoy.

Anhinga	Snowy Egret
	Limpkin
Wood Crane	Wood Crane
Anhinga	Great Blue Heron


Snail Kite

Golden Silk Orb Weaver and A Naked Man

2011-02-08T21:15:00.001-08:00

When I am window shopping I will take a picture of something that I like or I think someone on my phone list will like. If it is something I know my daughter will like I will take the picture and save it. Then when I get the feeling she needs a pick me up I will send her the picture. I found a painting that I really liked. The artist is Bryon Fish and it is called “Free At Last.” It is a picture of a naked man dashing gleefully into the sunset. I just looked at it and I saw bliss. I took the picture and saved it.

The other day I got that feeling that Hannah needed some bliss in her life and so I found the picture I took of “Free At Last” and sent it to her. I texted Yippee! Her response was WTH? I told her it was a painting of joy. She said it was an old naked man with hair up his back. She called it porno. I said No honey, when you look at it you see and feel the joy. I told her I wanted to buy it for her. Her response was OMG mom.

Undaunted I sent it to my oldest son… Mr. Conservative and waited. He wasn’t amused. You know I am so happy I am growing old enough to be an embarrassment to my children. So I am sharing my picture with you. Do you see the joy?

While in Marathon we visited Crane Point Museum. If it was a free place to hike I wouldn’t say anything but we paid to get in and it was very disappointing. I am happy to say I did find a Golden Silk Orb Weaver. In fact I found two of them and they were absolutely beautiful. Golden Silk Orb Weavers are also called Giant Wood Spiders or Banana Spider. They can reach the size of 1.5 to 2 inches in females. the males are smaller. They are not poisonous. The females do dine on the males after mating. They are beautiful spiders. I was thrilled when I found one and then I was over the moon when I found the second one. I am so easily entertained.

Pictures of Crane Point Museum

Update

2011-02-07T19:40:00.001-08:00

Robin, you are right I have had a few things going on and I am slowly climbing out. My son lost a friend, a fellow officer last Saturday. Fortunately he called me because he knew this would be on the news. I am aware that his job is dangerous and misunderstood. A correctional officer is a necessity and the men and women that work in a prison are just people like you and me doing a job that few would do. My son took this job with eyes wide open and he takes pride in his work. I am not going to tell him to quit because I am concerned about his safety. I know he can take care of himself. I just didn’t know what to say when he told me what happened in the chapel. I didn’t know how to console him when he told me he and other officers carried her out. I just wish I was there.

I love that quote you sent me, Robin. It did bring a few tears. I miss having a dog. I shower a lot of attention on the dogs I meet in the parks and spoil my grandpuppies whenever I can. I still miss Surely Not. There is so much comfort and joy when sharing your life with a furry friend. I am so happy I had almost 18 years with her.

Mom and I are in LaBelle Florida again. We have housecleaning and van maintenance to do. We are going to head back to Fort Pierce for two days and then slowly start back to Missouri. I get to meet my new doctor the first of March. Anna F. it better not snow and I am going to bring you some Florida sand. I also plan to stop by and visit my friend, Carol. She is doing better and hopefully she can come home this year.

After Miami we headed back to Collier Seminole State Park and then back on the Keys. We stayed at a Passport America park, Jolly Rogers for 5 nights in Marathon. Absolutely loved it there. We met another van dweller from Alaska and shared a lot of information with them. The day before we left we met another van dweller that will be in a 40-foot motorhome before Christmas. He loves it and she HATES it. To crowded, not enough room, and you have to unhook to buy milk. I didn’t tell her to plan ahead because she was on a rant. It is good to vent. On the way to laundry I heard from her husband about the wonders of van living. Yeah they will be in a motorhome.

After we left Marathon we went back to Miami for two nights so we could take an airboat ride and visit Shark Valley. I took a lot of photos. I saw a lot of birds and photograph 3 rare birds. Shark Valley is a definite place to stop. Mom and I took the tram and had a wonderful guide that explained the Everglades National Park very well.

I will leave you with pictures I took while in Marathon Florida.

For You Hannah

2011-01-30T19:39:00.001-08:00

THERE ARE MEN TOO GENTLE TO LIVE AMONG WOLVES

A Poem by James Kavanaugh

There are men too gentle to live among wolves
Who prey upon them with IBM eyes
And sell their hearts and guts for martinis at noon.
There are men too gentle for a savage world
Who dream instead of snow and children and Halloween
And wonder if the leaves will change their color soon.
There are men too gentle to live among wolves
Who anoint them for burial with greedy claws
And murder then for a merchant's profit and gain.
There are men too gentle for a corporate world
Who dream instead of candied apples and ferris wheels
And pause to hear the distant whistle of a train.
There are men too gentle to live among wolves.
Who devour them with eager appetite and search
For other men to prey upon and suck their childhood dry.
There are men too gentle for an accountant's world
Who dream instead of Easter eggs and fragrant grass
And search for beauty in the mystery of the sky.
There are men too gentle to live among wolves
Who toss them like a lost and wounded dove.
Such gentle men are lonely in a merchant's world.
Unless they have a gentle one to love.

Last of the pictures of Ten Thousand Island NWR

Where In The World Is Pepper

2011-01-29T23:25:00.000-08:00

The last five blogs were posted automatically. I have been asked how do you do that? It is fairly simple:

To set your blog post to publish at a future time and date, log into your Blogger account and compose a new post. Instead of clicking the Publish Post button, however, click the Post Options link at the bottom of the form.

This presents several additional options. To publish at a future date, select Scheduled At under Post Date and Time. Enter the date and time you want the blog post to publish in the boxes beneath Scheduled At. Click the Publish Post button to save your blog post and set it to publish at the date and time you specified.

The reason I do this is I know I am going to be in a location that I will not have access to reliable internet. Mom and I went back to Collier Seminole State Park for 5 days. We just enjoy the park immensely and I wanted to take a couple of hikes that I missed.

I took this video of a cormorant and his dinner. He was sure giving that fish a fit.

Currently we are back on the keys. We found a Passport America campground in Marathon Florida for $33 a night, which is very reasonable. The catch is we have to spend 5 nights here. Yeah, 5 nights by the Gulf, in warm sunny weather… sigh. It is a sacrifice but mom and I are willing to do it. This park is great! Cable TV and Wi Fi, showers and laundry. People are friendly and lots of dogs to pet and spoil.

Mom and dad did go Rving back in the 70’s for 6 months. My dad’s idea of traveling was very simple. There is a point A (where you are) and a point B (where you want to be) and he drove like gang busters to get to point B. It was “Get in, Sit down, Buckle up and Shut up.” One of the trips was to Key West Florida and they drove the old highway which was a widen railroad track. Dad was pulling an Airstream and mom remembers him hitting the side of the bridge a couple of times. It was terrifying. Once he made it to Key West, he stopped at a Sears (I think) and then he drove back towards Miami stopping along the way to spend the night. I made sure we stopped longer than an hour.

Here are some pictures of my hike I took while staying at Collier Seminole State Park. There will be more tomorrow.

The Last of the Pictures of Key West

2011-01-29T04:10:00.000-08:00

The Butterfly Garden and some friendly birds…