Can't Think Of One

It has been a rainy day and all I have done is overdosed on TV. I can now do without TV for a month. Tonight I have to take a shower and then I am going to curl up with a good book. I like these days, once in a while. The only thing bad about today is the shower part, I have to walk in the cold, wet, rain to the bath house but I am going to get wet anyway.

Yesterday was just as uneventful except mom and I decided to gamble away our usual amount and I walked out with enough cash to pay for our stay at the RV Park for this week and another. We celebrated by splitting a hot dog and an order of fries. We also don’t plan to go back because why push our luck.

Hannah, I would call you when I am having one of “those” days and I will when I can. There are times when a mom can’t talk to a daughter though. It is not a pride thing, it is because I am going through a lot of emotions that I honestly don’t know where they are coming from. The last time I had a conversation with a “professional” I was given little yellow pills and I stopped crying for several years. I don’t want to make that mistake again. Maybe that is what I am doing is I am catching up on lost tears. Don’t worry I cry when I am laughing. Sometimes I cry because life is wonderful and it just takes my breath away. I will admit that sometimes I cry because I am depressed but I am fine, I am who I am…. I wouldn’t change a thing. I am okay.

Pat, mom and I are planning to head to Texas. We have to have some repairs done to the van and while waiting for parts we plan to do a little exploring. If you see a white van with a row of possums on the dash - WAVE - that is us!

Grandma Rosie - it is great to be back.

Sigh

When I tried to schedule an appointment with the Chevy Dealership that serviced the van previously I was told that my van was too big for their service department.  Then I was referred to another dealership in Tucson and that is where we were for 5 minutes today.  Obviously someone didn’t do their job but I did talk to a mechanic.  They want me to bring it in when the light is on and that might be challenging.  So we are going to bring it in Monday at 7:00 and I was told that we will be there all day.   Oh joy.   I don’t know what they are going to do that is going to take all day.  

Mom and I decided to go to Saguaro National Park and do a little hiking.  We enjoyed ourselves so much that we forgot that we needed to purchase propane.  We will be snuggling down in our blankets tonight.   Today was a nice day, fresh air does a body good. 

Tomorrow we will be cleaning house, getting propane and maybe go on another hike.

Moving On

 

Mom and I finally made it to Ajo and met up with Michael. We had a wonderful adventure exploring Chico Shunie. The pictures I took do not do this part of the world justice. Cabeza Prieta was just an amazing place and I wanted to stay longer and explore more. Michael was a wonderful host and was very knowledgeable about the area. Mom and I really enjoyed our day. It was just fantastic.

When we dropped Michael off our plans was to grab a bite and then go to the bakery and listen to some music. My brakes had a different plan. This time I felt a loss of power, enough to concern me. I went back to the park, found my road assistance number and left late morning. I was not a happy camper. When we left I saw a golden eagle and took that as a positive sign. We made it to Sells Arizona and the brake lights came back on so I stopped at a gas station and waited. We made it to Tucson late afternoon and the van will be going in tomorrow. They are going to find out what is wrong and that is that. Mom and I would have like to have stayed longer in Ajo, explored the Buenos Aires National Refuge and try to see Tubac before they close the state park. I don’t like to be in Tucson because it gets a hold of you and doesn’t turn loose. We are here until the 4th of March and by that time we should be through with our yearly physicals. Let’s hope the doctor doesn’t want to keep us.

The internet at this park is really poor. I will be on when I can. I will be uploading pictures as well.

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

All For A Date Shake

Today was the petroglyph site and as soon as we get the generator fixed we will be staying in place like that. A truly beautiful place and so quiet. We also met a very nice gentleman and he talked us to driving to Dateland for a date shake.  It was very good.  Trust me on that one.

Since we purchased our van we have had a unique problem. We have had it checked out and the only sensible conclusion would be an airplane flying overhead or radar in the air. We have had so much fun with it though. You see our horn will honk, or the doors will lock sometimes with the horn letting us know and sometimes not. Our TV turns itself off and on as well. We jokingly say “we have a ghost.” Ok I will admit we blame dad. The doors lock and mom will say “dad is around.” Tonight mom and I were engrossed with an intense Law and Order. It was coming to the conclusion and mom and I were glued…. Then the TV shut itself off. I yelled “Dad knock it off.” As soon as I said it, the TV came on. Hmmm


We are in Ajo and will be visiting Michael tomorrow. We plan to spend two nights here before continuing our slow trip back to Tucson.

Update

Nothing wrong with the brakes and the testing was covered by warranty. That is a relief. Tomorrow mom and I plan to go out in the middle of the desert and I am thankful that my brakes are in good working order. I hope to have some great pictures to share.

It has been hurry up and wait with an umbrella winter

This winter has been pretty crappy. If we were not fighting rainy, damp weather we were being given instruction on patience by the Roadtrek Company. It has been hurry up and wait with an umbrella winter. Now we are heading for Chevy dealership in Phoenix on Monday.

I will start at the beginning. I had made plans to visit the petroglyphs on Monday and a trip to Ajo afterwards. Saturday mom and I went out to eat and on the way both brake lights went on and bells started going off. It was a typical oh crap moment because I am not mechanically inclined. I pulled over and turned off the motor and gave mom that what do I do look. I grabbed the instruction manual and looked up brakes. It said “you are in a whole lot of trouble-call a tow truck.” So I turned the motor back on, thinking maybe I was seeing double or something and it was all a bad dream but I wasn’t dreaming. So I shut off the motor. I sat there thinking, my brakes felt fine, I never noticed anything different. So I popped the hood and went out to take a look around. Thank god for pictures because I found the brake fluid doohickey and checked that and it was fine. So I got back in the van and fired that baby up. I told mom we are heading back to the park and I will think about it. On the way back the lights went out. So I thought to myself “well shoot, I am going to find that Italian place and grab a pizza.” Then I hit the grocery store and went back to park. The lights never came back on. It didn’t come on when I turned on the motor this morning. I am not going to take any chances.

I sat down and read the manual about the braking system last night and it could be the sensors needed to be reset. If it turns out to be nothing but a quick fix then I will be heading back to the petroglyph site and Ajo. Somebody down there wants to buy mom and I a hamburger.

Kids, yes I knew how to open the hood without the manual, no snarky comments on me laughing when the car salesman asked me if I wanted to look at the motor… Please don’t call because you know I will if the crap hits the fan.

The Pups In My Life

I have had four pups in my life since my old friend passed. Lu and Fi – Lu couldn’t travel and Fi wanted a family. I made up my mind not to get another dog. Around Christmas this year my daughter called and she found an Affenpinscher/Poodle mix that needed a new home. I admit to being a dog snob and I always wanted an Affenpinscher. Hannah’s beau, Robert picked her up at the prison where she was residing and flew with her to Florida where we were staying.  She came with a little Christmas bow on her crate.

Perhaps “prison dog” should have been a red flag but I wasn’t looking for flags, I was looking for a furry companion. I called her Abby. I think the first few days Abby was in shock. Since she was residing in a little cell prior to moving into a van I don’t think space was an issue. I think going from an adoring inmate to two crazy women proved to be too much for her. She was a one person dog and she was trying to figure out who she was going to attach herself to. Fortunately for me she picked me. Unfortunate for ma though because once Abby decided I was the one, Abby also decided mom had to go. You think living full-time in a van is rough try living in a van with a thirteen pound dog that wants to eat you. Poor mom… one false move and Abby was going for the throat. Since the rescue wanted her returned and not dropped off at a pound, we had to live with her until Robert and Hannah caught up with us in Texas. We sectioned off the van (Divide 19 foot by 2), mom was extremely careful and didn’t make any sudden moves when she was around me, and we made do. When Robert took possession of Abby she went for him and drew blood. There is good news for Abby, she is back in prison with her inmate and she will never be adopted out again.

After Abby left I was left with an even stronger desire to have a pup. When we arrived in Tucson we decided to get a puppy. So we found Annie and she was such a sweetie. She needed a home that would suit her needs. So Annie went to live with a nice lady who lives in Iowa. I am a believer in signs and I know someone is trying to tell me to wait…. Someday a furry companion will find me.


I was asked why I still grieve for my old friend. Why after almost two years I still mourn her passing… I know that it is strange why I grieve for her like I do and not for my human friends but the truth is she didn’t bite.

Still in Gila Bend, enjoying the brief rain, and tomorrow we are going to look for petroglyphs. Thank you everyone for your comments. It is good to be back.

Happy Birthday

I am going to try and dedicate 10 minutes a day to writing and maintaining this blog. Mom and I are still traveling and exploring. We are hoping to be heading to Texas at the end of March. We have some repairs that need to be done to the van and after that we plan to head to the east coast.

My birthday was the 12th of February. Mom and I were in Bullhead City and to celebrate my 51 years we went to the Aquarius Casino in Laughlin Nevada. I am not a big fan of the seafood buffet so we ate at a small café in the casino. Our waiter was Jose and what took place in that café was just like a scene out of “Will and Grace” only I didn’t hire Jose as my personal assistant.

Yes, I got a waiter fired on my birthday.

You have to realize that I do not complain to the manager unless I am really torked off.

We were escorted to our table and about 5 minutes later a party of six was escorted to their table. We sat and we waited…. Then we waited some more and finally here comes Jose. Jose couldn’t speak English and when he did speak it was done in grunts. Mom and I told him what we wanted and off he went. The party of six waited…. Then waited some more and finally here come Jose. He took their order. 45 minutes later Jose returns with the party of six’s meal. Judging from their reaction I was afraid of what my meal was going to look like. It wasn’t long that we found out. My hamburger bun was so wet that it was dripping off the burger. Plop Plop Plop… Not very appetizing. I scraped the bun off the burger and tried to eat the hamburger. Yeah right. I picked up my ticket and went to the manager. Then I filled out a complaint on Jose. So did the party of six. No, I didn’t pay for my birthday dinner; I took the money I was going to spend on dinner and went out to the slots and won. It turned out to be a great birthday after all…. But not for Jose.

Mom and I are in Gila Bend, making our way slowly to Tucson.

About The House and The GPS

We finished all of the must repairs and promptly moved my son in. We then hit the road. It is nice to know that there is a place to hang my hat when I feel the need. Meanwhile my son gets to babysit the house. He works and attends school full time so having a rent free place is nice. The maintenance can be a headache and I am so glad it is his headache for the time being.

The GPS did pretty good today, it took us everywhere we wanted to go and I let my guard down. We made it to New Orleans at rush hour and the GPS told us to go left when we should have gone right and we were lost. I knew I should have turned right. Robin I hope you are right. If it doesn't straighten out we will be performing an exorcism on it using rocks.

Stuff

The GPS From Hell

My first GPS system was in the process of dying in October and my daughter, Hannah and her beau, Robert gave me one to replace it. Mom and I were absolutely thrilled with it and it worked great until I drove into Louisiana. Then something happened, it must be voodoo or maybe the GPS has been possessed by river demons – I don’t know. This I do know, it has taken us down every back road, back street and back alley from Many to Duson Louisiana. It doesn’t recognized interstates and only recognizes a few secondary roads. More times that I care to count it has tried to put me on a dirt road. I don’t have a problem with dirt roads as long as I can find a place to turn around if the road turns rough. I will admit that in a blind panic I have turned around in places deemed impossible. If I take the van down a rough road there is a possibility of rupturing my sewer tank and then I am slinging sh*t. I don’t want that. I have gone through every setting and made sure that dirt roads were one of the avoidances. It isn’t in the settings. It just wants to get us lost in the bayous of Louisiana.


I have good common sense, until sheer stubbornness takes over and then it goes out the window. When mom and I left Marksville we programmed Duson Louisiana and off we went. This is what went down.


After directing us 7 miles out of town:

GPS: Turn left on McMillan Road……
Pepper: Okay, there is not a McMillan Road. Heck, there isn’t a road on the left side of the road.
GPS: Recalculating…….. In .5 miles turn left on Smith Levee Road.
Pepper: There is not a Smith Levee Road. Heck, there isn’t a road on the left side of the road.
GPS: Recalculating….. In .5 miles turn left on Johnson Road.
Pepper: Ain’t happening.
GPS: Recalculating….


This went on for 40 miles, until I gave up and drove back to Marksville. Once we reached Marksville the GPS kicked in and directed us to Duson by way of back road, back alley, and back streets. Tomorrow we are heading to New Orleans and we are taking the scenic route. I also have a Louisiana map and we are going to use it. I also wrote down the directions taken from Google. God only knows where we will end up if we turned on the GPS. For chuckle and grins it will be on.


There Are Kind And Decent Folks In The World

When mom and I take off for a little sightseeing I just unhook. I leave my hose and my two chairs behind. The only item I take is my surge protector. I figure it lets people know someone is parked there and if someone wants to steal those things – so be it. Remember I had my sewer hose stolen once. Nothing surprises me.

This morning I unhooked and took off. Next door to the RV Park is a gas station so I stopped to gas up. My wonderful, wonderful neighbor thought we had left for good and forgot those items so he ran over to the gas station. I was totally blown away by his kindness and told him so.

Diamond Bessie

A couple arrived by train to Jefferson Texas on January 19 1877. They immediately attracted the attention of the town folks with their matching luggage and the woman literally dripped with jewels which included three humongous diamonds rings. They checked into a hotel under the name of Mr. and Mrs. A Moore, Cincinnati Ohio. They spent the next two days eating, walking around town and fighting like cats and dogs. Someone heard him call her Bessie.

On the morning of January 21, Mr. Monroe bought a picnic lunch, and the couple crossed the bridge at Cypress Bayou, walking away from town along the Marshall road. The last person to see them together was Frank Malloy, who noticed them in the restaurant before 11:00 AM; Malloy took special note of Bessie's massive diamond rings. Approximately three hours later Mr. Monroe was seen crossing the bridge back into Jefferson alone.

When questioned about his wife's whereabouts at the hotel, Mr. Monroe claimed she had stayed across the Bayou to visit friends. The following morning, he took breakfast alone at the hotel, where he was seen wearing Bessie's rings. On the morning of Tuesday the 23rd, he boarded a train to Cincinnati with Bessie's luggage.

On February 5 an excited woman ran into town to report a well-dressed corpse just off the Marshall road reclining peacefully amid picnic debris. It was poor Bessie without her diamonds. She had been shot in her forehead. The townsfolk were shocked and immediately collected $150 to make Bessie a permanent guest of Jefferson Texas.

Doing some detective it was discovered they had registered in Marshall Texas under the name of A. Rothschild. He was Abraham Rothschild, the black sheep of the Rothschild family, the same family who pulled their carriage around London with a matched pair of zebras and had more money than sense. Bessie was a prostitute that became a companion of Mr. Rothschild. A warrant was issued to authorities in Ohio, and was served after Mr. Rothschild's return there. Shortly before he was arrested he attempted suicide (evidently with a BB gun since he succeeded only in putting out an eye). It was in this condition he was returned to Marion County for trial.

Rothschild was convicted — the jury foreman reportedly drew a noose on the wall during deliberations with the slogan, "That's my verdict!" — But the conviction was overturned on appeal. There was widespread opinion that Rothschild's wealth, and Bessie's being a prostitute, was influencing the appellate court. One newspaper editorial bitterly wrote, "Certainly all that is required to save a red-handed murderer from the gallows are two or three active friends and sufficient money..."

After much legal wrangling, Rothschild went to trial again on December 22, 1880, this time in Jefferson. Rothschild did not testify in his own defense, and his lawyers made mincemeat of prosecution witnesses. Rothschild, to the dismay of many, was acquitted, and rejoined his family in Cincinnati. Editorialists were again bitter, one writing, "...one of the vilest and meanest murders ever perpetrated goes unpunished through the inefficiency of the legal system."

The Journey Thus Far

After spending quite a bit of time in Missouri mom and I finally hit the road that will eventually lead to Florida. Our first night out was spent in a parking lot in front of a casino. The next day we recuperated in Muskogee and then headed to Hugo Oklahoma. Hugo is winter quarters for two circus groups, Carson and Barnes and Kelly Miller Circus. There is a also  a cemetery, Mt. Olivet that is home to circus performers as well as famous rodeo stars and one gentlemen that my kids do not know..... Buster Brown. We stayed at the Frisco Depot RV Park We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Hugo.

We decided to spend some time in Durant after our visit in Hugo and yeah it was a little more profitable than the first casino we stopped at. So we stashed our winnings for the next casino.

I had heard that in Texas Jesus wore cowboy boots and I  had to see this in order to believe it so we were off to Paris Texas.  There in a huge cemetery filled with beautiful statuaries and stories is a statue I heard so much about....  a statue of Jesus wearing cowboy boots.  While in Paris we stopped and visited the Eiffel Tower.  Then we moved on to Texarkana.

 There is lots to do in Texarkana.  We visited the cemetery and saw the house a gambler won in a card game.  I met a wonderful couple, Mickey and Fred and their dog Sheila.  Really great people that travel in a mini.  It is a 22 foot "motorhome."   We had the oil changed on the van and we took to Brookeland Texas.

Brookeland was a stop to play catch up....  I had my first run in with a neighbor and I was so happy to move to another lot.  I was hooking up and my surge protector wasn't cooperating.  That tells me something is definitely wrong with the plug.  While I was in the process of figuring things out, out pops my neighbor.  He asked me what I was doing and I tried to explain it in my own way.  He said "You are a newbie... don't you know how to plug in your electric cord."  Then he proceeded to tell me I didn't need a surge protector and I had one built in.  I just smiled and said thanks so much.   Then I unhooked everything and moved.  When I finished hooking up mom and I enjoyed watching the bats that were feeding on the mosquitoes that were feeding on us.

Then it was off to see the Caddo Mounds. We had a picnic and I took the walk to see the mounds. We jumped into the van and made it to Natchitoches, Louisiana by 7:00.  Natchitoches is simply an amazing city so rich in history and beautiful historical homes.  If you ever go to Natchitoches take the buggy ride.  Yeah it is cheesy but mom and I enjoyed it.  If you can't make it  there, then rent Steel Magnolia.

And now we are where we are now and when it becomes a memory I will tell it's story but this I do know - life is good.

Yes It Has Been A Month Son

What a month it has been!!!!!

When mom and I finally got out of Arizona we kept thinking something is going to happen. Seriously. We just knew something was going to pull us back to Arizona but we made it to Missouri only to discover that the McMahon RV didn't do the paperwork and I couldn't license the van. We were stuck in Camdenton Missouri. Fortunatley, Robert aka Hannah's beau, knew who to call, who to piss off, and got the ball rolling. It took a week but we were finally legal.

During the week we were in Camdenton, I rented a car and I took off to Swedeborg to visit my friend of 27 years, Carol. I also visited with her daughter, daughter-in-law, and her dad. It was great fun. When Paul, Carol's dad was younger I often forgot he was blind because he just didn't act like someone who was blind. This is a gentleman who tore down houses, small sheds and lived with a wonderful woman (Betty) who could move the walls in their home. He was never treated like a blind man. Now he is in a nursing home and frail. When I was feeding him I forgot to tell him what I was giving him and he would yell at me "Whats this?" I started feeding him and saying "this is roast beef, this is cabbage, this is potatoes...." I got to this pile of something and looked at Carol and she mouthed stuffing. So I popped some in Paul's mouth and said "This is stuffing..." He yelled "It taste like shit." I just about fell out of my chair and that got everyone's sick sense of humor going.... I won't go into details except to say that everyone knew what Paul thought of his lunch. Everyone is doing fine in Carol's family.

We didn't see Marion but we will this week. We have to go back for a couple of days.

After Camdenton we ended up in Kansas visiting Hannah and Robert and getting some warrenty work done on the van. That of course put us in a hotel for a few days. I am happy to say we are now back in our itty bitty house on wheels.

Tomorrow we are heading to Lawrence Kansas to wander the cemetery there and do a little window shopping. Sunday we are heading to Lebanon to visit with Lil aka my children's aunt, ex sister in law. Hannah and Robert will be with us and we plan to go to the cemetery in Lebanon. I think.

During the month since I last blogged we have been to Osceola Missouri, Carlyle Illinois, not only did we get to visit with my sister and her family we also went camping with Deanie. Mom and I also made it to Marshall Missouri to see Jim The Wonder Dog Memorial Park and also visited the cemetery. We also visited the Booneville Missouri cemetery. It has been a crazy wonderful month.

I will be posting pictures on my website. I plan to work on it tomorrow. I am learning a new program and sometimes it is a chore to teach this old dog a new trick.

Oracle to Mammoth Arizona By Way Of A Dirt Road ETC

Oracle to Mammoth Arizona By Way Of A Dirt Road
Rusty you went the wrong way! Scott took mom and I down the same dirt road, instead of going to Benson like Rusty did we took the fork in the road that led to Mammoth. It was a wonderful drive and we were able to get out and do a little exploring. If I had doubts about giving LuLu now called Louie to Scott this trip would have dispelled them. Scott climbed a very steep hill, Bernie was struggling to keep up with him and Louie was just passing at the base. You could tell she was not happy. The next thing I know she went scurrying up and it took some maneuvering on her part because her legs were not as long and a couple of times she scared me but she made it. See the picture below. That is a proud dog moment. Now Scott has two dogs that absolutely ADORE him.

In Oracle between the cemetery and the main road was a beautiful butterfly garden. You can tell that a lot of love and pride went into the creation of such a tranquil place.

Oracle Cemetery









35 missions... Amazing!


A "hornie toad"

Butterfly Garden, Oracle AZ



Close up of the bench













There were two pyramids



Close up of the pyramids









Also at the butterfly garden was a mosiac lizard.





Two tiles on the fence in the butterfly garden.





Yes Sireee I chased this one down.



But I don't chase cows.





Bernie doesn't see cows, he sees STEAK!



American Flag Arizona
Ghost Town
The only building still standing is this one, a private residence then a post office.



Proud Dog Moment



She went up this hill.





Mammoth Arizona



Grandma - have some beans ready for me.



Never, Never Shake A Baby.



Quietly and unbeknown to many.
A small child born perfect in every way,
Was struck down by hands much larger than his.
Larger hands meant to love and protect,
Shook and beat this child almost to death.
Brain damaged, wheelchair bound and
Stricken by seizures, this child was to live
Longeer than many had expected.
He was adopted by a loving family who
Cared for him as if he were their own.
In their eyes he was.
There were to be many sleepless days and nights.
They fought for his right to go to school,
They read to him, held him, and cared for his
Many medical needs.
He belonged.
On January 25 1998 god called for this
Little Angel.
Quietly and unbeknown to many.
Sergio became free of the restraints life had
Given him.
He was requested to feast with God at his table.
Sergio now can be heard singing with the Angels.
Sergio, you will be missed by all who knew you.
You touched so many.
I now know why God chose to keep you here
with us.

Dental Agony
July was the month for all things dental but it was Scott that suffered the most. I, on the other hand, heard the familiar “you have a great tolerance for pain.” Well Doc you need to be around when I stub my toe on the coffee table but I digress. Scott still has three impacted wisdom teeth. He made an appointment with an oral surgeon, he went to the consultation, and three days before the surgery he made a call to inquire about payment. I was going to go to New Mexico and needed to know how to pay for it. That is when the shit hit the proverbial fan. Angie, aka financial manager told him that I had called and told her I couldn’t pay for it. Scott is not stupid and he knew I wouldn’t make that call. He called me and I had mom take care of it because I was in a dental chair awaiting my turn. Different office, different doctor. Angie told my mother to have me call her tomorrow morning. Which I did and this is what she said “You called and said you couldn’t pay for Scott’s dental work because your mother is dying of cancer.” I bit my tongue because I didn’t know if Scott still wanted to see this dentist. There were a few choice statements running through my head, let me tell you and more came to mind when she said, “Maybe one of Scott’s little friends made a prank call.” First unsaid comment would have been “my son is 25 years old and not a child”, second unsaid comment would have been “do they do random drug checks in your office and if not they need to start”, and third unsaid comment would have been, “it is none of your damn business how this is getting paid.” In fact when I called Scott I told him to pay them in tips which mean a whole lot of ones, fives, and tens. My even tempered son calmed me down and called Angie himself. By the end of the conversation she made him so made he ripped her a new one. So he had to start over. He has another consultation this coming Tuesday. During the time he was dealing with Angie and now he had an emergency root canal done. It was so bad that the Novocain wouldn’t kick in so he basically had it down without pain medications. It was horrible.

I don’t want the government taking over the health care but something needs to be about the unbelievable cost. Scott would have had to wait several months before he could have his wisdom teeth extracted and the emergency root canal would have set him back at least a year.

My minor oral surgery was a success and August 24th I should be eating normal again.

California Bound
Scott, Mom and I will be heading to California Tuesday. We found a Class B dealership that actually sells more than one. I am hoping and praying… Kill a chicken and say prayers.

Roadtrek

I received a call Friday from Des Moines about our Roadtrek. It appears that Roadtrek has been hit hard by the recession and could not take our order. They are having serious financial  problems.   We are once again without a place to live. Robert is looking for a Pleasure Way for us and mom and I decided to go to Albuquerque to search for one there. We plan to leave Wednesday next week. If we have to order one then it will be 6 to 8 weeks. I just hope we can find one soon. I am a little tired of staying in a hotel and sleeping on an air mattress.

One more order from WalMart and I am caught up my pictures. I feel that is a major accomplishment. Hannah I am going to upload the pictures I took of the London Bridge to WalMart, then I will send you the information to access them. It will be easier to do this. I will do this tomorrow.

I talked to Rusty and found out that Daisy aka Fi is a water dog. She loves going to the ocean. Scott discovered Louie aka Lu is not only a packrat but a frugal one as well. He cleaned out her house and found a dollar bill. Now if she can only find several of those....

We are pretty much grounded until all of the dental work is over. Scott has a consultation with an oral surgeon Monday and my appointment is Tuesday. I just hope everything is done and over by the first of the month.

Until later.

HMMMM

How I Knew Scott Was Using My Computer.......


This is my new wallpaper

My Rules Regarding My Computer.....  any files left on the computer become my property!!!!!

For My Family

I have agreed to keep up the blogging but it will be only for family. I can understand why you need to keep tabs on us.

It was a hard decision to give up the motorhome. Part of the reason is the enormous responsibility. Most folks can jump into one and take off. I guess the excitement of the next destination takes away the fear of driving something that large. I think of the consequences, I think of breakdowns, and I constantly think of the car I am towing. The experience of El Paso haunts me. It doesn't matter that it wasn't my fault; the experience was branded in my memory.

Since we don't want to settle down and we still want to see and do and experience the only logical answer is to move into a van. Rusty, a Roadtrek 210 has more room and more storage but it is a wide body and I want something that will fit into a parking spot. The Roadtrek 190 is perfect for us. It is 20 feet long and has all of the conveniences of a larger motorhome only much smaller. I have seen one towing a clown car but I am not planning on towing anything. Mom and I have lived in small before so smaller shouldn't be an issue.

I am so happy to have taken Robert's advice and sell the motorhome on my own. I didn't think it would sell so quickly, now we are in an extended stay hotel living with only the items we plan to take with us in the van. With Robert's help we ordered our van and saved lots and lots and lots of money. It will be 8 weeks before it will be ready and waiting for us in Des Moines. It will be worth it.

We were asked by a friend what we plan to name our little van and it will be the Possum Express.

Since our original plans to stay in Missouri for the last half of August were nixed we decided after our visit with Rusty we will just take off in the car and head north. I just want to see if we can leave the state of Arizona. Mom is thinking of the Piney Woods and I am thinking of Arkansas. Once again we are on the same page and that is where we will be.... hopefully the last part of August.

Scott is visiting the dentist this morning and I feel for him. The extraction of 4 wisdom teeth is not a fun experience. My appointment with the same dentist is next week and our smile is our trip to Alaska. Maybe next year we can go or I might just head the van north and go there on the Possum Express.

I just wish I could have my puppies. You cannot expect two lively pups to live in a small area. Fi aka Daisy is in her element with three kids and a cat. Rusty, keep her until she is old because she will become a great dog. Lu is happy to be in a house that doesn't move and she is happy to be with Bernie. The four of us have new homes and all is well.

Until next time.

Quartzsite Arizona

We left yesterday and drove to Quartzsite aka the big parking lot in the desert.  Quartzsite is a little sleepy town with 1900 population only in summer - and almost 250'000 in winter, the time when the snowbirds are there. Our goal is to leave asap and drive to Needles.  Fortunately it is only about 2 hours away.  More later

Cheech and Chong

It has been a hetic week!

Fi survived her surgery and is back to being her tireless self.  When Lu had her surgery she lived for two days in her crate, lying flat on her back.  Fi refused to lay or sit down.  She just stood, swaying back and forth.  She was one stoned puppy.  Eventually she would just drop and lay for about 30 minutes then she was back up again.  She was starting to remind me of Cheech.

CHEECH: It's Dave, man. Will you open up? I got the stuff with me.
CHONG: Who?
CHEECH: Dave, man. Open up.
CHONG: Dave?
CHEECH: Yeah, Dave.
CHONG: Dave's not here.
CHEECH: What the hell? No, man, I am Dave, man. Will you...
(More knocks)
CHEECH: C'mon! Open up the door, will you? I got the stuff with me, I think the cops saw me.
CHONG: Who is it?

Lu spent two nights with Scott so Fi could recuperate.

The good news is La Mesa will be able to fix the air conditioner this week.  The jacks will have to wait until we get back from Nevada.

We have spent so much time in Marana and Tucson that Lu forgot what grass is, of course Fi has never experienced it.  It was funny to see their reaction when they ran over it.  Both dogs just stopped dead in their tracks.  Both of them were straddle walking.  It took two trips to the patch of grass for both of them to figure out that grass is good......  Now I am starting to sound like Cheech.  Now when it is time for their walk they head straight to the patch of grass and they roll and scoot.  When I think no one is looking I turn Lu loose and she just runs zig zag and when she tires she puts her head on the patch of grass and just scoots.  It is bliss.

Our goal is to leave around Thursday and head north.  We will be back in Tucson the first of August because we have to catch a plan to Seatle Washington.  We will be picked up at the airport and whisked away to our cruise ship for our one week Alaskan cruise.  Since I will not drive this rig over mountains we just had to figure out another way to see Alaska.  Also in August we are going to take our yearly trip to Missouri.

Until later.

We Made It 20 Miles Today and BOY Am I Tired

There is no such thing as a little check up.  I took care of the battery situation and had them check my jacks.  Then I remembered the air conditioner doesn't work in the bedroom and I asked them to check that as well.

One of the jacks is leaking and the condenser is shot.  The factory that manufacturers the condenser burned to the ground and so there is a delay in getting parts.  Two week delay.  I told mom there is no way I am staying in Tucson for two more weeks.  It ain't happening. 

We are going to Vegas.  We are going to leave at the end of the week for Vegas and we are going to have a wonderful time in Vegas with my sister.  Then we will come back to Tucson for the air conditioner repair.  We still have the air conditioner for the front of the RV so we will be fine. 

This morning I jumped into the driving seat, put my foot on the brake and started screaming.  A bee was on my brake pedal and I am one of those people that drive barefooted.  Then I caught the tail end of rush hour and the whole time I was driving I was thinking, "someone is trying to tell me something...."

Tomorrow will be a day of R and R, Sunday we drive to Sierra Vista - spend the night in a hotel room - so we can be at the vet bright and early Monday morning.

Thank you for all of your comments and kind words.

Update

The RV repairman arrived yesterday and we are up and running.  Since the power booster didn't work I diecided to make an appointment with a Winnebago service station located on the other side of Tucson.  We are moving out tomorrow and we are giving the motorhome a check up.  We plan to stay two nights on the other side of Tucson then we will be heading for Sierra Vista for Fi Fi's appointment.

Lulu is still extremely stressed.  I started the engine tonight and she actually hid behind the couch.  In a RV that is very difficult to do but she managed to get behind it and wedge herself in a little hole.  I can't help it but I am worried about her.  She is now in her kennel, vibrating.  Tomorrow her house will move and this will be Fi and Lou's first time on the road.

I don't know when I will  be on the net.  I don't know if the park we will be staying in has internet or not.  I am not sure about the park in Sierra Vista.  I am sure I can find a hot spot somewhere.

Later.

Well

I don't know why I am in such a good mood.

I know that I don't have to do half the things I do but that is alright by me.  One of the "things" I do is start my motor when I am sitting for a while.  I will go out and wipe down the levels and oil them.  I spray the slides.  Then I pull the slides in, raise the levelers, and start my motor.  I let it run for a while.  I figure it is better safe than sorry.  I sat here and watched my neighbors, who haven't started their motor for 6 months, just turn the key and leave.  I do feel foolish.

We are planning on leaving this weekend.  So Saturday I decided to go through my little routine of starting my engine.  I cleaned, oil, sprayed.... then I went in the house and pulled the slides in.  Then I hit the button to raise the levelers..... They raised half way and then I received the error message "low voltage."  I tried to recharge by hitting the booster button but it didn't work..... 

Meanwhile Lulu started vomiting  because of the stress of her house shrinking, Fi just wanted on my lap, and I am just sitting in the driver's seat shaking my head.  Mom and I have been living with our slides in because the RV repairman is so busy he can't come out until Wednesday or Thursday.   Lulu still doesn't want to come in the house.  She is totally freaked out and I am worried about her.  What is she going to do when her little house moves?

I thought about having Fi and Lu share a kennel when we do start traveling but if Lu vomits I will have two dogs to clean up.  Truthfully Lu doesn't want a companion she justs wants to get the hell out.  She has been such a depressed puppy since her house shrunk. 

Other than losing half my house we are doing great!

More In Re Hannah's Visit

The last full day of Hannah and Robert's visit was spent in Sabino Canyon.  We decided to do a "gravity hike."  We took the shuttle to the last stop and then we thought we would hike down.  Foolish, foolish me.    When we did get to the hiking down part it was downhill on the way.    It was a fun time.

 

The last stop

  

  

 Hannah and Robert

  

Me - I died

  

  

That was our trail

 

  

 

  

  

Fortunately at the end of the trail there was a place to cool off.

  

  

  

In beauty may I walk.

All day long may I walk.

Through the returning seasons may I walk.

Beautifully will I possess again.

Beautifully birds . . .

Beautifully joyful birds

On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.

With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk.

With dew about my feet may I walk.

With beauty may I walk.

With beauty before me, may I walk.

With beauty behind me, may I walk.

With beauty above me, may I walk.

With beauty below me, may I walk.

With beauty all around me, may I walk.

In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk.

In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk.

It is finished in beauty.

It is finished in beauty.

A Navajo Indian Prayer 

Thanks Lisbeth