12/1/13

Random Ramblings

 

Struggling to write because there are no pictures to share!   So much of what I write is wrapped around photography.

Before we left on the Big Trip (Alaska 2013), I felt that it would change me.  We’ve been home for almost 3 months and I’m still trying to put my finger on what’s different?  But there are subtle changes …. more confidence has found a home somewhere inside me.  We did something big, something that was almost incomprehensible (to us) before the trip!  This time last year I did not know where Fairbanks and Anchorage were…except in Alaska!

The other change seems to be one of roots or belonging.  My world has gotten larger, more aware of what’s happening in other places, noticing there’s an ice storm in Anchorage, a flood in the Rockies and a whole city in San Francisco volunteering to make a little boy’s dream come true!

Whatever the changes, they are welcome!  Hoping to continue to grow as a person as I approach my 65th year.

Frequently find myself thinking of the birthday that’s still 4 1/2 months away.  Must apply for Medicare soon…am I beginning to feel old?

Switching subjects….did I mention how sick I’ve been?  Three days after getting home I was down with sinus issues, itchy eyes, chest congestion which led to asthma.  These problems continued off and on for two months with me finally going for allergy testing.  Learned that I am allergic to cats!!!  And dogs, dust mites, mold, ragweed and roach debris and miscellaneous weeds, grasses and trees.  This shocks me as cats have been in my house for the past 34 years!

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Discussing this as a warning to others.  Our house was extremely dusty after being closed up for over 3 months.  And it was not exactly clean when we left!  We had lots of rain during July which caused mold outside and inside.  We’ve been cleaning for weeks and now I’m symptom free (for the present)  and have lots of prescriptions and inhalers if needed.

One of the things that I’m grateful for during this season of thanksgivings is my lack of depression.  Years past I have always gotten down as the cold days and long dark nights descend.  Thoughts of the Arizona sun are keeping me in a great mood.  Heading west just after the new year arrives!  We have a wedding to attend in January in Scottsdale and a rally in Quartzsite in February.  Looking forward to seeing some old friends!

The Casita has a new propane regulator, new gas hoses and the bearings have been greased.  Now ready to tackle the long postponed project of valences over the blinds.

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 Wonder if this will work?  Found the remnants from this upholstered chair and it seems to match a blue in the cushions.  Will let you know how they turn out.

Other than trying to get the house clean, we have been walking frequently and hiking with a group of seniors.  Also joined a gym but hurt myself the second visit….still waiting for my body to heal!

Enjoying our fur babies….even though the black and whites fight constantly.  I pray for the day they peacefully co-exist!

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Sylvester

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Princess

Been hanging out on a new (to me) Facebook group, Dutch Oven Cooking.  Strange to be looking at groups other than Casita Owners but the cast iron group is quite addicting.  Lots of information there and I got inspired to rehab an old piece from my granny’s house.

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This was after 3 hours in a self cleaning oven before scraping the rust and re-seasoning it.  Wish I had a before picture.  There’s a line on the back that indicates it was made between 1750 and 1875.  Warning….this group is habit forming!  Already gone through Mom’s cabinets looking for more cast iron.

Looking forward to being on the road!  For those of you out there, be careful!  Hope to see some of you soon.

 

22 comments:

  1. Allergies are such a bummer. Glad you at least found out what you are allergic to. But cats? That's just cruel!

    I still think Sylvester is the cutest little guy I've ever seen. :)

    Glad looking forward to the trip out West is keeping you from getting depressed this winter. I've also read that people with asthma do better out there than in the East. Hope it works that way for you.

    It's good to see a post from you. I was concerned that you might not be feeling well.

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    1. I find it interesting that I had not one day of sickness in the three and one half months that we were gone to AK and the west. Had several exhausted days, but no illness.

      Guess I was fortunate that the allergies did not show up in my life until age 64.

      It was a real struggle to complete a blog post....think it 'cause I am back in the other "home" world. Hope to write more as we start to prepare for the winter journey.

      Excited for you as you start your big trip! Go low and stay away from the cold!

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  2. Sorry about those allergies!! I know you have cat babies and that is a total bummer!! Hopefully you will find something that can help you out with it. I know it is NO fun!!
    Planning a trip (and taking a trip) is always uplifting to the spirit. There is just something about being out in nature and connecting with oneself again. We just seem to slow down and regroup whenever we go out. I read your account of your winter in the desert and I am hooked. I can't wait until we can experience some of the areas you mentioned. Thanks for sharing!!
    Oh by the way...I like the blue fabric!! Should look good in a Casita!!

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    1. Blue's my fav color..hope it works.
      So you were reading about our winter of 2012? Thanks for taking the time. Must inform you that our very favorite camping spot in Tonto National Forest, the Tortilla campground, is closed. I'm going to double check with the ranger but the internet reports it being closed.
      We may wind up down in the Yuma area this time.

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  3. Hope the weather is as nice when you come thru as it ha been the last few days. Keep me posted and maybe we might see each other. I am hoping to take 3 or 4 days to get away in January.

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    1. Keeping my fingers crossed for good weather as we travel west! We will be at the Lajitas rally until 1/19 and must be in Scottsdale right after that for the wedding.

      Don't think I have an email for you but will look. Would like to see the new place in New Mexico! Maybe on the return?

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  4. Glad you're feeling better now. We're really looking forward to seeing you when you're out this winter, perhaps while you're in the Valley or certainly at Quartzsite.

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    1. Thanks, John. Between the Texas rally and the wedding, our time in the desert will be shortened but hope our paths will cross again....surely will see you at Quartzsite!

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  5. Glad you're feeling better finally. . .& that ALL the kitties still have a home. We're also looking forward to getting back to the Desert & warmer temps.

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    1. I imagine you are ready for some warm temps...know you are staying a lot farther north and dealing with real winter.
      Bet you will be heading south west very soon. Please take care! "Hi" to Jeff!

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  11. Most of my ramblings are random.:-) Seriously, glad you're feeling better. I know that cool dry air of the Big Bend Country will benefit you. Bet you will like the blue. I also checked out that Dutch Over FB page. Lots of good stuff on there. Might have to get Wanda to become a member. Hope you and David had a good Thanksgiving, and are looking forward to a great Christmas season. See ya in about 6 weeks, good Lord willing.......jc.

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    1. Can't wait to be back in the west again....looking forward to lots of sunshine. Weather forecast here is rain and more rain.
      The dutch oven group has me hooked! Got David's 10 inch DO all blackened up today!
      Wow! Six weeks! Need to get busy.

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  12. I call it "focused ramblings"....gets me through the day....as Jerry said, glad you coming out of the allergy funk....I'm with you about "Tonto National Forest, the Tortilla campground"...I love that area....also stayed at the Dutchman's State park and enjoyed that visit with all the hiking...take care..safe journeys and great adventures...Horst sends

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  13. Thanks for reminding me about Lost Dutchman....may see if they have any reservations left. It's really popular in Jan and Feb!

    You take care also and enjoy this holiday season!

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  14. Medicare on our list of to-do's...send any hints to making that choice :O) Glad you can get out of dodge again soon...your travels are so fun to follow. New post soon....two weeks of STRESS! Casita is gone, new rig and planning to just veg in Gulf Shores at a resort for a few months...guess SW will come next winter! Just want to get out of this dealer's parking lot! Happy Holidays...hope your getting some festive fun in to brighten your days!

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  15. I was slightly shocked when I saw your update on Facebook! But you have good instincts and know what is right for the two of you. The southwest will always be there whenever you are ready and a bit of trial and error should be expected as you continue to make transitions into the full time world.

    Best of luck for the two of you and don't forget the Ocala National Forest if it gets too cold in north FL!

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  16. We feeling so much more content...as a full-timer it feels so much more like a home! We may move as time goes on...but for now even 50s feels good compared to freezing and snow at home.

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