Saturday, February 17, 2018

A nice busy day.....



Our Location: Saddle Mountain BLM, Tonopah, AZ
 
Late getting to bed it was after midnight when I finally settled in to get some sleep. So therefore it was just about 6:30 am when my little blue peepers opened this morning.  I was up and outside long before I needed to be because the sun was going to be rising behind some cloud cover. Not the dark black menacing kind, but the brighter, deep, heavy whitish blue kind of clouds. That have no rain or moisture to them, just the kind that linger long enough to cover the sunrise. 
 
Good morning from Saddle Mountain BLM.....
 
I managed to get some okay pictures but even though it was after 8 am when I finally went inside the sun still hadn't really made a true appearance. As you can see from the pictures, it was bits and pieces but never the whole break through kind of performance. 
 
Working hard but not going to have a break through.....
 
Back inside Riley and I enjoyed a hot drink while chattering about what our plans might be today. Due to the dog issue I think we'll be moving locations in the next day or two. It's too difficult to walk for sunset pictures as I have to go cross country or take the Dogsled down the way and park.
 
Oh maybe a little spot will show here and there....
 
We decided we'd go look at a spot I found yesterday and see if Riley liked it and after that who knows what we might do. So off we went with our walking sticks firmly in hand and enjoyed the nice leisurely walk. We both really like the spot, it's far enough away from people that we'll both feel comfortable walking, it's a perfect location for sunsets and it'll be good for the morning side of things as well. The views are fantastic and it's just a really nice location. The only draw back is one wash we have to cross to get to the spot. I'm pretty certain we can make it with no issues but I'm still kind of debating in my mind. So we walked cross country back to the Igloo still thinking about it for now and decided we'd do something different lunch. 
 
I love this, it's all part of the same tree but it doesn't look like it....
 
We've been having difficulty getting motivated to cook which of course means there's something that we don't like. I think it's the same old, same old that's getting to us. So Riley decided to make some Pasta Salad with Tuna. I of course, had my green salad and a bit of Pasta Salad to finish off my lunch. It was excellent, Riley did an amazing job!! Thank you Riley. After that it was time to clean up and do some dishes. It never takes long and I never used to mind doing the dishes but again, I think it's a funk or something because I'm just finding it such a chore. Oh well, it'll pass and all will be right with the world again soon. 
 
This appears to be two trees, one growing inside the other but it's ONE tree...
 
So while Riley was off doing whatever it is she does in that room I finished my book. It was a good book, Brad Thor is an excellent writer, he has a character named Scot Harvath that keeps things interesting. Anyway, I didn't want to start a new book right away and I have been putting off a couple of projects. Since it was nice out this afternoon I decided I'd start at least one and see how it went. 
 
Same thing, one tree but it looks like two....see the heart?
 
I managed to complete a few chores, one of  which was to run a cord INSIDE the Igloo instead of outside each time we move, so that we can use the small inverter we have in the front cubbie. It's the perfect size for us at 850 watts and we're happy we didn't have a bigger one installed when we had the solar panels and accessories installed. That chore completed I moved on to the next one.
 
It's a limb growing out of the truck but it looks like an arm cradling something....see the face?
 
One battery cable in the front is corroded and I wanted to clean it up. Took a little bit of time but soon I had it all sparkly and ready to go back to work.  I'll do the others on another day, as they all look fine with no issues. 
 
Must have had some recent water running down this wash, see how everything is bent in the same direction?
 
From there I also had to rehang a cabinet door that was giving us issues. Somehow it popped open during our last travel day and the slide had already managed to get tangled up with it before Riley noticed it. We managed to get the slide out with the door out of the way so we could set up. Today I simply realigned the bottom hinge. It may need to be adjusted a bit more if the door swells at all but I'll worry about that if and when it happens. 
 
This looks mountain always looks to me like a marble bunt cake with a slice out.....
 
So after that I was ready for a sit down, take it easy for an hour but looking at the clock told me the sun would setting soon and I needed to head out cross country if I wanted to catch it. So fleece sweater on and zipped as the air was cooling off quickly, I headed out on the exact same walk as Riley and I had done this morning across a couple of deep washes toward the spot I want to move into so I could check out the sunset from that location. It's a keeper, we'll be heading over there in the next couple of days. 
 
It's almost time for the sun to get off work......
 
The walk is pretty long, at least 25 minutes each way, some pretty rugged spots to walk with some fairly large rocks to twist ankles and such but I made it with a bit of time to spare. I chatted with my dad while waiting for the sunset to begin and even for a bit of time into the sunset. They are in for a warming trend for a next week or so which will probably mean more snow but not always. It's a wait and see game. 
 
Working extra hard....
 
The sunset did not disappoint in any way. I doubt anyone could find fault with such a spectacular show. The painter's palette was alive, vivid, and well stocked. Truly one of nature's amazing works. 
 
Ripples in the sky....
 
Walking back home was a bit more difficult as it was darker but I still managed to stumble my way along and not break anything body part wise. Fortunate I would say. 
 
This was taken from the spot I want to move to...
 
Before leaving the Igloo I had placed a phone call to a place in Parker that I spoke with yesterday to order some new leather chairs for the Igloo. Sure enough the chairs are in and we can pick them up tomorrow. So that means that we need to dismantle the loveseat and remove it from the Igloo. They will dispose of it for us. I'll bet you already know what we did after I got back from sunset picture taking. You're right, we dismantled and removed the loveseat. In the morning I'll remove the hitch and load up the pieces, secure them and we'll be off to Parker to pick up our new chairs. We are both pretty excited about the idea!!!
 
And over to the east the sky looked like this....
 
Even with exchange and taxes here we are saving a substantial amount of money buying the chairs here. I'm happy to keep the little over $400 in my pocket. We are slowly getting around the things in the Igloo that we want to fix, change or replace and hope to soon be able to say we're finished. 
 
Back in the west it was doing some pretty dramatic stuff....
 
So after that I edited pictures, wrote this post and between yawns will eventually get it posted. That was our day, a fairly busy one and tomorrow will be as well but that's okay, it keeps us out of trouble. 
 
It's winding down now....
 
Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a comment. I enjoy reading them and hearing what you have to say!!
 
 
Amazing how much colour is in the sky ......
 
Until next time... take care, be safe, 
 
Good night from Saddle Mountain BLM.....
 
 
Deb
 
 
 
 
 

16 comments:

  1. I hope I didn't give you the fixing bug!! It is nice to get the little projects done. I was going to say drop by tomorrow on your trip to Parker, but we will be away to Yuma for the day tomorrow. Enjoy the new chairs.

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    1. The fixing bug? Is that what I have? Is there a cure? Hahaha...It is nice to get things accomplished and I enjoy puttering around doing little things. Keeps me out of trouble.

      Another time perhaps. Enjoy Yuma.

      Thanks. I know we will!

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  2. Excellent sunset photos from that location , not a s nice here last night.
    Nice to get those minor chores taken care of at you own pace.
    Hooray for your new chairs coming in I know you will enjoy them.

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    1. I've found that pretty much any sunset is nice out here...even the plain ones.

      I love getting things accomplished, makes me feel like I'm less of a sluggard.

      We are tired of the sofa as it's too small and too uncomfortable. The chairs will be a better fit for us. We like to sprawl out and take up space. So we're looking forward to being able to do that.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  3. A nice feel of accomplishment when you get those little chores out of the way. Great that you found new chairs that you are both happy with, look forward to seeing them one day. Take care.

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    1. Nothing like the feeling of accomplishment and all those nagging little chores. They never take long it's just getting started that is the difficult part for me. I'm saving a couple more little things for another day. Can't do them all in one day or I'll be looking for more things to occupy my time.

      I'm happy with the purchase, we've been putting up with the small sofa until we found what we wanted. HRH Miss Kitty isn't too happy but oh well, it's tough to please everyone.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  4. A beautiful sunrise even with the clouds, it is so pretty where you two are. Can't wait to see the chairs, thinking that will be awesome for the both of you! I feel that way too sometimes when doing the dishes or making the bed same ol same ol but it's got to be done (of course my hubby sees no point in making the bed, as it's just going to be messed up at bedtime).haha..Riley's lunch sounded wonderful! When we're home or on the road we got between salad or veggie wraps for lunch..of course we make up for it if we visit a restaurant, while running around. This sunset pics are so awesome!!!

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    1. Thanks Shirley. I'm enjoying the views here, they are stunning and the sunrises and sets makes them so alive and inviting for a while before they turn dark and uninviting. There is a mountain in our view that reminds me of a marble bunt cake with a piece taken out. The colours shift throughout the day making it look like the swirl in a marble cake. I never get tired of taking pictures of it.

      I think it's the repetition like you mentioned even with new views out the window that make me struggle with some every day chores. Of course it could just be because I'm getting lazy but I like to think it's the ho-hum of the task. My husband Richard was the same as Ken when it came to bed making. Not me, it's the first thing I do when I get up.

      We aren't much for restaurants, we'd rather just wait until we get home. I think the biggest issue is Riley's comfort level as she's not good with busy places, loud noises and too many choices. I always give her a choice of a restaurant, picking something up to bring home/ eat in the truck/road side table or waiting until we get home. Often it's a combination of the last two, usually she wants a rotisserie chicken to bring home. So it makes her happy which works for me.

      The new chairs are going to make it easier for us to spend more time in the living room at the same time. The little sofa was just too small for us to get comfortable with computers and books in our laps. So this will be a great addition to our little Igloo.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  5. Beautiful sunset. Not so lucky here in Q. Glad your new leather chairs are in. That's going to make the place look different.

    Have a nice drive to Parker.

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    1. Thanks Doug. Any sunset is a nice one as long as I am not looking at through snow. Hahaha...

      Looking forward to the new chairs, give us more room to sprawl out and get comfy. The place will look different, and that's a good thing, maybe it's what we need for a little more motivation.

      Thanks, it was an excellent drive.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  6. Great sunset pictures. Really loved the tree ones, just beautiful.
    Looking forward to seeing pictures of the new chairs.

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    1. Thanks. I loved the trees, they are so unique and for me I can see so many different things in them. I'm amazed at how they grow out here, almost look like a tree within a tree.

      The chairs are going to be an excellent way for us to spend more time in the living room and less time at opposite ends of the Igloo. That will be a good thing.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  7. Now you've just made up for the lazy days you've had and you should feel very pleased with your accomplishments. I'll bet you're excited for the new chairs, I would be! Hope the trip to Parker is a great one.
    Your sunset pictures were certainly worth the walk, and I didn't have to move out of my chair to see them! Thank you for that!

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    1. Thank Miss Patsy for the chuckle.

      If I had accomplished just one chore a day on all those lazy days I wouldn't have been so far behind. Haha. I do feel good about getting them finished though, feels great to accomplish something or a lot of little somethings.

      The new chairs are going to make life a little easier and we can spend more time in the same room. We can sprawl out and get comfy where as with the little sofa it wasn't possible for both of us to sit with our feet up and work on computers or read, etc. We are both pretty excited.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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  8. I love the tree close-ups. I think the face in the tree is a seal trying to give you a kiss.
    The sunset pics are great!

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    1. I love the tree pics too. I think they are so fascinating. They look to me like a tree within a tree. I never thought of a seal, I thought of an old person with a weathered, pinched face being cradled by a loved one....but your view works too. I can see that now, although I don't know about the kissy face stuff...hahaha...

      Thanks, it was a beauty for sure.

      Take care, be safe,
      Deb

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