Desert Diva

Yesterday I drove from Carson City, Nevada to Folsom, California. I was somewhat concerned that due to the Angora Fire some parts of Highway 50 would be closed, but it was open all the way. I parked outside the house of Doc’s niece along a fence and under the shade of some nice trees. I was invited for dinner and we feasted on grilled chicken, corn on the cob, green beans, and melon with prosciutto ham. Doc’s, (a nickname from childhood when she was the medical “assistant” at a Girl Scout camp) niece had just returned from a trip with her boyfriend to Italy and we had a nice “chat.”

For some reason member’s of Doc’s family are all big Jeopardy fans, so we watch the last two days of taped shows - calling out the answers if we knew them before the contestants. The RV “shindig” starts this afternoon, so I’m off to the grocery to buy a few things (I told Doc I’d treat her to a steak this evening), and then I’ll mosey on to the campground.

Yesterday was a cleaning day. I took the RV to a car wash and washed it inside and out. In the afternoon, Cali and I went to a state park and I took a really long, nice, hot, shower. The only thing that wasn’t clean was Cali. However, before we left the park I took Cali down to the beach to run. (The ranger said it was OK.) Cali promptly ran down the beach and jumped in the water - again and again. The only word that expresses what she was doing (and that I couldn’t capture in a photo) was “frolicking” in the waves. It was a joy to watch her play and have so much fun. I only wish that her friend from last summer (Hannah) had been there to play with her. After her “play” I had to rinse her off with clean water from one of the pumps in the park. Her antics brought a smile to my face…

Today I’m off to Folsom, California (near Sacramento) to attend the 4th of July RV “shindig.” I’m sure that the weather will be warmer, but it will be fun to visit with some of my “RV friends!”

I’m staying in the Carson City/Lake Tahoe/Reno area until Friday when I’m going to a gathering of the WIN RV group over the 4th of July (the same group where I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas). I want to visit Lake Tahoe, but have been waiting for the fire to subside a bit before traveling there. South Lake Tahoe is where the fire is, and highway 50 is closed in some areas. However, I’m going to try North Lake Tahoe today.

My super small and organized nylon travel “purse” came loose at one of seams. I stopped in Sierra Sewing (they sell sewing machines) and they were so nice to fix it (even put in black thread) by giving me a “sewing demonstration.” They wouldn’t take any money, and I’m grateful to the two nice women who were working there yesterday.

Driving on to Reno yesterday, I came upon an outlet store for Sierra Trading Post. A couple of people from my office buy things there online from time-to-time. I stopped by (of course) and found that they were having a 50% off (retail) sale on everything for women. Keen’s! I bought a great pair of Keen Gunnison hiking shoes that I wished I’d had in Utah. My dermatologist would be proud that I also bought a special long sleeved “sun” shirt (30 SPF) and one of the funny looking big bill caps (30 SPF) with the big piece of material in back to shield your neck. I might have to go back before I leave the area.

Life on the road is not always “even” or glamorous. Most of the time, people are helpful and kind. However, there are times when some people show their true colors. I spent two hot days in Las Vegas and couldn’t wait to leave.
The other day when I was doing my laundry I got into a conversation with an older oriental woman who was the attendant. Older people always seem to ask the same question - “Where is your husband?” When she found I was traveling alone with my dog, she said: “You are one brave woman.” Not yet - but I’m learning to be…

Manic Monday is hosted by Fleur de Lisa

Are you strict about wearing your sunscreen in the summer?

• Yes, now I am - all year! However, I wish I had been more faithful long ago. I’m especially concerned about covering my face. I wear an Elta sunscreen from my dermatologist, and when I’m hiking a big dorky hat. I’ve had a few sunspots either zapped or excised from my face. The sun can be an evil thing…

Do you frequently wear sandals in the summer? Any favorites you’d like to share?

• I love my new Keen’s - they’ve proven to be great for hiking! I have a pair of Timberland thong-type that I like, and right now I’m wearing my Mary Jane style Crocs.

What are a few great books that you’ve taken along to the beach or on vacation in years past? If you aren’t a big reader, what do you do to while away the lazy hours?

• My all time favorite summer reading was August by Judith Rossner. Just reading the book made me want to visit Cape Cod, and once I was there I read it again! I’m traveling right now and I love to have a glass of wine and curl up in my “over the cab” bed and read. Right now I’m reading All the Pretty Horses.

How do you feel about swimsuit shopping? Love it, hate it, indifferent? What’s your color of choice?

• I hate it. I’ve been hanging on to my one piece black swimsuit for years. It fits perfectly. I haven’t found another one that fits as well. I don’t know what I’ll do when it wears out…