Around the house

 Posted by on July 18, 2012  Arizona, RV lifestyle
Jul 182012
 

01 Thermometer & hygrometer on RV window NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x798)

Last week I stopped by the Ace Hardware in Hurricane at the suggestion of Chuck and Geri for a combination thermometer/hygrometer which measures humidity (I had to look that up) and it sticks to the window, until I want to move.

02 Hummingbird feeder on RV window NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x678)

While there I also bought a window hanging hummingbird feeder.  I’m hoping this doesn’t cause any window collisions.

So I washed the windows.  That’s quite an accomplishment for me as I don’t do windows.  At least not until I can’t see out of them anymore.

03 Hummingbird feeder on RV window NR GRCA NP AZ (634x1024)

First try hanging the hummingbird feeder one of the suction cups gave way and half the sugar water dribbled down the window and bumper.  After cleaning up the mess I think I hung it straight.

04 Black-chinned hummingbird NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x678)

Seems to be working as my first black-chinned hummer arrived about 30 minutes later.

05 Black-chinned hummingbird NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x678)

Now I just have to figure out how to take a better photo through the window.

06 Black-chinned hummingbird NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x677)

Hope to see the other two species found at Grand Canyon, broad-tailed and rufous.

Apr 162012
 

01 Lazuli buntings and white-crowned sparrow while snowing Yarnell AZ (1024x806)

Lazuli buntings and white-crowned sparrow brave the snow

It’s spring, I think.

02 Snowing from RV window Yarnell AZ (1024x678)

Although it did snow on Saturday.  It’s time for me to get ready to return to work/play at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.

03 Last light over canyon from BAP NR GRCA NP AZ 1of3 Stitch (1024x525)

I’m excited and anxious at the same time.  Ever feel that way?  Happens to me every time I prepare to travel.  And you may laugh because I call myself a traveler. All I have to do this time is pack a few boxes, hook the truck up to the 5th-wheel and roll.  Ha!  Where did I put that list?

Packing for South Africa, that same old excitement mixed with anxiety.  List upon list.  Things to bring, things to do, lists to leave for others.  What if I forget my passport.  Then I rushed around at the last minute, got it all done and enjoyed an amazing adventure.

04 RV at KOA Flagstaff AZ (1024x768) (1024x768)

First stop Flagstaff KOA

No matter how many times I’ve moved my rolling home in the last 18 years this feeling floods over me.  Yet I face the fear, move on, and am always better for it.

What kinds of fear do you face repeatedly?

Our World Tuesday meme badge

To tour more of the world without fear go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

I would love to do what you do

 Posted by on November 22, 2011  RV lifestyle
Nov 222011
 

I hear this all the time.

Ever think that someone else has the Ideal life?  What does that mean about your own life?  It’s OK to admire a lifestyle different than your own.  But if you REALLY think you’d be happier in another lifestyle, then GO FOR IT!

I’m sure you’ve heard how “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”  Until you climb over and actually get there.  Seriously, each individual should have the right and ambition to live how they Choose.  Choice.  But first you have to Know what you want.  Everyone has different priorities.

Unless you’re one of the 1% born into money, one of the unfortunates of modern bill paying life is to work for a living.  Usually 50 weeks a year to earn a two week paid vacation, if you’re lucky that is, and for at least 50 years.  At at least 40 hours a week, that’s a lot of life.  Sure hope you like what you’re doing in trade for the survival basics of food, water, shelter and clothing.  Oh yea, and maybe a few toys, trips and trinkets on the pay later plan.  And then you are seriously locked into the JOB.

I’ve been there and don’t want to go back.  Loosing it all to a quarter-million dollar bankruptcy changed my perspective 25 years ago.  That was a long time ago in a different life.  But I learned how to be Happier without all the “stuff” that eventually owned me.  Don’t misunderstand, I still have stuff.  Just not as much and mostly dispensable.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a Park Ranger like some kids.  Although as a high school graduate I dreamed of being a gypsy so hit the road and headed west.  I’ve been a sales clerk, gas station attendant, secretary, waitress and go-go girl.  OK, that was 35+ years ago.  Married 15 years raising two step-children.  Divorced 15 years.  Rangering 17 summer seasons at five different locations.

Can you handle Not working all year?  Some people can’t.  I love my seasonal lifestyle of working six months and not the other six doing whatever I want, or can afford anyway.  I struggled the first seven years working short four-month seasons followed by running out of employment before a new season began.  Fill in waitressing again here, too old to be a go-go girl/womyn.

Living full-time in an RV since 1998 has learned me all kinds of things about mobile living.  It’s a pack-it-in pack-it-out kind of lifestyle.  Part of that is because when I need almost anything it requires moving about six other things.  Limited space means a lot of tight packing.

How do you feel about shit?  Yea, I said that.  Every RVer has an only-now-that-it’s-over funny story about the holding tanks.  I don’t know why the hose can only come off when the black water is flowing.  Wholly S**t!!!  And if they aren’t drained Before full…

Yes, the outdoors is my living room and when I close the drapes at night I’m always home.  Don’t like the neighborhood or just ready for some new scenery means hooking up and rolling down the road.  Yet I find myself parked about six months at a time in the last several years.  It is nice to have a base to enjoy and travel away from and back to.

I want to travel the world exploring cultures and landscapes.  What about you?  Do you follow your heart and passions?