Thunder in the Desert

Whoa...I have never seen anything more beautiful than the storm we had blow through around 6 pm tonight.  Since "The Valley" around Phoenix is very large...basically a big flat spot ringed by mountains in the distance...you could see it coming for miles.  Clouds heavy with their soggy burden, with jagged spikes of lightening leaking form their belly, lumbered across like curtains billowing in the wind.  AMAZING!!  The sky took on hues of red and orange like I've never seen.  Then...the wind and rain! I should say Wind and Rain.  The display tonight deserves capital letters.  It was all over within an hour, but what a show!  I really dig storms, and experiencing one in an RV was beyond my wildest dreams.  The sound, the feeling of exposure, the feeling of being within the storm, yet somehow safe...I'm trying to put it into words, but my mind is failing me... grandiose $10 words just cannot describe the beauty.

Thank you all for your prayers for Miss Tracie.  The service will be held on Friday, with a get together on Saturday.  Luckily, she has the greatest friends, and she will not be alone in her absolute grief.  Unfortunately, as it seems with almost all deaths, nastiness had taken root and there is now a burden of accusation  and betrayal invovled with her step mother, with harsh, hurtful, damaging words being purposely said to my grieving child.  This Momma Bear is not pleased, but Trace is handling things with more grace and courage than I've ever seen in a soon-to-be 27 yr old young woman.  If I could only heal her heart...or beat the living crud out of .....sigh....no use getting my foot in it any farther.  I said my piece, and things that were dishonored on his facebook page were changed, but some of the other things that were said still make my blood boil.  My solace is Karma...the much bigger bitch than I could ever be.  What goes around comes around.

Do YOU have your will, insurance beneficiaries current?  Do you have a living will and have your final wishes spelled out?  PLEASE don't leave this burden for your family to sort out on the worst day of their lives.  This is especially true if you are in the middle of life changes, such as divorce, adopting a child, have step children or foster kids you consider your own.  Unfortunately, there was a pending divorce, and these items were not taken care of.  Don't we all think we're going to be in control of our final days?  Won't we all live forever, or at least to a 'ripe' old age.  We all think we're healthy and too young, don't we?  Who thinks at 25 that you've lived half of your entire life?!  What would you do differently right now if you knew that you'd be gone at age 50?

Time, we all think we're the boss of time.  Especially our own time.  One thing that I do know, is I'm thankful for each day that I'm spending living my own dream with my Soul Matey by my side.  I'm so fortunate that I've met my Dream Guy and get to spend each day wondering what he's gonna do next.  That's I'm loved unconditionally.  We laugh every day, and I have no regrets for asking for that first motorcycle ride.  Together, we're unstoppable.

On a much, much lighter note that actually does have a question regarding RV Park etiquette.  The park we're in is pretty large, with 377 spots.  Being this close to so many people is becoming a challenge.  Our 'neighbors' across the road from us are apparently hard of hearing. These ol' boys are brothers or extremely close friends and are parked adjacent to one another.  They spend most of their time outdoors on the patio sides of their rigs.  And they talk...A LOT!  Since one of the ol boys can't hear well, the other talks excessively loud...and excessively!  We joked the first night they pulled in that he must talk in his sleep!!   Pirate has been having quite a time sending love their way, to say the least.  What would you do?  My suggestion is to go speak to them and explain that we can not only hear their every word, but they are drowning out our television and stereo.

Thank you all, once again, for your continued prayers and love sent Tracie's way.  It means the world to us.

Daddies and Daughters

Rest in Peace Dale

I let those on Google + know that my daughter's father passed away Tuesday. This blog entry will have nothing to do with RVing, just so you know that up front.  I'm finally able to write it out, so to speak.  This one is just for me and my Daughter.

If you're still reading, I'd like for you to come away from this post feeling inspired to right any wrongs in your past, to forgive, make peace, step forward, go the extra mile...because this is a cautionary tale with a happy ending...sorta.  When Trace was 4, her father and I divorced.  He was very upset, and decided that to leave the area would be best for him.  He would come visit Tracie, or his parents would take Tracie to Oregon, but slowly the times became less and less...by the time she was 7, she no longer had contact with him.  

There is no judgement...I get it.  You stay away for a bit because it's easier and hurts less to reinvent your life.  Then time passes.  Then more time passes, and you turn around and it's a year, it's two years, it's 17 years and you don't know HOW.  You're so afraid, you just keep doing the same thing, because that's what you know.  I am so glad that his new wife helped him seek Tracie out and supported him through reuniting with her.  Things didn't go so great with the rest of his family, but the most important relationship went beyond his wildest dreams.  

During the time he was gone from Tracie's life, I met and married that ol Pirate.  He became her Daddy, her friend, her man she can always count on.  Tracie is so blessed to have gotten not only a biological father, but a man who loves her unconditionally and will always be there for her in her step father.  (We don't use "step" 'round here...we're all just family.)  And the one person who can always make Tracer smile is her Dad Pirate.  Even through the tears on the phone Tuesday, Pirate was able to ease his youngest daughter's heart with lightness and love.  I love and respect that so much in my husband.  See why I'm over the moon about this man?!  He's just amazing....

Please take the time, right now, to comb through your mind and see if there are any regrets you can fix, any love still to give, any mistakes or choices to change....Dale died from an accident in the home...something that could happen to any of us tomorrow.  Just because your health may be fine, your age may be what is considered "too young to worry about dying," don't take tomorrow for granted. You NEVER know what the day is going to bring when you wake each morning.  LIVE it, do it, breathe it, accept it, make it happen, put it on the line, ask for love and forgiveness, and give it right back.

Please remember Miss Tracie in your prayers.  She has so many emotions to figure out.  Thank you, Friends!

Trying out a new template, so let me know what you think!

I am having a hard time with it as far as ease of use for me, but as a reader, you can choose how you read the blog.  My issue is the options at the top right are no longer there for me to quickly reach the dashboard.

We flirted with disaster this week...we almost bought a house down here in Buckeye.  The houses are just so cheap!  And we're talking luxury homes, with marble counter-tops, tiled floors, garden tubs in the master bathroom with walk in closets.  Ok, it was the garden tub that got me.  I miss having a bath!  But we would have to furnish it, as we gave away or sold all of our stuff.  Thankfully, we came to our senses before we went too far.  We just know in our hearts we are supposed to be mobile.  It's what fits for us.

Today is the one year anniversary of our Boone going to Rainbow Bridge.  I've gotten all of the snot from my nose and wiped my tears...well, Scooter came over and licked the tears dry, but you get the idea.  Boone was our 'once in a lifetime' dog.  I love that saying, which I heard from another resident here at Leaf Verde.  Her love was a boxer.  We cried with each other out at the dog park,  telling our stories and it felt so good to share Boone with someone who didn't know him.  I've decided that instead of cry because I lost him, I'm going to celebrate his one year anniversary of being able to see again at Rainbow Bridge...of no longer being in the pain he so stoically hid from me...of being able to run again, to FLY thru the air!  Miss you, Momma's!!

the zebra tat is the memorial

Thank you, to my Inkslinger, for helping to heal me with love when he painted the oil portrait of Boone and for going that extra mile when I requested a tattoo with B's ashes in the ink.  Boone walks with Mommy Forever!

Pirate spent the day running around the Greater Phoenix area with his pal Mikey today.  When we were looking towards the sky tonight to try and catch a glimpse of Sky Lab passing by, I asked Pirate if looking at the stars made him feel small.  He said, "Nope!  Driving in Phoenix traffic does, though!"  All I know is I'm thankful he didn't buy out the Bass Pro Shop even though they spent two hours in their store.  I love it when these two get together...they are so good for each other's attitude.

For my vaping friends...I'm trying out a new atty...a bridge-less atty!  It has a bit of wick instead of a bridge and so far, so good.  I got three, as they are often out of stock.  I need to get with the exploring around here.  Google swears there are three vape shops here in the Valley, but I bet they are just smoke shops that sell e cigs.  Hope not!

May you all take a minute and reflect on those you love and tell them so today.  Take the time, because you never know what tomorrow may bring...and tomorrow may be too late.  Love to you all, RV Family!  And Sandra and Ardean, please know how special you two are to us.  We'll be there in March if you're serious...

Loving RV Life

Leaf Verde and the staff continue to impress us beyond belief.  Check them out and come spend some AZ Winter with us!!!  We'll be here until the end of April, so any time you're passing thru, the daily rate is low, the monthly rate is around $10/day.  Not only are more and more rigs rolling in each day, but the activities director will be coming in this Saturday.  I've gotten to 'know' Susan via Facebook, and she seems like a tiny firecracker wrapped in fun.  I'm looking forward to exercising in the pool to low impact aerobics with her.  =)

I think we've found our groomer for Miss Scooter, too.  Doggy Spa/Boarding at Pete and Mac's.  Thank you, Sandy, for the recommendation.  Sandy is one of the owners of LV.  When you stay here, you WILL meet Winston, the owner's dog and of course, who Winston's Waggin' Ranch is named after.  Sandy regaled us with Winston stories the other night at the dog park and we were all in stitches at his adventures.  It seems folks wanting to gather, even those without dogs, end up at the dog park toward dusk.  The grounds here are really great, and the love and care put into the dog park really shows.  The grassy area is my Scooter's salvation.  She's had to learn that she IS going to have to relieve herself on sand sometimes, but Momma, take me to the grass, please!

On your travels, please look for this little five year old baby.  Glendale girl still missing  also, if you see a black Chevy Malibu with AZ plates, please please step out of your comfort zone and call it in.  The police have only this one tiny lead.  Thank you thank you thank you, RV Family.  Since we're on the road more than most folks, we can be the eyes and ears for these missing children.

We are planning to go the races this weekend.  Phoenix has so many things to do!  Not only does the Fair start this weekend, but the NHRA finals start Friday!  Take a look at their raceway:  Firebird Raceway  We have found some great spots to eat, too.  Grazie Winebar Anthony and Sean will take great care of you.  For a quick bite to go of fast mex that's to die for, check out this chain Filbertos.  We had tacos for Taco Tuesday, but I heard that their chili renos (sp) are the best.

No issues with the RV yet this week.  Pirate did get some anchor blocks and tied down the awning. Hoping to get some bike time in, too.  We're so boring this week! We'll have to go stir up some trouble this weekend!

Willie heading to his 'secret room' to attack his pink robe

Internet hell...

OK, so not hell, but it sure feels like HECK!  I've had a heck of a time getting my feed reader to work, so I'm behind with everyone's adventures.  I did catch Michael's post that his house still hasn't sold.  Michael, the right buyer is out there...God's just working out the timing.  I can't wait for you to be free of the bonds and able to run around this beautiful country of ours.

We had dinner last night with our friends that moved down here, Mikey & RC.  These two just make our lives so much brighter and full of laughter.  It's amazing when your mate finds a good friend and then you discover you love their spouse just as much.  We just all four click and play together so well.  Pirate is a Scorpio and I'm a Taurus...Mikey is a Taurus and RC is a Scoprio!  How cool is that?

For all of the talk about "hitch itch" here we are sitting in one spot for seven months right out of the gate.  But we planned it this way to really get used to living in this space and figuring out all the in's and out's of the Gypsy Rose's workings.  I can't remember now if I shared our experience with our awning?  We didn't get it in fast enough one morning and it came off the rails.  It also blew a fuse, so we got to find out how to take care of fuses, too.  I've become the official tank dumper, although I doubt Pirate will let me actually do the  hooking up to the sewer, as hand strength would be involved.  I love and respect my husband so much for finding ways to make me feel 'useful.'

I'm watching my calendar leak  pages like leaves falling from an oak tree...our daughters will be visiting this Holiday Season.  Amy will be in Surprise for Thanksgiving, flying down with a dear friend whose parents are also down in the AZ.  Miss Tracie will be flying down around Christmas time as her schedule allows.  We may not get her on THE day, but she'll work it so she gets the maximum time off to spend with us.  We're not sure when Tony will be able to join us; he's still in the middle of work issues due to his back surgery.  He wants to go back to full duty, but is experiencing the ol run-around with L & I and all the legal issues.

We truly are enjoying our spot here at Leaf Verde.  This park was started by the same family that still runs it today.  You can sure tell it's a family operation, because the attention to details and how they accommodate you each and every way possible.  They are on first name basis with every camper and truly care about them.  I can see why so many people return year after year.  Customer Service like this is truly rare, and we feel especially blessed to have LV as our first winter spot.  We'll more than likely spend at least some time here each year, though not as long as this first time.

Pirate is out riding today with the boys, so I'm going to try my hand at exploring again today.  I loved the comments about appearance and judging.  We're all so human! God surely shakes his head at us sometimes.  We got a discussion going, and that's where it starts...you cannot change what you don't acknowledge.  When you recognize areas in your life that you can work on, it's very challenging, isn't it ?  It's up to each of us to take those steps...or not.  I admit that when I see teens or young folks being 'lazy' it does set me off.  Who am I to judge?!  I don't know if before they came to hang at the mall and make things uncomfortable for little ol biker chicks...did they help their Mom with the dishes?  Did they babysit their little sister?  Did they take food to a neighbor or clean up their elderly aunt's house for them?  Remember how we all tried to 'act tough' when in a group of our peers?  Ahhh...to have that time back, eh?  NO! You're right!  You couldn't pay me to go through those years again, lol!

I'll get this sorry excuse for a blog published before the computer gods frown upon me again.  I'm having a DNS problem.  Probably because of all the moving around we've done.  ??  I'm using my cell phone as my mifi spot, same  phone, same computer, same  passwords....  I find if I go in through a backdoor, I can get where I want to go, but my bookmarks are all messed up.  =(  

Baby, it's cold outside!

Been so nice until yesterday when the temps dipped all the way down for a high in the 70s!  Brr!!  I was liking those 100s...sitting in my chair soaking up the Vitamin Sunshine.  It's supposed to warm again by Sunday and hit the 90s, so I'll live.  We've spent the last few days just adjusting to our surroundings.  It's very interesting here...

We are both heavily tattooed, but this is the first time I've ever experienced out and out prejudice because of them.  The store was one of those discount stores...BeAll's, kinda like Ross, but cleaner.  There were only three other customers in the store the entire hour I was there, and as soon as I walked in, I was followed.  Then, an announcement over the PA said their security cameras were running...and when I walked up to pay, I was asked for ID before I even offered a card!  I shoulda asked if my Platinum card would do!!  Seriously, folks who are heavily tattooed have money...you can't get this caliber of artwork being a skid row bum or a thief. I wrote the company HQ, and they did nothing more than pat me on my pretty head and told me to move along....that was BeAll's y'all can boycott for me.

We've only ran into Biker Prejudice once in Montana.  Seriously, if you have a Harley, you know how expensive THAT is.  People, I don't care how much money you have, what color your skin is, your religion or politics...if you're a nice person, I'll be your friend.  That's MY criteria..what's yours?  How judgmental are we all, really?  Try and stop yourself today and see what kinds of judgments you dish out.

Arizona

This one is my 'lizard' in Cottonwood, AZ

 Aloe growing 'wild' in Cottonwood, AZ ...he's by the bottom leaf

 Scooter watching Daddy load the Big Scooter

 A Lit'l souvenir from Turquoise Triangle 

 Unloading in Buckeye, AZ

 Home for the next 7 months

 This is from before they brought us our picnic table.  They drove Pirate around to eight different spots so we could pick out the exact site we wanted.

 Our own palm

 Desert Dog

 "I am learning to pee on surfaces other than grass...I miss grass!"

 Our living room in the desert

Pirate & Kitty having fun in the sun!

Leaf Verde is a wonderful park.  We are close to everything!  Major shopping is about 2 minutes away, yet we're tucked into our own little corner of town.  The freeway runs by the park, close enough to hear the traffic, but not close enough to be annoyed about it.  I'm sure once the park starts filling up, the rigs will help baffle the sounds.  

The amenities are awesome here!  The pool area is gorgeous, there are 3 dog runs, including one section that was just planted in grass.  Shuffleboard courts, basketball, heck, you name it.  There is a rather large mini mart where you can buy necessities without having to leave the property.  Each night the park is patrolled by two staff members, so we feel very safe.  

Speaking of staff....all I can say is, "Where did they find all of these nice people?!"  Everyone is beyond friendly here.  Your wish is their command.  Everything is so clean and there is not one speck of junk or uncared for plantings on the property.  

The very best part of it all is how I'm feeling.  I haven't woken up tuff once since we got down here!!  Praise the Lord!!  There have been two thunderstorms since we got here, but I couldn't have told you to expect them like I usually can.  I didn't even have to curl up on the couch in pain!  I'm loving this!  

Willie is VERY happy to be staying stationary!  I did use the 'calm down drops' on him last night when we left to have dinner at our friends.  WillBilly does fine when it's he and Scooter alone, but does NOT like to be alone without her.  The drops worked!  He wasn't glued to the window treatments when we got home from dinner like I thought he would be...yay!

Today, Pirate is riding the Harley over to Mikey's house and they are going to go exploring while I take the truck and go see what stores they have here.  I've found the Walmart, and saw where the PetsMart is.  Now time to whittle down that shopping list.  You can never have enough hooks or velcro straps in an RV! =)  Hope to see y'all soon........have I mentioned how much I love my 'house?'  LOL   ----MUCH----