High on the faraway pinions tickling my nostrils, I barely even felt the jolt of contact. So, when I turned to youthful eyes watery with remorse, I said, "No harm, no foul.” I discovered the damage later.
You're pulling all my levers, Holly - desertscapes, DIY repair, ecology. Rather fascinated by the ironwood tree - I was more familiar with an Asian variety also called ironwood, but a completely different genus/species. The wood doesn't float? Cool... ;)
Hahaha! I’m learning to feel more and more competent to handle what needs handling or know who to turn to for an assist. Thank you, thank you, Nancy. I much appreciate you reading and commenting. 💕
Your adventures with Ruby are one-of-a-kind. It’s like she’s a wise old ancestor steering you this way and that to encounter all the magic and love your life deserves.
Going to a junkyard seems like an adventure. A city of vehicles and a guide to explore it. It is good to know that junkers in those vast fields actually go to good use sometimes. I admire your resourcefulness to get this job done. Glad you chose the red door! Ruby is more than a car or a dwelling, but a loved individual!
She really is. And you may not be surprised, knowing me (as I seem to have a hankering for wanting everything), there have been times that I regretted not getting the yellow. I mean, that would make her obviously one of a kind. But really, I know the red was the way to go. Haha!
Where are you guys? Have you parted ways with Ballena Blanca? any thoughts of visiting the Pacific Northwest?
Love your descriptions of the details. You paint pictures with your words. The bonus for us, former long-time RVers, is that we have had similar experiences with damage and repairs but not quite so fortunate in a junk yard and had to order new or replacement parts, including an entire powered awning. I tried driving away from a campsite in a Michigan national forest with the awing still extended. For the rest of that 10,000 mile trip the awning was out of use and held up to the side of the rig with duck tape. Friends along our journeys are among the best memories of all, some who became lifetime friends from distant places.
Oh, Gary! the awning. Thank you for sharing. What an image. I could just imagine that happening to me. Thank the gods for duct tape. It held a large shelf rattled free by a potholed forest road for a long time in Ruby years back. Rarely a dull day with life on the road, eh? Or maybe it’s just that dull days are lovely and adventuresome too.
Thank you for reading and appreciating the details. I do so enjoy to “ paint” them. 😊
Right?! She really is lucky and well loved. I’ve been spotted by people who recognize her first. I’ve ran into old friends and acquaintances, when visiting here or there and had people ask, “Where is Ruby?” I hadn’t even known they were following our adventures. And I’ve had Ruby sightings, some of which were not really us. A friend will call and say, “I saw Ruby in Santa Barbara.” But alas, I am in Colorado.
Thank you, Tara, for reading and commenting— from both Ruby and me. 💕
Oh gentle fire. Such a good description. The skies of the US southwest are something else. I swear they, as much as anything else, are the reason I often linger longer than I ought when I’m out that way.
Thanks you, David, for adventuring with Ruby and me. ♥️🔥
Ah, those Arizona sunsets are really awesome, aren’t they? I’m impressed by your repair work. Perhaps we’ll meet up on the road? I’ll be heading north- to WA state - to cool off for the summer.
"For a second winter of the pandemic, I’d roosted among gold and umber deserts, climbing ridges to study the patterns of growth that coiled from mesquite and palo verde nurses. I’d lingered too long."
And just like that Ruby is fixed. Love your descriptions, pictures and videos. Seeing the shorts and tank top and reading about the desert sunshine warmed my bones on this chili Seattle morning.
Oh, man, that was a hot hot day. I was probably longing for chili Seattle morning. Thank you for reading, my friend. Here’s wishing you a mug of something delicious to warm your hands and bones. ☕️
You're pulling all my levers, Holly - desertscapes, DIY repair, ecology. Rather fascinated by the ironwood tree - I was more familiar with an Asian variety also called ironwood, but a completely different genus/species. The wood doesn't float? Cool... ;)
Right?! I thought the same about its inability to float. Talk about an example of persistence. Not surprised we have so many matching levers. 😉
I am yearning to get my own travel vehicle.
Kara, I can't recommend it strongly enough. What kind of rig are you envisioning in? Where would you love for it to take you?
Thanks much for reading and commenting. I look forward to hearing more. :)
And PS, I dig your Substack title.
You are a superwoman.
Hahaha! I’m learning to feel more and more competent to handle what needs handling or know who to turn to for an assist. Thank you, thank you, Nancy. I much appreciate you reading and commenting. 💕
Your adventures with Ruby are one-of-a-kind. It’s like she’s a wise old ancestor steering you this way and that to encounter all the magic and love your life deserves.
Truth! She is an old soul. And she has afforded me a great deal of magic I'm more than happy to accept. Thanks, Kimberly. :)
Great story, Holly. Thank you❤️
Thank you, Cathy! 🥰
Good job working those butts off :)
Bwhahaha!🤣🍑🍑 Thanks, Jenna!
Going to a junkyard seems like an adventure. A city of vehicles and a guide to explore it. It is good to know that junkers in those vast fields actually go to good use sometimes. I admire your resourcefulness to get this job done. Glad you chose the red door! Ruby is more than a car or a dwelling, but a loved individual!
She really is. And you may not be surprised, knowing me (as I seem to have a hankering for wanting everything), there have been times that I regretted not getting the yellow. I mean, that would make her obviously one of a kind. But really, I know the red was the way to go. Haha!
Where are you guys? Have you parted ways with Ballena Blanca? any thoughts of visiting the Pacific Northwest?
Right now it looks like we will be heading your way. Haven't sold Ballena Blanca yet.
Well, I'm sorry to hear you haven't sold her--if you're feeling sorry about it at any way. But I'd be delighted at the opportunity to connect!
Love your descriptions of the details. You paint pictures with your words. The bonus for us, former long-time RVers, is that we have had similar experiences with damage and repairs but not quite so fortunate in a junk yard and had to order new or replacement parts, including an entire powered awning. I tried driving away from a campsite in a Michigan national forest with the awing still extended. For the rest of that 10,000 mile trip the awning was out of use and held up to the side of the rig with duck tape. Friends along our journeys are among the best memories of all, some who became lifetime friends from distant places.
Oh, Gary! the awning. Thank you for sharing. What an image. I could just imagine that happening to me. Thank the gods for duct tape. It held a large shelf rattled free by a potholed forest road for a long time in Ruby years back. Rarely a dull day with life on the road, eh? Or maybe it’s just that dull days are lovely and adventuresome too.
Thank you for reading and appreciating the details. I do so enjoy to “ paint” them. 😊
Wow! Lucky Ruby to have such capable and fearless friends.
Right?! She really is lucky and well loved. I’ve been spotted by people who recognize her first. I’ve ran into old friends and acquaintances, when visiting here or there and had people ask, “Where is Ruby?” I hadn’t even known they were following our adventures. And I’ve had Ruby sightings, some of which were not really us. A friend will call and say, “I saw Ruby in Santa Barbara.” But alas, I am in Colorado.
Thank you, Tara, for reading and commenting— from both Ruby and me. 💕
That's pretty sweet to be recognized for your travel buddy. ☺️
That photograph! Like a gentle fire. I enjoy these vicarious adventures with you and Ruby on the road.
Oh gentle fire. Such a good description. The skies of the US southwest are something else. I swear they, as much as anything else, are the reason I often linger longer than I ought when I’m out that way.
Thanks you, David, for adventuring with Ruby and me. ♥️🔥
Ah, those Arizona sunsets are really awesome, aren’t they? I’m impressed by your repair work. Perhaps we’ll meet up on the road? I’ll be heading north- to WA state - to cool off for the summer.
"the vagabond of it all" ohh yeah
Yasss! I'm glad someone shouted out that phrase. It made me grin when it came to me. Thank you ever so much for reading and for sharing, appleton!!
"For a second winter of the pandemic, I’d roosted among gold and umber deserts, climbing ridges to study the patterns of growth that coiled from mesquite and palo verde nurses. I’d lingered too long."
Glorious writing, Holly!
Thank you, Jeffrey! That desert is a glorious place to write about. 🏜
And just like that Ruby is fixed. Love your descriptions, pictures and videos. Seeing the shorts and tank top and reading about the desert sunshine warmed my bones on this chili Seattle morning.
Oh, man, that was a hot hot day. I was probably longing for chili Seattle morning. Thank you for reading, my friend. Here’s wishing you a mug of something delicious to warm your hands and bones. ☕️
Thanks for sharing beautiful moments