More Sunrise Photos, A Drive to Parker

Quartzsite, Az

It was 5:55 when I heard Bill get up on Saturday, Nov. 14th. He came back to bed but within 5 minutes my two bedmates were up and out. I rolled over and watched the darkness out my window turn to 'less' dark. It wasn't light out when I got up at 6:40 but there was an opportune photo op.

Good morning!

Face splash to wake up, clothed with a jacket, I was out the door at 6:55. There was another beautiful sunrise; if there are clouds, you can be guaranteed of one............as long as sunshine is in the forecast.  I switched up my route again, trying to get enough steps in without it getting boring.

No other pictures would
do on such a lovely morning.

On Pipeline Rd. (which is rough gravel with divots, large rocks and uneven paths) there was a new rv'er parked on the east (highway) side of the road. He was sitting out with a large dog who decided to walk towards me. I was wary, about 200' away, but kept walking. The man wasn't concerned, although watchful.

Getting close to the end

The dog was a lab, as he got closer he stopped within 100' and studied me. So, I stopped as well considering his actions but the owner still was unconcerned so I figured the dog was calm. When he/she walked slowly to me, I put my hand out and she let me pet her nose and face. 

It's overwhelming and before
I got very far in my walk............

She was sweet and walked about 5 steps with me before she responded to her master's whistle to return. I'm surprised that I remained so calm. Big dogs tend to put me on edge at first. The owner called out 'she just wants to greet everyone'.  I responded with 'I totally understand' and carried on. 

It was over.

I know a dog like that although Gibbs would be barking as he ran.🤷‍♀️Still gentle but appearing FIERCE. 🤭 From there, I walked to the 3rd set of markers and crossed the gravel to the west, once I could see our two trailers. The neighbours have a flag so I usually see it first.

Our canopy top is getting rough
so we'll keep an eye on it this winter.

It was a shorter route back but still a nice walk. I'm gone for about 30 minutes. Bill was getting ready and I finished washing up, slipped into a summer dress and made our drinks. We left the boss in charge with a milkbone and drove to Parker. We had a few things to take care of.

The drive to Parker
offers some lovely views

First stop was the post office where, at 9:20, I was the first and only one in the door. Wow! I bought the required books of stamps to mail our cards and was out in 5 minutes tops. That never happens! We don't even try going to the Quartzsite P.O., it is just too busy and with odd hours.

Bill's dad crossed my mind today
when this train offered a photo op

From there, Walmart for some groceries and then a stop at the Parker Mail & Parcel center. Bill was sending an rc radio transmitter off to a US address for a pilot friend back home. Saves a lot of paperwork for him doing it this way. The venue is great and we were there at the right time - again.

I managed to get the 
Parker sign today.

Back home by 11:45, I was quite hungry so fired up the Keurig for my coffee while we unloaded groceries. This was a bigger stock up than I'd expected but it would get us through until the end of the month easily. We might need milk or cream in a week.

Back at Roadrunner blm,
this is the host's lair upon entry

We weren't able to find the Sola buns we picked up in Yuma's Walmart, of course. 🤔 I had some of my cauliflower soup with a cheese sandwich on the Sola 0 carb bread. Now, I was stuffed! The sky is not expected to clear of clouds completely today so we will definitely be running the generator tonight for any tv watching. 

The sky opened up
and our panels charged pretty good.

The afternoon was spent reading, outside, and basically relaxing. We popped the gazebo back up and Bill folded the water bladder up after emptying the last 9 gallons into our tank. It wasn't an overly hot day, only 75F/25C, but very nice. I'm sure Gibbs is feeling a bit cooler too.

This fur baby appreciated the
cooler temperature.

At 4:30, we watched another episode of Bosch. We've gone back to the first season and now the books we've read and are reading are a great reference. Supper was tacos and they were very good now that I had tomatoes, lettuce and green onions in the fridge.

Nothing too special but
a few colourful clouds for a sunset.

After dishes, we turned on a movie that seemed different enough for me to watch it with my  Sweetie. It's called The Nights before Christmas, a new one. We've had a great day!

Delicious!
Good night.

Thank you for your visit.

The Sunrise and Weather Changes

Quartzsite, Az

On Friday, Nov. 13th, (eek!) I hope you aren't suspicious, it was darker than usual when I got up at 6:40. That's because the sky was covered in a heavy blanket of fluffy clouds. The good news is that it means an absolutely gorgeous sunrise!

Good morning!

I walked towards the blm entrance this morning and I didn't need sunglasses. Instead, I witnessed one of the prettiest sunrises we've seen here this winter. It just kept moving overhead and I was truly walking under a glowing umbrella until the sun popped. I missed that because I'd already turned back but then everything changed.

Walking outside under this
was amazing! My eyes were on the sky,
it's a wonder I didn't trip on the uneven 
ground. 🤭

The clouds were gray but peeks of blue sky were ahead, indicating we could sunshine today after all. How important that is when you are dependent on solar. My walk was shorter today but that's okay. Getting out at all is my goal. It was warm, 63F/17.22C so my wind breaker came off quickly.

Taken from a long way away
so I apologize for the blur.

There was a strong wind so I donned my ball cap before I went out. Bill knew there was no point in making the drive to the field with that wind so we sorted laundry and headed into the Main St. laundromat with our hot drinks in hand. 

A few lasting photos
before I got back to the Suite.

This is a large place and although we were smart to go early, it soon filled up. I counted 20 (20!!) patrons at one point. An ambulance had to be called when one lady came close to collapsing for one reason or another. Her laundry was in its final drying minutes when she doubled over and shuffled to another lady. 🤔 We hope she is alright, maybe she's diabetic? 🤷‍♀️

I don't think I would be able to
clean this Mat in an hour!
The cleaner was busy, doing a great job!

We came home, and vowed to check the other town 'Mat' for their prices. Maybe it isn't as nice or as well-kept (?) but we're hoping to find cheaper services. These were the same as ours at home and that's American dollars! $3 to $5.50 per load although the dryers were .25¢ for 5 minutes where ours only give you 4 minutes. 

This painting over the dryers
caught my eye.
It's lovely.

Back home, things were blowing pretty good out here so we secured our chairs under the canopy and then struggled to get the canopy dropped down to a safer position. It took a while to figure out, having our other gazebo in mind. Duh, we finally got it and came indoors. 

There was quite a toodoo at the
laundromat. I hope the lady is okay.

I'd finished my book at the Mat so before noon, I made IP Cauliflower soup..........minus the IP. The sun was out by now and I could've used Madame IP, I'm sure, but it was easy enough on the stove. It turned out pretty darn good too so that's what I had for lunch. 

Trying to get a clear pix
of the Q mountain is a challenge
with all the obstacles.

Bill had dozed through the process and he doesn't like homemade soups anyway so didn't pay attention. 😂 

This soup turned out great.
I'm impressed!

Because of having excess water in the bladder, Bill had a longer shower this morning and we'll run the dishwasher tonight. We'll feel spoiled!

For supper, we had pancakes in my electric frypan with the generator running.  Bill had the regular ones and I used my keto recipe. The local-home maple syrup is key, too, and yes, I use way too much which probably defeats the purpose of keto anyway! Alas, it is what it is. 

I made half a batch but still
had to save 3 for lunch tomorrow.

We took care of the pan and bowls by hand, loaded the dishwasher and settled in to watch tv. My 'new' book is a Michael Connelly with Renae Ballard this time. Already into the 4th chapter. We've had a good day with a high of 79F/24Cish. I thought our friend, Jim, would appreciate the 'ish'. 🤭😉

And the sun sets, unceremoniously.
Good night!

We've had a great day. Thank you for stopping by!

A Couple of Jobs

Quartzsite, Az

On Thursday, Nov. 12th I had an inkling in my half-asleep-lazy brain that I would skip a walk. Tsk tsk, not good. Once I start that nonsense, it's hard to get back on track so I got up, washed, dressed and was out the door at 6:45 before I changed my mind.

Good morning!

I did, however, change my route. I started out the same way, turning towards the highway and then returning the same way. It isn't quite the same distance but pretty close so I was happy. It totally threw Gibbs off as he was looking out the back window for my return. 🤭

Kind of hard to hug this tree!

Bill was almost ready to leave, just making his coffee. I made my tea and sat at my laptop to send a family/friend's email regarding our mailing address here. We paid enough for it that if it can be used, I wanted our family to know it. Some do like to send Christmas cards.

After a frustrating 30 minutes of my laptop cursor disappearing, I got it back and Gibbs and I went outside for a while. It was only 8:30 but already it was warm enough for shorts. That's crazy at only 63F/15Cish. My book, W is for Wasted, by Sue Grafton is very good and hard to put down so that's what I did outside.

I went a different route but
I bet you can't tell, can you?
Everything looks the same.

I came in to make a coffee at 10 and Gibbs decided he wanted to stay in for awhile. By 11, he was back out with me, sitting in the shade of our canopy and then scratching a bed in the gravel and underlying sand. Funny characters, they are. When Bill came home, he unloaded plane stuff and drove to La Posa South for a bladder of water.

But there is still such beauty
in the desert if you just look.

For lunch, when he returned, I made omelettes and they were very good. I need to keep stocked up on eggs, bacon and ingredients because they are so good and so good for us. Not to mention easy to make. I had another lazy afternoon in the shade of our canopy with my book. Can't say the same for Bill.

Sometimes, you just need to make
your own bed.

He had the water transferred from the bladder over lunch and when our tank was full there was still some left. We removed it from the back of the truck and will transfer it over the next day or two. He wasted no time and emptied our black tank into the blue boy via our macerator. Since it wasn't too busy at La Posa south yet, he went right over to dump.

Supper was easy and tasty.

That's two big jobs taken care of. We've done well, we've gone 14 days before filling our fresh water tank and dumping our black. Getting into the groove of real desert boondocking again. Even though we live basically 'off the grid' at home, we are a bit more conservative with our usage. 🤭😉

Bill had a wee mishap with landing gear this morning so worked on that this afternoon. These styrofoam planes can be fixed soooo many times, it simply amazes me. Plus the pilots all know how to take care of them. I read more until I needed to come in for a snooze. I guess the heat (or maybe idleness) is making me tired.

First time since we've had some
light clouds.

For supper, we had hot dogs and beans, which was just enough. Gibbs got a weiner too, something he learned to love from Bill's flying mates back home. He's not spoiled at all! We took care of dishes and watched some tv. No generator yet, we'll see how the evening goes. We've had so much sun, the panels should be smiling.

Good night!

We're expecting to drop in temps starting tomorrow until Tuesday when it drops even more. No worries, we'll still be under mostly sunny skies and in the mid-60's/teens.

Thank you for your visit on this wonderful day.

Quiet Day at 'Home', Remembrance Day/Veteran's Day

Quartzsite, Az

Wednesday, Nov. 11th brought us into mid-week and a solemn day of remembrance for all Canadians and Americans. We call it differently but it still means the same. A day to remember those brave veterans who risked life and limb, literally, to save our countries. Take a moment to reflect. 

Good morning.

I woke up when my boys went out at 6:05 but didn't get up until 6:40. Just enough time for a cold water splash on my face, dressed, kisses and out the door. That's 2 days I've gone out without my sunglasses but really, I only need them for the last 100' of my walk, so no big deal.

Another pleasurable walk

Bill left for the field and his meeting around 8:15 and I settled in with a cup of tea, my book and Gibbs. I did play my games online during that quiet time too. It feels cool inside the Suite on these mornings before the sun hits the windows. That's not a bad thing since it warms up quickly.

The markers you see along the path
ahead are how I keep track of where
I need to turn back.
I go through 4 and turn at the 5th.

I got washed and went out with Gibbs but today decided to get my folding table out from the basement to set up under the canopy. Even without the west facing flap down, there is enough morning shade for Gibbs and I to sit. So, today, I took my rocks and markers outside.

It was lovely out there and Gibbs settled himself in his bed right beside me. I managed to get 4 rocks done before Bill pulled in right on the noon hour. Today, since I wasn't going anywhere, is probably the first day in my adult lifetime that I've not worn a poppy. Plus, I haven't been out enough to see them being sold. Felt strange but Bill respectfully wore his.

Wednesday and Saturday
Gibbs gets drops in his ears.
Bill does it best and then 2 ears,
means 2 treats. 💕

We had lunch; I used my last blackened banana in my smoothie and had some cheese and low carb crackers. I've found them to be very filling since I don't eat anything in the mornings. After lunch, I started my blog and went back out. I painted one more rock, took a picture and sat in my gravity chair to read.

I just happened to glance up a second
too late.
Two of them sharing again.

It was nice, set up in the shade.
Gibbs thought so too. He slept.

By afternoon, I lost the shade.

The afternoon went by swimmingly, just enjoying the peaceful day. A phone call at 4 pm MST from 3 siblings and spouses gave us a chuckle. They were meeting at Gayle and John's for supper, my sister who is leaving for Arizona on Monday. We'll see them here for a few days before they head to Mexico.

A few more rocks done today.

For supper, Bill grilled his bc burgers on keto buns. You know, there is no difference in taste of these buns at all and yet 0 carbs. We fully enjoyed them and cleaned up the few dishes by hand. Water is valuable so no dishwasher this winter. 😉 I think we'll survive.

This fandangled corkscrew wasn't
working and I wanted a wine for supper.
Bill had to get it out with a little elbow grease.

The Gewurztraminer was superb!!
I bought it at Luna Rosa Winery
in New Mexico.

It was another great day. Bill's meeting went well and they painted lines on their runway at the field. He's happy, I'm happy and I do believe our little mutt is happy too. The temperature is in hot mode, 84F/26Cish and we have zero complaints. 

Delicious, as usual.
Good night!

Thank you for your visit. 

Too Much Fun!

 Quartzsite, Az

On Tuesday, Nov. 10th we were up at our normal times. Bill and Gibbs outside at 6:10 and I was up and out by 6:45. From inside, it looks like it is still dark out there but then stepping outside, it's perfect for a morning walk.

Good morning!

Pink mountains to our west

We were a little cooler this morning, 53F/12C, but I still just wore my wind breaker. It was a lovely walk. 

When I returned Gibbs greeted me and Bill was on his way to the field. I had a quiet morning and had decided to paint some of the rocks I'd picked up at Yuma Lakes RV Resort.

Lots of activity in the sky this morning.

I should have grabbed more, they had really nice smooth ones. However, that means I have to have ideas for them so I'll be happy with the ones I found. 

Already, that sun is warming
things up at camp.

I painted a couple with markers and then we went outside, Gibbs and I. The sun is hot so moderation is key and I was soon turning my chair with my back facing it.

A little change of pace.
Wonder why I have Arizona on my mind.
🤔

Bill was a bit later returning today as they had a new wanna-be club member. That took a bit more time and the guy was a 'talker'. 🤭 After their club business was taken care of, Bill said he had to walk away and come home for lunch.

Waiting for Daddy, in the half shade,
blankey and Mom close by.

We had lunch together and at 12:45 we drove into town. He dropped me at Park Place for Pokeno and carried on to Jim's to set up for tomorrow's meeting. So, Pokeno was played with 5 of us today. Linda, Sue, Susan, Peggy and myself. Still fun and I won a few times! Yay! My container was full again.

Pokeno is serious business!
When you drop a penny, sometimes we
have to crawl around the floor.
Linda is a riot, we have such fun.

Bill arrived just as we finished up. He thought he might need to bring me luck but today, it wasn't necessary. 😉 From there, we drove down the street onto Keuhn St. for propane from the Boondocker. He is fairly new and has the best price for propane and as it turns out, drinking water.

We followed this highway striper
back to roadrunner blm

We came home after that and while Bill charged his batteries, we sat in the bit of shade we had with our books. I couldn't keep my eyes open for some reason so came in with Gibbs and dozed in my recliner. All I needed was 10 minutes and that was enough.

We didn't have a lot of shade
but we turned into Gibbs for 
30 minutes. 💕

A zero ginger ale and my book

Bill started heating the Weber Q and grilled chops for supper. I'd spiced mine up pretty good so it tasted great! Done just right. I had a packet of fried rice to cook so we had that with a salad on the side. Too much rice but I ate it............and regret that move. LOL 

This was supper.
Good night!

We cleaned up dishes and watched the NCIS episodes. This was another hot day, mid 80'sF, high 20'sC. I hope you enjoyed yours too!

Thank you for popping in.