A Small Dog With a Big Presence

This trip has proven that no matter the size of our living quarters, Ruby takes over the space. She has to be wherever we are. When we get out of her sight she barks, she always wants to be close to her “pack.”

 

Ruby is crowding Cray’s feet, a common occurrence, we dutifully compromise our comfort for hers. 

Here she is casually napping on the bed. Look at all that room…until we go to bed and attempt to position our legs around her. If we nudge her with our feet she gives off a low growl, as if to say “I’m not moving, you are.” 

Ruby even determines what restaurants we eat at.  They must have an outdoor patio that allow dogs. We don't eat out often, but when we do Ruby usually gets a bowl and a snack.

The campground where we are currently staying has a fun little dog park. I wanted Ruby to go up and down the ramp, but she won’t even look at it. Maybe, if I had some highly desirable treats, like the ones she got at Kim’s house, I could train her to do it.

Kim is a gracious host. We had so much fun staying at her lovely Sun City West home. Kim is originally from Des Moines and we have both known her for years. Kim and I reconnected when I worked as the RN for the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic at the Des Moines VA Hospital. Kim is the Executive Director of the Iowa Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. 

Kim LOVES dogs and cats. She is particularity fond of her 9 month old dog, Pogo, who has a lot of energy and personality. Pogo and Ruby got off to a rough start and we had to keep a close eye on them. Pogo just wanted to play, but grumpy-old-lady Ruby was having no part of it. Pogo ended up wearing a soft muzzle, a pinch collar, and a leash for quick corrections.  However, it probably should have been Ruby since she was the bitchy one!

Kim took us to a nearby golf course to eat at the Crooked Putter for all you could eat fish and chips. The food was really delicious. We also had the best server,  Kim’s good friend Denise. She is another transplant from Des Moines that we just happened to know from the Drake Diner. Such a small world. 

Denise, her partner Angela, and their two super awesome dog’s: Rider & Putter. It appears that all of Kim’s Sun City West friend’s play golf, pickle ball, and dominoes. Actually, I think everyone in Sun City West golfs, judging by the number of golf carts on the road.  I also ran into Nancy, a wonderful woman who worked at the VA the entire time I was there. She is one of the few people there that always eager to help you and she did it with a smile. Nancy currently goes back and forth from Iowa to Arizona every six months. I can see why people love to live in Sun City West. The taxes are low, since there are no schools in over 55 senior communities. 

Kim’s giant-old-lovable-half-blind dog Duke.

Kim’s cat that lives in a larger body named Butters

Kim’s secretary, Peanut, who probably hates me. Once, I locked her in the closet. Another time I shut her up between the front door and the screen door - overnight! Seriously, I felt so bad. 

Above is a photo of the campsite that our friend Pam posted on Facebook. Word is that you can be as close to other campers or as far away as you want. Quartsize is THAT huge. Oh, and it’s dry camping. Fortunately, we have solar and we are about to put our off-the-grid camping skills to the test!

This is a photo from Quartzsite taken by a camper this very morning. Now, that’s the what I’m talking about.

Cray and I are preparing to travel to Quartzsite, Arizona tomorrow. It’s about a 3 hour drive from our current location in Picacho. We are going to camp near our new friend Pam from Las Cruces and her RV buddy’s from Colorado. Quartzsite is the home of the largest RV rally and gem show - I imagine it to be like ‘Sturgis’ for campers. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Cray surprised me with a helicopter ride to celebrate my 60th birthday today. I rode up front and I was kind of like the co-pilot….well, maybe not, but I did feel pretty darn special.

There were hikers on the very top of Camelback Mountain in the distance. Chris, our helicopter pilot, said the last part of that hike involves pulling yourself up the rocks to reach the top. I won’t be doing that. 

Thumbs up! We are getting ready to board the helicopter.

Look at all those trails! Chris said they are for biking, walking, and horseback riding. No ATV's?

We flew over bazillion dollar houses. Lifestyles of the rich and famous - does anyone really need a forty thousand square foot home?

The pilot had the largest black bear ever shot in Arizona on display in his hanger. Personally, I think it’s pretty sad, but the bear did make a good photo-op. I look like I am swallowing my tongue. 

We stopped to photograph this sculpture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built years later by one of his esteemed students.

Tonight, we are grilling steaks and playing dominoes with our friend Kim and our new friend Angela. I received tons of birthday wishes from all my friends and family. I am so blessed!

                         Happy Birthday to Me!