Monday’s Blog; Central Asia here we come

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It is the happy wanderer, having traversed most of the USA via motorhome beginning May 5 from our Jojoba Hills RV park site to Kansas City, MO arriving on May 16th after many adventures camping in the desert in Quartzsite, AZ boondocking in the desert, then to Phoenix AZ, staying in Desert’s Edge CG, and hearing Anat Cohen’s jazz concert at MIM, (Musical Instrument Museum.) The  next day off to popular Sedona, AZ to boondock on BLM land for 3 nights on Park road 525.

Red Rock State Park, Sedona, AZ












 How beautiful it is to visit the towns of Sedona, Cottonwood and Jerome (a mile high town) Red Rock Park and so much more. Next on to Flagstaff, AZ and the Woody Mountain CG. The event; our grandson JOSH’S GRADUATION. How proud we are of this superb honor student and wish him the very best. 

The scholar



Next overnight stop–Boondocking on a fellow RVers home driveway in Edgewood, NM. How beautiful their view and how welcoming their hospitality. the next day, another 8 hours drive to LIBERAL, KS camping overnight in the Mid USA Air museum parking lot near Dorothys House Museum (devoted to an re enactment and facsimile) of the Wizard of Oz tales. In the evening, we suffered through a horrendous hail storm, both of us sure that our Motorhome and Jeep would be destroyed and we would not be flying out tomorrow for our Central Asian adventures. 

Visit Liberal KS for many adventures and an occasional storm

When assessing the results the next morning, we discovered no damage whatsoever, except a broken wire tie holding our Escapees oval on the ladder of the rig. Lucky folks for sure! the next day, we endured another 8 hours to KANSAS CITY, MO to stay at the Elks lodge in Blue Springs Mo, to pack for the trip, to meet wonderful friends from our early days in Rochester and to store our rig for the duration of our overseas adventure. 

Every Elks Lodge has its mascot, this one is lovely, 


Yo Yo Ma was so inpired that he created a legacy devoted to that heritage in his golden Cello tones and dance. I hope to be so inspired in my own realm and highly anticipate this tour. So, here we come Central Asia, following the Ancient Silk road trade route. I wonder if in the modern age, the road could be traversed via RV? We shall see. The road may be rough and bumpy, but our rig is somewhat like a mountain goat, it could perhaps handle almost anything along the way. About the transport across the oceans, I am not so sure.

I know this entry is very different from my usual edited and careful writing but I just wanted to share these adventures and send hugs and best wishes to all. Happy adventures to you and we hope to share life’s adventures for years to come. 

Rig Over New Mexico

Monday’s Blog; no one here

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Yes, we are back on the road for the next 6 months. Our new life in California on site 801 at the Escapees Co-op (a jewel among jewels) Jojoba Hills RV Park Resort in Aguanga, CA nestled in the Palomar mountains of SoCal was glorious. Indeed, we have learned to stay put for weeks at a time countering our first decade and a half of RVing and rolling the wheels every 2-4 days at a time. Today we departed for points east, north and beyond. We stayed true in our intentions to boondock our first night on the BLM land in Quartzsite, AZ. 

It is a favorite long term winter location for tons of RV’s during the winter months. It is all about gem markets, flea markets, RV dealers, sellers of everything and anything for travel vehicles and anything else you can conjure up in your mind. The crowds begin to thin out in late January and finding a suitable boondocking site becomes a no brainer. 

Our overnight stop was rewarded with a warming planet, temperatures at 107F and upward, dust, some blowing sand, no traffic, and empty land on which to perch for the night, run our generator (therefore, running AC) and the real reward, a glorious sunset, moonshine 

Glorious glow

Ahh, sunset

Moonshine

No one there

Empty space







and no disturbing noise except our singing generator and the screeching and famous sounds of Coyotes somewhere in the distance. Tonight, we are connected to the world electronically but are awaiting the temperature to drop to at least 95F before we venture outside to walk and take in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere surrounding us and relax before taking to the road once again in the morning toward Phoenix and our 4th or 5th visit to the Musical Instrument Museum. We will attend a concert featuring Anat Cohen, Jazz Saxophonist and a favorite of ours through the years. Then head toward Flagstaff, AZ for our first grandson’s graduation. How proud we are of this bright, intelligent and unique young man and how lucky we are to lead the lives we lead. These are lots of words but I really wanted to share some quick snapshots of tonight’s stay.  Please scroll downward if you wish to read some newer blog posts that I haven’t pointed to in email or on Facebook and there will be more to come. 

Monday’s Blog; The year of the Octopus

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The octopus. How long have these winsome and powerful creatures captured our attention but how little most of us really know about their history, intellect and very specialized abilities?  The last few months have produced many books and sources of research, it seems to be the Year of the Octopus. to learn more, refer to the following books on the topic;

The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. Octopuses are intelligent and aware, but how much of that is centrally located in their “brain?” Is it possible that they have a “distributed mind” with each arm having a mind of its own?:
go to https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/15bae5e7864daeb5

Another book about the incredible Octopus;  Other Minds
The Octopus, The Sea and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith
The author is an academic philosopher and a diver. Read what he has learned about the great and fascinating species we call the Octopus. They have 3 hearts, the 8 arms each powered to special skills and so much more.
–Search for the book by title or author.

Don’t have time to read the books? Go to the candy store site about books covering everything and anything that is fascinating   Delanceyplace.com and sign on to receive their email messages. Because of
time, I pick some to read and delete others of diminished interest to me. 
That does not happen often.

Cutie pie Clipart special!


A thought, If you have you seen the film ARRIVALS, I truly believe that the writer(s) chose to design their aliens with some of the attributes noted in the research surrounding the Octopus. How many times do we wish we had more arms attached?

Monday’s Blog; There Came a Man

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Early one sunny morning, I drove north on california HWY 79 reputed for its mountain-terrain serpentine nature. As I rounded one of the many curves and there was a man, walking, slowly, purposefully but with a male version of a Mona Lisa smile on his face, eyes in a narrow squint against the golden glare, seemingly lost in his deep thoughts.  He was somewhat slumped, hunching over a bit but not surprising as he bore the weight of a blue/green mass of fabric spread across his upper body. I would call it a bed roll, but it probably encased his worldly possessions . He moved along pensively, carefully, along the opposite edge of the road.  The encounter was brief, as I passed him by. Being curious, I tried to take notice of his features, his clothing and facial expression while staying focussed on the quirks of staying on the curving road.

I pondered his situation for awhile, how long and how far had he traveled? Did he have a destination? Is he a stranger to this area or is this area familiar to him, a hangout? Where is he from, how long has he been a “hobo” traversing pathways in remote terrain in mountains and plains, along beach shores, cities, towns, suburbs, farm lands, forests? Where does he spend most of his time. Does he find food, does he sleep anywhere he may be at dusk.  Where is he going, is he alone in the world? I soon reached my destination and became focussed on many other things, not giving him any more thought. 

Come late afternoon I drove south on HWY 79 returning home. Surprisingly, I spotted him one more time, again on the opposite side of the road, walking northward, towards the town of Temecula. He maintained the same pace and attitude, but lost the squint and glare. Hopefully he had a destination that would give him some shelter from the frigid mountain temperatures with some nourishment to keep him going. What is in that bedroll?  He reminding me of the mighty Atlas holding the world, in this case his own private wooly world. Again, upon reaching home and our rig, I became engrossed in other matters at hand, lucky to be warm, with good company, able to anticipate food in plenty, sharing talk and our day’s adventures with my husband. There was no more time to conjecture about the man that night. 

Two days later, I returned to town, for an appointment and several errands to pursue. As I turned into a large parking lot (featuring a Sprout’s Market, several restaurants, shops and a Walmart-a site for dumpster diving perhaps), I’ll be darned if I did not see him walking toward me, with his usual burden, his gentle pace and his colorful and heavy wool bedroll. This time, I could take in more of his features, get a closer look. I formed a new concept of a the man–a man with wings, an angel of sorts. What would he possibly make of that vision if he knew?  

A very rough sketch of my angel man


Would I have another sighting or are 3 sightings the magic number. Perhaps he is always on the move, never staying put, always moving on. How much of the area, the state, the country, the hemisphere has he covered? Has he climbed high mountains, through dense forests, marshy, soggy farm fields, places of danger, snake filled lands, encountered wild animals, gone places into which most of us would not venture, unknown territory.  Do people talk to him, help him, become rude, nasty or belligerent? Does he beg for food or money or just keep his eyes straight ahead does he have living family members, know anyone here or there?  

 He was clothed in well worn brown pants, plain shoes, not sneakers, not sandals, not hiking boots, but well worn, somewhat shapeless shoes, moccasin-like. The expression on his face, remained rather sweet in a way, not sour, angry and somewhat aware not a vacant stare or tuned out. Does his face truly express his thoughts, his mood?  If so, what was he thinking, feeling, hoping or expecting.  All of us have had encounters with homeless people through the years. It feels good when I can help someone with an offering of food, or occasionally buying food for them, reaching out to them, saddened by their fate, but helpless to relieve their burden. Who knows if I will ever see him again?

I have learned of a project started in some cities and towns where neighbors have built storage boxes in strategic areas to be stocked with food, clothing, shoes, blankets, toiletries and more. The homeless learn that the items are theirs for the taking to use and share with others and to spread the word. How I long to be part of that project, but we live on the move, unable to fully participate. Perhaps, someday, down the road I take, an opportunity will arise so that I can give more than an occasional take-home box of food (always stocked with utensils and napkins or apples and a couple of PBJ sandwiches carried in my tote bag), a kind word or two and a smile. I can choose to contribute to legitimate homeless programs and shelters More than that is not now in my power. 


Monday’s Blog; Applauding Diane Rehm

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 Diane Rehm has been one of my highly revered heroins.  I have been her devoted fan for years tuning into the Diane Rehm NPR radio news talk show, privy to her public and private thoughts, her knowledge, wisdom and incredible talent as a thorough and persistent interviewer. How many hours were spent researching each topic or interviewee (staff aided I am sure, but Diane always in charge.) I bring up her name because I have just finished reading her autobiography, On My Own. 

As Diane appears on the cover of her book, Photographer Matt McClain

It is intensely written, highly personable and personal and read in a day or two, leaving the reader breathless and full of wonder and admiration at her long career, the multitude of health problems including spasmodic dysphonia, a vocal hardship for one depending so deeply upon her voice and her husband John (Scoop) and his long and difficult bout with Parkinson’s disease. She deals with the intense feelings after John’s death of disbelief, guilt, and facing grief and her long road to starting anew, facing the world and carrying on. As a result, Euthanasia as a controversial option has become a big cause in her life. 

I mourn the day she retired from the radio broadcast and can not help relating my belief that Diane had been highly educated with at least 3 Ph.D’s. Not so, she fell into the job as an NPR volunteer and slid into her valuable career thus enriching all of the lives of her large and devoted audience. 

In response to both her interviewees and her callers, she could be polite and warm, cold and swift, short and coarse but mostly open and understanding; in my mind an effective attitude when facing so many diverse opinions.  I can not possibly count the thousands of hours her voice accompanied me in my dark room, in my studio, driving in the car, returning home and running to turn on the radio so as not to miss much of the show.  I was always left with new dimensions to contemplate or research about issues and ideas. She often spoke of her travels to other places, other NPR stations, universities and the like speaking or sharing as she gathered information, experiences and wisdom to share with her audience. In her absence, there were wonderful substitutes, but I missed Diane’s voice, style and approach, waiting for her to return to the air. 

In her book, Diane talks insightfully,  fondly and whole-heartedly about how other NPR talents affected her life and as they grew into their own careers and handled their own family matters. These are names we all know and revere, Roger Mudd, Susan Stamberg, Eleanor Clift and so many more. 

One last thought before I end, I was privileged to meet Diane twice while volunteering in Rochester, NY’s wonderful NPR station, WXXI-1370. I served as a reader for Reachout Radio for years, reading newspaper articles, obits, shopping coupons, stories and such to a vision-impaired audience, hearing our voices on a special radio unit given to each listener. Now that I have been RVing on the road for so many years, I cannot volunteer in this way and I miss it tremendously. 

The first time I met Diane, I had just finished my microphone time as she walked into the studio area. I knew she was in town as she often came to Rochester to speak and share but never expected “face time” with Diane. Wonder of wonders, she spent at least a good 20 minutes with me. We crammed a lot of talk into that time, never glancing at a clock but willing to stay and chat. I will never forget that day.  I met her again 2 or 3 years later. She said she remembered me, astounded,  I certainly gave her a big hug. 

Diane Rehm I send you many hugs again as I write this from deep in my heart that is so devoted to you and your rich contributions to my life. 

Monday’s blog, off and away

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Rallys (RV) are always incredibly busy, fully packed and end too fast. We took off for the Escapade (Escapees RV Membership Club event) in Pima County Fairgrounds near Tuscon then set up a day and 1/2 before the official event began..and then it was over; we had “hit the ground running” and never stopped. Then whoosh it was over and we were on the road again. 

We attended many informative seminars about computers, mapping software with Geeks on tour, RV related topics, a fun travel session covering weird, the un ordinary and over the top places to visit. We did visit one right near our desert campsite called Spiral Labyrinth, a huge, perfect stone and sand spiral done by a California artist. 

a Koh-Kapeli Figure

Not a small earthwork 

The Spiral Labyrinth



We volunteered, staffed the Jojoba Hills RV SKP park booth (proudly wearing our vests made by Nancy and two other industrious and talented sewers), line danced, shopped, met “old” friends and met new people too many wonderful people to count. We celebrated constantly with the joy of life and community, but top notch was the 90th birthday party of the founder Kay Peterson. We all miss her Joe, husband and partner in this creative RV club. She laughed and smiled and hugged all of the well wishers and took a basket full of birthday cards home to open at leisure. 
Their children have taken over and run the popular RV group with ease, love and open minds to changing times. 

Joe and Kay in 2010


Younger families, some young enough to travel with their children are a large segment of the club these days, bringing their youth, ideas and smiles to all of us older members. What is also as striking about this RV community is the caring, eagerness and joy of volunteering or just lending a hand at every chance there is. A Volunteer sign up booth for help during the Escapade always has a long line. The slots are filled easily with a “waiting list” is case subs are needed. Paul and I signed up to drive the golf cart shuttles for an evening event. We showed up at the appointed hour, but, alas, there were not enough carts to go to all on the list. 

Never fear, we helped in many other ways, unofficially and impromptu but fulfilled our sense of caring and help that way.  The same spirit is ever present among the members of our campground, Jojoba Hills RV SKP park in Southern California nestled under the Palomar Mountains. How glorious is the sense that in these times of strife and violence, good people reign. It should only last forever. 




Monday’s Blog; How Many Keys?

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Surely, we are allowed our day dreams to come true. It happens! Going on the road, selling the house and dispersing our belongings also meant, I will have no acoustic piano in my life any more. I always had a piano to run to and play, to practice, give student recitals in my young years and to just while time away or for solace in times of stress. I tried for so long to compensate by trying the guitar, Mandolin, and Ukulele. Alas, the arthritic fingers got in the way as did that illusive creature–enough time in the day. My son Dan has the string player talent, not me. My musician dad was thrilled that I stuck with piano and voice well into adulthood. 

But I missed a keyboard to play and expressed my desire (just a small 61 key board would fill the bill I said) to a great musician, friend and neighbor in our beautiful RV park in Southern Cal. Because of his efforts and insistence, 


I now own a large Yamaha keyboard (professional and beyond my talents), but what fun to play. 
Yes that is me with earphones to protect the innocent!


It’s home is in the shed on our site. It will stay here, too big to cart in the RV. But, we are spending so much more time in California (who would have guessed that a few years ago.) 
So hello from our sunny state, and happy tunes and trails to all of you.
Ann Carol

Monday’s Blog; Cardinal reprieve

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Yes, the last few weeks my obsessions have been focused on the crumbling of our great country in the hands of the so called president but in actuality, dictator, demagogue and egomaniac of the highest order and his flock of officers. I need a break, hopefully you do as well. On this day of the Women’s March, A Day Without Women showing our influence on the fabric of this country of ours I offer a diversion in the world of nature.

Years ago we visited The Museum of the Brazos http://www.brazosvalleymuseum.org/ A memorable venue if you have not been there. I am remembering this after reading an article and hearing a podcast focussed on the Northern Male Cardinal, the bird of reknown for it’s vivid red color and fetching behavioral patterns. It was at the Brazos that we first witnessed this behavior at length and have now witnessed many times since. 

I offer a generalized quote from the article;

“The male Northern Cardinal is perhaps responsible for getting more people to open up a field guide than any other bird. They’re a perfect combination of familiarity, conspicuousness, and style: a shade of red you can’t take your eyes off. Even the brown females sport a sharp crest and warm red accents. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning.”
Surely most of you are so familiar with the species that they are not the novelty to spot as I once believed they were before traveling the countryside. The discussion focussed at length on one of the bird’s behavioral patterns that I first remember watching in the Brazos museum: a constant bumping into window. The Cardinal would bash his head against a window, mirror or other shiny reflective surface for hours at a time and days at a time.  It is the response to the mating season, of course, the bird is convinced that his reflection is in competition for his charms. Hopefully, mother nature can override any concussion the bird may suffer in his quest to find a mate. What a head ache indeed.


The  glorious Cardinal found in the wild


I hope to be writing more posts this week and thank you for all of your feedback. I am keeping this short and hopefully sweet as I promise in message in a Minute and I hope your day is filled with sunshine, smiles, bird song and peace. 
Ann Carol 

Monday’s Blog; We Marched Together

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Our group, 38 strong, mounted a tour bus, donning our golden hats sporting our group name–The Progressive Senior Patriots, men and women from Jojoba Hills in southern California. We arrived in San Diego well before the start of the Women’s Walk on Washington (and incredibly throughout the free world). We anticipated the walk in the San Diego, CA which surpassed the expectations to about 40,000 strong.

Hat and flag



YELLOW HAT with group name
Arrival in San Diego


We named our group The Progressive Senior Patriots to truly reflect who we are, all over 55 and experienced through the decades at protesting with purpose, with calm and without violence. Why do some protest groups spoil the efforts by engaging in bad language, breaking glass or further damaging property. Why revert to violence? It does not solve a thing.

There was not a hint of violence or of dissent in San Diego or world wide for that matter. We are united to retain our rights, to protect our national integrity and very democracy of our nation, to stop bigotry and torture and making certain this earthly home will last a long time to come. But, we need to keep up the spirit. We cannot stop with one protest. Long held American Values must survive.

signs galore


Our pleas for justice, for sanity and well thought out policies need to be nurtured and supported by constantly writing letters to congress and senate members, governors, local politicians and to policy makers, employers, governing agencies to keep the ball in the air for a future of hope.










The pre walk speeches were strong, heart felt, deeply motivated and encouraging. As we started the actual march, the sun gave way to a gentle rain.





BIG W FOR WOMEN

 But we were all prepared, just as we are prepared to stand up for a future of sanity and good choices, for our rights and to maintain a belief that our country can overcome adversity, dictatorship, demagoguery, despotism, false promises and lies. Hand written on our hats was the word SENIORS. 

The yellow hats, the name of our group and our appearance showing experience and purpose must have shown as brightly as the golden sunshine that smiled upon us as we neared the end of the march route(s). There were so many more marchers than anticipated that several routes were added to the end point at the wharf lined with cruise ships and yells and cheers of joy at the travelers on board watched us fulfill our purpose and expressing their joy at being there as witnesses. 


PINK HATS 


So many marchers of all ages, sizes, colors and with great warmth greeted us the whole morning long. They alluded to our “senior status” with applause and wonder. Startling to many of us because inside we think we are 40 or 50 somethings, when indeed we are 60-70-or 80 something. Healthy and active because of the good medical care we thrive on and have enjoyed for 8 years.  We know there are flaws in every policy that rules our lives, but sensible changes need to be just that, sensible but to a good end for us and our children and grandchildren.



Another pleasure was our interaction with the youngsters we spoke to or spoke to us first, some being in their 30′ and 40’s and asking why we still march. The common answer is we have been protesting for DECADES and know how and what works. We are teachers for you. They thanked us for that. We also responded to youngsters–be they 3 years old, 6, 10, 12, 16, 18 or in their twenties, boys and girls alike. Many thanked us for being role models for teaching them the way and nurturing their participation. 

Cruise ship interaction


In response to the march, supporters of the new regime emphasis that on inauguration day, 1/20/2017, Gas was priced at an average of $2.86 more or less per gallon, The dow was at 19,819, NasDaq at 5560.7, Unemployment  4.7. These remain good numbers riding on the shoulders of the obama regime and not the new regime at all.  presently reservoirs are filling in drought ridden California,   The average salary to date for U. S. median class households averaged from about $42,000 and more. Health care has helped many folks obtain coverage where they have had no coverage for years before Obama’s plan. Many of these are Trump supporters. I have hopes for national enlightenment, for unity, for bipartisanship, for sensible and good policy changes, addressing a positive future for America reflecting our deeply seated values that have stood us in great stead for centuries. Let’s continue to KEEP AMERICA GREAT.