I'll be home* for Christmas (*wherever that is)

My five weeks in Truth or Consequences was satisfying, as it usually is. I lived happily in three homes this time, and found a near-perfect balance between solitude and pleasant company. Betty says T or C is my second home, and I suppose that feels true.

Whoa there, cowboy. Didn't you see the hydrant?

One of these guys had a hearty breakfast at Maria's.

I was able to meet up with a couple of RVing friends this time. David, who runs the Facebook groups Staying Warm for RVers and Prius Camping, blew through town and we met up to compare strategies. 

He uses some techniques that I haven't tried and might, and some that I haven't tried and won't. He has fashioned an actual kitchen which is clever and functional (Yeti cooler, induction "hot"plate, and a small pressure cooker). I admired this set-up, and then asked myself, "If you don't cook in a house with running water, gas stovetop and dishwasher, do you think you'll cook in the front seat of Spud?" I replied sheepishly, and so that's an innovation for another (life)time.

David is very enthused with his life in his Prius, and that revived some of my old enthusiasm for Spud-living. I lost a lot of that mojo in August's microburst, and I can feel it returning.

Later that day, I met up with PleinGuy (David), whose art is available here. We enjoyed dinner at BellaLuca, where I learned he has lived in unconventional and fascinating ways. He generously gave me a giclée of one of his paintings, which couldn't be more perfect for my cabin. Also, it has allowed me to say "giclée" a few times.

Lots of you revel in the season's merriment, and lots of you hunker down until it's over. I guess I've done my share of both lately. If you're a hunkerer, relax knowing it's almost done! And if you're a reveler, it's almost here!

Living in your car - vandwellers wanted

I'm assembling a separate Wall of Fame for vandwellers in the right-hand sidebar. If you know of a blog that should be there, let me know. If you think you should be there, let me know. Not in a vehicle, but your blog is about the vandwelling sensibility? Bring it.

I'm about to start living a whole new way. What do you want to know? Should I track my spending? Do you want to know where I found wifi? Public showers? Where I parked?

Scenes From the Blotter


Officer 1: Oh, this is bad.

Officer 2: What happened here?

O1: It's ugly.

O2: [gags] What the ...

O1: Better get on the horn. Tell dispatch we need a ...

O2: [gags]

O1: Criminy, Ed, step away from the scene. Just go call ...

O2: How? Why? [gags]

Roxi: Officers, it's just lunch. Can I get you some ...

[Officer 2 runs behind bush]


Please don't ask me to track what I eat.


For a scene witnessed only once before by an Appalachian doctor, please visit Desert Diva's latest post.    She could have helped me, but she ran for her camera instead. I hope you're happy.

Living out of my car.

Thanks so much for your good wishes for me, and for Annie. Thoughts matter, and intent is huge. I'm very grateful.

Can you see them?

 

I caught this shot by a hare's breadth.

Spud and I scooted out of Tucson yesterday.

Google predicts that trip will take you four hours. Next travel technology: get there via internet, because no car can travel like Google Maps can. I didn't time how long it actually took me, because that  makes me neurotic. Turning off the clock while I stop to rest(room). Putting off the nap so I can get anywhere sooner. It's not a good strategy for me. The trip was longer than I like.

Las Cruces is Cheryl's winter home, and Cheryl's winter home is where I'm resting in the lap of Luxury. When I'm not sitting on Luxury's knee.  [*slap*]  Fresh, Luxury! Luxury and me, we're very close. Cheryl, may your karma always get the gas mileage of a hybrid.

You're reminded of Ang Lee's cinematographic use of US Western scenery to symbolize psychological states?
Oh, sorry. I misheard.

My cousin and friend, Lori, gave me a bottle of this stuff. I make no claims about safety. I only claim that it works. If you've ever had the great good fortune to take diazepam/Valium in times of distress, it feels like that, but without that judgmental look they give you at one ER after another when you start asking for oxycotin for "back pain." I've heard.

What would Judy say here?

Living in my 2004 Prius, "Spud."

I prefer to say "living out of my Prius." My stuff will be there, and so will I, when I sleep. Still, "out there" is still out there, and that's where I'll be.

I don't have any pictures, and I haven't left the Duck yet, so this is all theoretical. You've seen the Prius (now called "Spud"); it's pretty typical. The modifications I'm using are pretty close to what Suanne used. I also just found Jessica Spaulding, who lived in her car for five years.

If you had told me two weeks ago I'd be doing this, I would have called you crazy. NOW who's crazy? Unlike Jessica, there is an apparent reason for me to do this. I don't like the reason, but since my first choice is no longer an option, I plan to explore the silver lining.

I don't know exactly when I'll start, but expect it to be soon.

~~~~~

A thousand thanks for doing your Amazon shopping here!