Author: Rene

Last night I was outside alone, and the little hummingbird I have heard for the past week silently alighted on the Dipladenia I had just potted. I think this guy is waiting for the Indian Paintbrush to bloom.

We have fox. My husband finally confirmed what the rest of the “Winks” have said. He is bushy and well-fed. I can only hope there are squirrels in his belly? However, having relocated two already, I think the rodents may still be around.

We hear the ”owl in the hood,” and the hawk. You’d think we live somewhere other than suburbia. My friend, ”Pom,” actually scouted the owl by Target. You should check out her Instagram. She is an amazing photographer. Look her up. Singhanaga. She captures the most amazing photos. Nature seems to adapt to us?

So…fox, owls, hawks, hummies, and yes, squirrels. They make excellent morning coffee companions. Except the squirrels.

Whilst ambling to the local Target on a Sunday stroll, I perchanced to walk under the overhang of a neighboring retailer. The ground was greatly splattered with excreta, obviously from a member of the avian species. It was dangerous territory.

Upon looking up, one could see nothing. Therefore, much to my surprise and that of my rambling partner, we were stopped in our tracks on the return trek when an approaching cyclist halted in front of us and stared. ”See him?”

Our eyes followed his line of sight to a cozy little nook with an owlet, species unknown. The gentlemen said he’d been eyeing this little one with his mother for quite some time. It was precious.

As my MIL always says, ”It was a little razzle dazzle in the day!”

My son suggested this topic for a blog, so I am willing to delve into it.

We are Sam’s Club members and I appreciate their pump prices when it comes to fuel. The store nearest us is not usually too crowded, especially in the early morning hours when we make use of our business membership from the days of TEAM Marketing. We seem to be able to find what we need there.

I don’t know anything about Costco, so Sam’s Club wins. Easy answer.

I did nothing. My phone made this and sent it to me. I’m a little worried, as it truly is smarter than I. Enjoy my Cinco de Mayo experience! (I didn’t even know what day this was until my phone told me.) There is sound, too. I hope it works.

Okay….never mind. It’s a cool video, very fun, and I’ve tried five times to upload is five different ways. I guess I’ll have to put my phone in charge of that, too!

There are many terms employed in reference to my granddaughter. Just to make it clear, I do not have a new dog, “Pob,” nor a new vegetable garden, surplus of pasta, or legume factory.

My little girly-girl may actually wonder what her name is when she is in my charge. Frequently used terms of endearment include: Little Pumpkin, Little Peanut, Peanut Brittle – derived from ”Peanut,” Little Noodle, Pup – a common reference dating back to my own family’s use of the term, Bean – once again, family usage, Skitty – a derivative of ”kitty”, used with my own Little Pumpkin, and of course, “Girlfriend.” (She is already a part of the league.)

It is WWA, and she arrives at any moment!

My sister and her three sons are dealing with graduations, tests, AP exams, new jobs. It’s that time of year. Lots of grading for instructors, which made me laugh when Mr. Pastis employed his wit. Here’s an amusing tribute to those educators bringing the school year to a close.

Thanks for comments regarding unavailability to clean my RV. It does seem like a good job for Monday. Maybe a Tuesday? I’m heading out to hug my little pup first!

That’s my new term for ”mani-pedi” appointments.

As we round up the cattle and head for home, a stop to ”Piane’s” in St. George and subsequent spa day was required. It was the perfect ending to eleven days on the road! My fingers and toes are beautiful and I’m ready to return to my humble abode.

Anyone interested in learning the fine art of RV cleaning is invited to join me Monday morning. Since my nails look good, I won’t be able to do much with cleaning agents, but I can give directions!

Tally Ho!

When visiting national parks it’s quite handy to have a senior citizen with you who has a lifetime pass.

We have visited five parks and were feeling quite proud of not having to pay entry fees amounting to $175. However, with an RV, one is required to purchase a ”tunnel” pass for $15 in Zion. Why? Because you hand the ranger your pass as you approach (she or he will stop you and ask for it) and they close the tunnel just for you! You and your larger-than-when-the-tunnel-was-built rig can drive safely through the middle of the two lanes and hold up traffic on the other end. While you may feel a little special, you also know the other vehicles are cursing the fact that they missed getting through before you arrived on the other end.

All in a day’s fun when you’re lumbering along. By the way, I’m enjoying reading your comments, loyal readers, anonymous as you may be. Keep exploring!

As I wrote yesterday morning the Keurig was brewing my coffee, the heat – provided by the generator – had kept the desert chill at bay, and I had internet via the mobile hotspot tethering I did with TMobile’s plan and my husband’s phone. Am I really ”camping?”

Technically, we were ”dry camping.” We had no provided electricity and water, were in a national forest with access provided by our tax dollars, but we were not in a tent freezing our tushes off as we slept on the ground, kindling sticks together to cook a meal.

I remember wanting to camp as a child and my mother commenting, ”Why would I want to cook and clean outside?” Good call, Mom.