It is different to be on the road again after five months of
comfortably settling down for the winter.
We have to remember how this works:
plan the route ahead of time, where will we camp, where will we go to church, getting a map, where
to shop, and what there is that we want to see on the way. It is an adjustment. We find we need some rest days first to get
our bearings and recover from the frenzied days of preparing to travel and for
b. to get over her cold. St. David is a
nice place to do that, outside of Tucson. We have enjoyed walks through the beautiful, quiet RV park. They need to be carefully timed, though as the daytime temps are in the 90's and even up to 100. This is a lovely park with trees, cacti, 2 small lakes, geese and ducks, a large pool, and friendly people.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Snake Season
I don't know if "Snake Season" is an official season, but it has arrived with the hotter weather. Yesterday there were 3 sightings of rattlesnakes in our RV park. Hmmmm. This is another new experience for us. So, we are taking precautions against meeting one of these critters. No more will the doggie be lying under the motorhome. Snakes may go there to be in the shade with him. We'll be staying away from bushes and brush. Also holes in the ground. And wear shoes at night when we walk the dog, not sandals. If you have any other advice about snakes for city slicker northerners, please pass it along.
There are other kinds of snakes also -- the two legged variety. As the friendly snowbirds leave and spring breakers arrive, we have a different atmosphere here now. Most of the spring breakers have been friendly or at least don't cause trouble. However, last night there were two sightings of another kind of snake when a female friend took a walk in the evening. Another new rule -- no more walks alone in the RV park.
As we say good bye to many neighbors this week, we realize there is an elite group left that we are apart of -- the early-arrivers and late-leavers. We can alert each other about the snakes until we all go our separate ways. (Or just scare each other to death talking about them.)
PS -- N. and b. discovered a dead gopher snake (not poisonous) by the road up the hill from our motorhome on Thursday, March 29. It seemed like a perfect opportunity for some fun since April Fool's Day was in a few days. "b. the brave" got stick, gloves and a box to gather up the critter and save it for Sunday morning. Our neighbors across the road became snake sitters as they allowed it to hide under their trailer.
Saturday another dead snake of the same kind was found. What could we do with 2 snakes??? While we thought about that, b. checked snake #1 and it stinketh and was promptly tossed. Snake #2 was properly arranged in a coil in the box and hidden under the neighbor's trailer.
Sunday morning arrived and b. placed her April Fool's joke outside our motorhome door on the mat for B. to discover. It worked perfectly and he was duly cautious as he tossed things out the door to see if the snake was alive or not. When he was very sure it was dead he then began to think how it got there and if anyone we know in the RV park could have put it there. It took WAY too long to eventually think it could be the innocent daughter. Maybe 10 minutes later he wondered aloud how the snake's head got on top of the rock (staged!) and if b. might have done that. When she smiled, he knew all and attempted to toss her in the lake. However, the dog came to her rescue and tripped B. on the beach. Ahhhhh, this April Fools Day will go down in history as having the best joke ever.
That was fun.
There are other kinds of snakes also -- the two legged variety. As the friendly snowbirds leave and spring breakers arrive, we have a different atmosphere here now. Most of the spring breakers have been friendly or at least don't cause trouble. However, last night there were two sightings of another kind of snake when a female friend took a walk in the evening. Another new rule -- no more walks alone in the RV park.
As we say good bye to many neighbors this week, we realize there is an elite group left that we are apart of -- the early-arrivers and late-leavers. We can alert each other about the snakes until we all go our separate ways. (Or just scare each other to death talking about them.)
PS -- N. and b. discovered a dead gopher snake (not poisonous) by the road up the hill from our motorhome on Thursday, March 29. It seemed like a perfect opportunity for some fun since April Fool's Day was in a few days. "b. the brave" got stick, gloves and a box to gather up the critter and save it for Sunday morning. Our neighbors across the road became snake sitters as they allowed it to hide under their trailer.
Saturday another dead snake of the same kind was found. What could we do with 2 snakes??? While we thought about that, b. checked snake #1 and it stinketh and was promptly tossed. Snake #2 was properly arranged in a coil in the box and hidden under the neighbor's trailer.
That was fun.
It's a Dog's Life
So how does our border collie enjoy this life on the road and living in Arizona for the winter? Well, let's ask him.
As long as I'm with my family I am fine. They take me to very interesting places. I am mostly on a leash outside nowadays since my yard went with our house that we sold, but that's okay cause I don't see so good. I walk into stationary objects from time to time. Depending on who is at the other end of the leash, that can happen now, too.
They bought me a very nice yellow bed that stays outside all the time and they sit in it with me sometimes. But we take it to the beach and on the lake. And then we float around on it. I sometimes rest my chin on the side of it and watch the boats and the birds. Sometimes I have a nap. When they first got it, mom fed me in it, then put my blanket and water bowl in it, and then because I was in the sun on a hot day, she put up the big umbrella for me. I was waiting for a fan and peeled grapes, but that didn't happen. (editor's note: we were helping him feel comfortable in the canoe before we took him out in it on the lake)
When no one else is on our part of the beach, I get to be off leash and chase my big ball. I guess it used to be a basketball, but it is kind of flat now, and it is my ball. When they kick it for me I get to really run after it and carry it away until they catch me and kick it again. Or sometimes I drop it because I want them to kick it again.When we are all on the beach and have the ball, we play soc-away. It is kind of like soccer, because they are kicking the ball to each other. And it is kind of like keep-away, because they are trying to kick it so I can't catch it. But I do anyway and run away so I can chew on it. When I really want to keep my ball I walk out into the lake, just far enough that they can't reach the ball without getting their feet wet. Hee hee.
Another fun game we play is "throw the stick." They throw it out in the lake on hot days, and I love to swim out to bring it back. Except I can't see where it is. I'm not sure how they do it, but I keep hearing little splashes on the water that I swim toward, and ta-dah -- there is my stick. (editor's note: we throw rocks out where the stick is so he can follow the sound)
My girl bought me my own bathtub. She thinks I will like to go in it on hot days, but I don't. I just know it is a ploy to get me to take a bath. But I don't like baths, even in my own tub. I think I should give it away when they are not looking.
There is an obnoxious sound that happens in our house sometimes that really scares me. Then they call me jello dog because I start shaking, I am so scared. It always happens when they are cooking on the stove. I don't even wait for the sound anymore. As soon as I see them light the stove, I start shaking. Why wait? I just get an early start. I think they are taking the noise maker down and hiding it when they cook now, so maybe I won't hear it anymore.
There are at least a bazillio
n other dogs here and I get to meet them all. We usually just visit at the end of our leashes, but sometimes we get to play off leash on the beach. And sometimes we go to the dog park. The 2 big German shepherds will be moving to their house with a yard pretty soon. The black lab is a retired avalanche rescue dog. She's moving back to Wyoming. Nakota (the mutt) is going back to Alberta next week.
So I like my life just fine, thank you for asking. I am a very contended dog -- pretty much happy where ever I am.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Do you have a boat?
Since we are living by a lake all winter, we have thought it would be nice to paddle on it once in awhile. We left our kayaks in WA, though. What to do? Every kayak we saw listed for sale, was too spendy or was already sold when we called. Hmmm. Maybe we are not supposed to have one. We'd have to take turns with it anyway.
Then one day in early February we saw an ad by the campground general store for a canoe. IN this park. And for a reasonable price. And it was still there. And we got to "test drive" it. And we can all ride in it together. Even the dog. So we bought it.
What fun. And good exercise. However, paddling a canoe is very different than paddling a kayak. When B. paddles in the back of the canoe, which means he is steering and using the correct canoe strokes, we do just fine. However, if b. or I are in the back we have a very different experience. Yes, we are learning. But it must be pretty entertaining for anyone watching on the shore. Zigs and zags and circles and gales of laughter might not be very efficient travel, but it makes for a fun family outing.
And we made up new words to a song:
Row, row, row your boat, on Lake Havasu.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, in our canoe.
Then one day in early February we saw an ad by the campground general store for a canoe. IN this park. And for a reasonable price. And it was still there. And we got to "test drive" it. And we can all ride in it together. Even the dog. So we bought it.
What fun. And good exercise. However, paddling a canoe is very different than paddling a kayak. When B. paddles in the back of the canoe, which means he is steering and using the correct canoe strokes, we do just fine. However, if b. or I are in the back we have a very different experience. Yes, we are learning. But it must be pretty entertaining for anyone watching on the shore. Zigs and zags and circles and gales of laughter might not be very efficient travel, but it makes for a fun family outing.
And we made up new words to a song:
Row, row, row your boat, on Lake Havasu.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, in our canoe.
Snowbird Exit-us
It has begun. Every day we see several RVs leaving. A few come in for spring break, but more are leaving. There are some empty campsites again. (Yeahhhh) This week the entire row of RVs in front of us will be gone and we'll have our lake view back. (Yeahhhhhhhhh again.)
Just about every conversation with our neighbors includes when they are leaving. We have spent five months together here in this RV park and are used to them being here, waving at them, visiting, looking out for each other, trusting our neighbors.
Sometimes we get to know them a bit more like our friend who comes to church whenever she can, or posting a Craigslist ad for a neighbor selling a kayak, or helping our neighbor adopt a dog, or the author who was one of the critiquers of the essay b. wrote in December.
Who am I to talk? We will be leaving, too. It is just that many are leaving before us and we will be saying good bye. And it's not just here -- it's at church, too. We are not the only winter visitors at church. However, since most of them live somewhere else the rest of the year, we have more people to visit in interesting places when we are back on the road. I am starting a list.
And we are often asked if we will be back next year. If we are, we'll see many of them again as they come every year and love it here. I can see why. We have had a wonderful Arizona winter and they have all helped to make it wonderful.
Just about every conversation with our neighbors includes when they are leaving. We have spent five months together here in this RV park and are used to them being here, waving at them, visiting, looking out for each other, trusting our neighbors.
Sometimes we get to know them a bit more like our friend who comes to church whenever she can, or posting a Craigslist ad for a neighbor selling a kayak, or helping our neighbor adopt a dog, or the author who was one of the critiquers of the essay b. wrote in December.
Who am I to talk? We will be leaving, too. It is just that many are leaving before us and we will be saying good bye. And it's not just here -- it's at church, too. We are not the only winter visitors at church. However, since most of them live somewhere else the rest of the year, we have more people to visit in interesting places when we are back on the road. I am starting a list.
And we are often asked if we will be back next year. If we are, we'll see many of them again as they come every year and love it here. I can see why. We have had a wonderful Arizona winter and they have all helped to make it wonderful.
What is that wet stuff?
When it rained here the last time, I thought nothing of it since we are very used to that experience in Washington. We just don't see it much here. It seems that usually when there was rain, it was at night when we were sleeping, so we missed it. I didn't realize how long it had been since I had seen rain -- until I needed to drive in it. Oooops -- forgot how to work the window wipers! That was pretty funny. They were working fine after a few minutes of fiddling around. We are practiced up now for our return to Washington. :~)
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Make New Friends, But Keep the Old . . .
Friendships we have made in Lake Havasu City have been a huge blessing. Most of our new friends are from our church here. Some are from the campground. A few are from other connections. And then there are those who are just passing through -- but make a big impact on their way.
As much as we are enjoying traveling and experiencing new places and making new friends, we do miss our friends and family from Washington. b. has felt this the most.
Then in January, the Andres, a homeschooling family from British Columbia came to Lake Havasu City for two weeks vacation. Stan introduced us to them through Skype beforehand. When they arrived we found we had many interests in common and spent much time together, becoming fast friends. We still stay in contact with them often and look forward to seeing them again when we travel north.
Recently, our church hosted a concert by the Durocher family (from Minnesota). They are a musical homeschooling family of 12 children, however the oldest 3 are not traveling with them now. We were treated to a wonderful time of story and song and they shared their message of faith that was encouraging to believers and inviting to non-believers. They play violin, guitar, dupro, mandolin, cello, and string bass. We enjoyed getting to know them during the potluck before their concert and also afterwards. As I watched b. excitedly visiting with the Durocher "kids" (aged 6 to 22)I was struck with the feeling that even though she does not have friends her age here at this church, God has been importing friends for her. ;~) Pretty cool.
By the way, The Durocher's are traveling up the west coast from California to Washington. If you are in Washington and want to catch one of their concerts, check their website: www.durocherfamilyministries.com. There are also samples of their music on the site. If you are interested in booking them for a concert, there is often an opening in their schedule. Give them a call : 218-259-5166.
The day after the concert, friends from Washington, the Booy family, stopped for a short visit on their way back home. b. had really been looking forward to their visit and enjoyed it very much. Us parents had a good visit too. The Durochers were invited to do a concert that night at another church here, so we asked the Booys if they would like to go. They decided to and really enjoy the concert and visiting with the family afterwards.
We feel very blessed by God's provision.
As much as we are enjoying traveling and experiencing new places and making new friends, we do miss our friends and family from Washington. b. has felt this the most.
Then in January, the Andres, a homeschooling family from British Columbia came to Lake Havasu City for two weeks vacation. Stan introduced us to them through Skype beforehand. When they arrived we found we had many interests in common and spent much time together, becoming fast friends. We still stay in contact with them often and look forward to seeing them again when we travel north.
Recently, our church hosted a concert by the Durocher family (from Minnesota). They are a musical homeschooling family of 12 children, however the oldest 3 are not traveling with them now. We were treated to a wonderful time of story and song and they shared their message of faith that was encouraging to believers and inviting to non-believers. They play violin, guitar, dupro, mandolin, cello, and string bass. We enjoyed getting to know them during the potluck before their concert and also afterwards. As I watched b. excitedly visiting with the Durocher "kids" (aged 6 to 22)I was struck with the feeling that even though she does not have friends her age here at this church, God has been importing friends for her. ;~) Pretty cool.
By the way, The Durocher's are traveling up the west coast from California to Washington. If you are in Washington and want to catch one of their concerts, check their website: www.durocherfamilyministries.com. There are also samples of their music on the site. If you are interested in booking them for a concert, there is often an opening in their schedule. Give them a call : 218-259-5166.
The day after the concert, friends from Washington, the Booy family, stopped for a short visit on their way back home. b. had really been looking forward to their visit and enjoyed it very much. Us parents had a good visit too. The Durochers were invited to do a concert that night at another church here, so we asked the Booys if they would like to go. They decided to and really enjoy the concert and visiting with the family afterwards.
We feel very blessed by God's provision.
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