THE KOFA MOUNTAINS AS SEEN FROM SOUTH OF QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA WHERE WE WERE BOON DOCKED IN FEB 2010...A FEW DAYS LATER WE MOVED OVER THERE CLOSE TO THOSE MOUNTAINS
Lawns are turning brown & our large lush ferns are browning & wilting in the heat. How nice it was sitting in my recliner about 5 this morning listening to the sound of rain on our roof. Had the patio door beside my chair open & could swear I heard the laughter & giggles of all our greenery outside rejoicing in the refreshingly welcome shower. It was a nice positive way to start my day. But, then the thought occurred to me.......hope I don't screw it up!! 
BOON DOCKED IN THE KOFA MOUNTAINS...WE HAD TO PLOW A LITTLE MUD TO GET IN HERE THE DAY BEFORE:))
Reader's have suggested I maybe include some photography thoughts & tips along with maybe a bit of tech info on some of my photographs so I intend to do that. Keep in mind I am not a professional photographer. I'm just like everybody else out here in Blog Land with a camera & an interest in my surroundings. I'm always happy to share my thoughts on photography though so I'll get started on that in a few days. 
BOON DOCKED ABOUT 6 MILES SOUTH OF QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA
Another suggestion from Russ over at TRAVELS WITH THERAPY was maybe some interesting things about Astronomy. This is a hobby of mine that has really fallen by the wayside over the past few years & that was very apparent to me one night a few weeks ago when I took a walk over to a clearing area nearby in the trees. At one time not long ago I could zip around the night sky at any time of the year rattling off most of the constellations, current planets visible & some of the major stars. I could point & show you where the center of our Universe is located as well which happens to be at the southern end of the Milky Way in the constellation, Sagittarius or as some might know it as, 'The Big Teapot.' It is tipped slightly to the West in the direction the large 'Scorpion' by the way. Used to know the exact times & location of the space station going over as well. Standing alone in the clearing I was hard pressed to remember the names of the July night's constellations I was looking up at. I don't blame this on my memory as much as I blame it on me not repeatedly being outside under the night sky almost every night of the week refreshing & traveling my mind around from star to star, constellation to constellation & planet to planet like I used to do.
MAX WAS MY BEST NUMBER 1 STARGAZING BUDDY FOR YEARS & YEARS & YEARS:))
As much as I like all our stately Pine trees around us now I sure do miss the open night skies we used to have at the 'old weenie roast ranch' years ago. Max & I were out for our nightly walks for years & years, Spring, Summer, Winter & Fall. There is something very special about the night sky that is very hard to explain & I do have some thoughts about all that but will save them for another time.
BOON DOCKING IN THE DESERT......WE JUST LOVE IT:)))))))
One of the main attractions of the Southwest for me has always been the wide open spaces & unobstructed views of the night sky from horizon to horizon. And, no light pollution in those big black inky New Mexico & Arizona desert skies either. I am soooooo looking forward once again to heading back into the desert lands of peace & enchantment:)) 
CHECKERS IS HOLDING THE MAT DOWN FROM BLOWING AWAY
I read somebody's post or comment this morning touching on the subject of traveling with pets. Of course this is a very dear subject to us. Having Snow Birded with our 3 dogs for the past 5 years it is sure going to be different with only our little Motormouse this winter. As most readers know, our two big guys passed away back in April. As some folks know, it is no easy feat traveling in a small space with two adults & 3 dogs. I won't go into all the pros & cons of traveling with pets but just want to say we miss our guys dearly & wished they were once again here & coming with us. But, they are not & that brings up a decision for us.
A FIERY ARIZONA SUNRISE AS SEEN FROM SOUTH OF QUARTZSITE
We know our travels will be easier with just the little Motor to look after. We know the hard work, time & energy that goes into finding & bringing home another great Pal for Cora, Kelly & myself. We have not talked about it but it's on my mind every single day. Yes, there is the extra work & inevitable inconveniences. Yes, it is a huge commitment & responsibility but oh how I miss that love & devotion that only treasured best Pals can bring into one's life. Oh how I miss the best Pals I have known & oh how I miss the best Pals I haven't met yet.
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
Two new blog Followers to welcome tonight. Levonne from A CAMP HOST'S MEANDERINGS: AN RV ADVENTURE joins our site as blog Follower 297 & WESTIEWAGGIN' comes in as 298. Thanks to both of you folks for tagging along with the Bayfield Bunch:))
THIS DAY WE WERE HUNTING CRYSTALS ON CRYSTAL HILL BETWEEN QUARTZSITE & THE KOFA MOUNTAINS
LAST PARAGRAPH:)) Still plugging away on improving the blog site trying to make positive changes. I know the simple solution is a white background with black printing, but....... These past 4 days have been a learning experience & I thank everyone for their support & input. Received some great advice. Going to try confining some of my comments & opinions to the 'last paragraph' slot of each post & see how that goes. Hope to shorten up my posts as well by organizing what's on my mind better instead of dumping it all into one looooooooooong post every day. Well, sounds good in theory anyway....And, tomorrow night we will have a photo look back at a rare happening as the Bayfield Bunch actually pulls together a bunch of fellow RV Bloggers for a great get together in the deserts of Arizona's Kofa Mountains. Yes, you read that right so be sure to drop by because you are going to meet some of your fellow Blog Land Bloggers:))))
GROANER'S CORNER:(( Concerned about what will happen to cities if the polar ice caps melt? Don't be. New names have already been chosen.
-Atlantis City, New Jersey
-Pariscope, France
-Sail 'Em, Massachusetts
-Floodelphia, Pennsylvania
-Helsunki, Finland
-Sao Marco ... Paulo, Brazil
---------------------------------------------------------------
EMAIL THE BAYFIELD BUNCH:))
stargeezerguy@gmail.com
OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/
The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right
now...... AL.
The size/colour of the font is much easier on my eyes.
ReplyDeleteMnM
I like the colour scheme, very easy on my old tired eyes. Always enjoy reading your blog.Your pictures of Arizona and New Mexico bring back pleasant memories of our trip out west last year.
ReplyDeleteWe know what it is to miss two and four-legged friends. My human and I tried to outrun our grief by taking a trip west in 2010. I wrote a blog about our travels and if I'm cleared by my Vet in August, we hope we can go, again.
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/3lmho6c
We just found you a few days ago, so we have a lot of reading to do so that we can get to know you and Max and Motormouse and your other pup.
Thank you for your love of dogs...we do have the purest hearts and souls, after all. At least, that's what my human says.
~ Jack
I have never seen night skies like I saw in rural Ireland, but there was always a gale blowing or some reason I couldn't stay outdoors for very long. I couldn't even set up my telescope outside because the wind would blow it away. My youngest son is taking Astronomy in college this term, and I can't wait to talk to him about it.
ReplyDeleteI use bold black print on white background because I mess up when I try to change anything. I think the easiest screens to look at were the original green screen and yellow print. That was eons ago!
awsome blog yaar i wanna be like u.
ReplyDeleteCheckers! That's the pup I missed. Found him back in 2007! I bet we would have been good friends if we had known each other. ~ Jack
ReplyDeleteit's too bad those little chihuahua
ReplyDeleteboys aren't closer, they look so much like Cora. I can't stop thinking about them. I like the new text colours against the dark background.
yeah
ReplyDeleteI have macular degeneration in one eye and find the light print on black background is very easy to read.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about the night sky, what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteLove the blue color on the black. very nice.
Al, I found your blog when I was looking for Bayfield info sites. Please, please post more daily photos of Bayfield. When I was nine our family moved from Michigan to Arizona, so I spent the next 14 summers in AZ. Now I live in Santa Barbarba, CA. I like your photos of the SouthWest, but LOVE the Ontario photos. Please post more Ontario photos while you are there.
ReplyDeleteDan
On a clear, oh so dark night, camped in death valley, we had a simply awesome time just star gazing. The number of stars you could see with the naked eye was just outstanding. Another topic where there is just so much to learn.
ReplyDeleteThe more you know, the more you realize you don't know.
I think I can see a telescope with a camera mount in the future.
Is it a side effect of astronomy that one begins to dream a little dream ?
Crazy Legs Al
That Motormouse is a hoot! Love the don't touch this photo. Have you thought about your health benefits to a young new pal? Like taking those needed walks outside no matter the weather! :)
ReplyDeleteI suggested Levonne take a look at your blog on our walk last week. She takes some pretty nice photographs herself!
ReplyDeleteI really miss the walks my dog and I used to take together. It was always harder when a second dog was added to our family (adopted my son's dog when he moved to a different apartment and couldn't keep her)
And don't know why I just don't go wandering all by myself.
They are good buddies, and I think if you are thinking of it you should get that young dog as soon as possible so it will be part of the family when you set off for the winter.
You know you are going to do it. So why wait?
Al, we weren't going to get another dog after we lost our white Bichon, Brandy. But Loyce kept looking in stores and adds in the paper and so on. She would tell me she was just looking at doggies because it helped her with missing Brandy. But.......... One night she came home in a huff, that she had found another pup that she was sure was put on this earth just for her!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd now we have Biscuit, a Cavalier Spaniel and Bichon mix. She is a designer dog, and many folks do not believe in doing that. But she doesn't know anything about being a designer dog. She just sits in our laps and licks our faces. Barks to get our attention when the water dish is empty, and took over our lives. Both in the RV last winter and here at home this summer.
You'll know when the right pup comes by, the bond will be instantaneous.
Rod
I like this font better than the one last night...not so much contrast.
ReplyDeleteI sure appreciate your thoughts about our furry friends. Our fur kids are not with us on this particular journey and I miss them already. My sis (not the one traveling with us) just lost her dog on Saturday and it was really hard. I'm sure you'll find the answer that is right for all of you (including little Cora).
I know next to nothing about astronomy - I just know I love to gaze at a star filled sky. Looking forward to your posts on same.
..nice photos of your boondocking!..the peace and tranquility would be so wonderful!!
ReplyDeletenothing like the night sky filled with stars..sure don't see that in the 'big city'!!
Hi Al, I really like the tan colored type. Much easier on the eyes. I also want to say that I love the photo of Max and the one of you and Kelly sitting in the desert. Oh, and I know you try not to but I look forward to your blabber fingers ramblings every day!
ReplyDeleteGrace
Hi Al, The tan type is so much easier on the eyes. Good job! Love the photo of you and Kelly sitting on the desert floor. Sweet! I enjoy your ramblings. I wouldn't have you change a thing!
ReplyDeleteGrace
Al, All the hard work, time and energy etc. will be worth it to have another best pal to love. Good company for little Cora and although you will never, ever replace Max and Checkers, another pal will help, just a little, to fill that huge hole they left in your life.
ReplyDeleteWhen the time is right for you all then go for it and good luck, there are lots out there needing people like you two.
Carole
Can't imagine a world without Rigg's and now Sadie, As you know we have been like you doggie people all our lives and that is why maybe a pal for little motormouse will keep her young and also keep you young Al, be safe out there. Sam & Donna. Ps. think about a Lab we love the big & little combination we have with our two.There are Lab rescues all over the place.
ReplyDeleteAl, I can relate to your feelings about the night sky, as I am by nature a night owl. Many times at my home in Texas, my dog and cats would sit out and gaze at the wonders of the night. Peace, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAlamo Lake State Park, AZ.. in the middle of nowhere..that's where I saw the best stars in March of 2004..and no moon was out...memorable to say the least...
ReplyDeleteAs you know Al, we just lost our beloved Maggie a couple weeks ago. I know we will get another one, not just yet though. We don't know whether it will be a puppy or not. I suppose I'm thinking that there is one out there that needs us and so am waiting that out. This time we will probably go and rescue one. Give one a home that has probably never known the kind of love that we give our guys. Always said that if there is an afterlife I want to come back as a dog owned by someone like us. What a great life that would be....
ReplyDeleteAl, personally liked the old yellow font and size better. It gives you more space for your narratives and photos. Dog days of summer. No pun intended. Best Wishes.
ReplyDeleteVirginia
Aw Shucks, I like your Blog and pictures any old way you want to do it..
ReplyDeleteI wish mine was as good.......
But I don't fret about it much, to much other stuff going on.
Just keep it up AL!
Everyone else talked about dogs and stars. I'm looking forward to your treatises on photography. I can make a good picture now and again, but I need to be more consistent! And more varied. And find better angles. And better composition. And less uneven lighting. Et cetera.
ReplyDeleteAl, Thank you so much for your blog. I enjoy when you speak from your heart. Sharing,honestly, your feelings is what draws readers to your website. (and this is lookin good, man)
ReplyDeleteWe lost our Portia 13 years ago and oh how I missed her. Finally, we have our Oliver and he is the love of our life. We have not forgotten Portia and remark how much they are alike.
You know what I like about dogs? They love unconditionally!
Totally with you on lovin' those furry companions.
ReplyDeleteBy the way nominated you for the 7 links challenge today (also sent you an e-mail, but not sure I have the right address). Hope you'll join in.
Nina
Yipppeee. Looking forward to hearing more about those great shots you take. Love the little one looking all mean!
ReplyDelete