Desert Diva

It seems that when one leaves for the summer there are a “zillion” things to do in preparation.  Thankfully, my RV propane tank came off easily and the seal is getting repaired today.  I’m glad that the repair won’t be too expensive since I’ll need that extra money for gas this summer. 

Cali is off to the “puppy beauty shop” getting a summer “do” so I can finally see her face again.  It’s uncanny the way she knows that she is going somewhere.  She was so excited this morning! 

I love summer…..

Gee, am I ever glad it’s Saturday!  I have an added week on my school contract and then I’m off for the summer!  (Well, at least a couple of months.)  :-) 

I took my RV in because the seal on the outside propane valve has a leak.  The propane has to be emptied, the tank taken off, and then the seal fixed.  I have a feeling that something that is somewhat simple is going to cost quite a bit of money.  However, I love my little RV, and can’t wait to go traveling with my dog Cali. 

I’m actually working on Monday since I never really do anything special on Memorial Day weekend and am getting ready to travel.  I offer a special prayer for those who gave their lives for our country.

School is out on May 25th, and I have five extra days after that to complete my contract for the year.  Sometime around the first of June I’ll be able to do what I love most - traveling in my little RV with my dog Cali.  I’m so looking forward to “recharging my batteries” and letting go of the everyday stress.  For two months I can explore new places, read late at night with a glass of wine, and take Cali on long walks (good for us both).   

I need a break.  Although I love my work I always seem to encounter what I’ve come to define as “mean spirited” people.  You know, the people that you can’t seem to make happy unless you give them EXACTLY what they want.  These are the people that you “walk the line” with - choosing carefully your words in interactions, etc…  I’m obviously the type of person who wants to “make it right.”  However, I still need to learn that some people are just not happy no matter what you do.  Also, for whatever reason some people don’t like you - period.  Instead of wasting energy and time, I need to just say to myself “well, there’s another one” and let it go.  That’s not to say that I shouldn’t maintain my professional manner, etc…  However, I can’t solve the “myriad problems of the world.” 

Life always looks better in the summer sun traveling in my RV.

Friday evening I traveled to Deming, New Mexico to the LoW-Hi Ranch.  It’s the property of an organization for single travelers called “Loners on Wheels.”  I’m not sure I like the name, but the “ranch” was very nice.  I actually joined for a year to get the reduced camping rate (1/2 off!) and the newsletter to attend nationwide LoW events. 

Saturday I traveled the thirty miles to the border town of Palomas, Mexico to visit the infamous Pink Store.  I hadn’t been in several years and the Pink Store has really changed!  When you enter the store you are offered a “drink” of soda, a margarita, or a cerveza.  I bought a litte tin “nicho” to put in my RV and a bottle of Hornitos (100% agave) tequila.  Afterwards, I drove back to Deming to visit the St. Clair Winery.  I did the wine tasting and sat and chatted with one of the employees while drinking a glass of their delicious Nebbiolo.  (I also bought two bottles with a $1.00 off coupon I picked up at the LoW-Hi Ranch.) 

While at the ranch, I found that my propane had a valve leak which prevented me from cooking, etc…  Since it was so warm in Deming, I decided to drive back home. 

I’ve been walking with Cali lately.  She’s a smart little terrier and starts barking and jumping when I put on “the walking shoes.”  We’re working on containing our “excitement,” but it’s a slow process.  The weather usually cools down around 7:00 p.m. so we venture out at about that time. 

It’s amazing what one notices on a simple walk.  The desert plants have just finished blooming and there’s a sweet smell in the evening air.  There are two parks that we walk through with kids playing basketball, neighbors exercising their dogs, and mothers pushing children in strollers.  However, my favorite place is to go off the beaten path into the desert.  I let Cali off the leash and she runs, smells, and explores.  She’s much better at “commands” now, and usually comes when called. 

Tonight’s outing lasted almost an hour.  We both arrive home pleasantly tired, thirsty, and relaxed.  It’s funny how a simple walk can change your whole view of the day.