2/28/2025

We left at 8:30 to drive to the Petrified Forest. We entered the South Gate. After visiting the Visitors Center, we drove part of the loop while stopping to take photos. The dog  and I walked 20k steps. At 3 o'clock we called it a day. 

We saw tons of petrified trees and petroglyphs. 

It was so amazing to see these petrified trees. 

Until tomorrow...

2/27/2025

Once again we got up early to give the dog her medicine me  It works kind of okay. I could give her more medicine but I don't want her to be conked out. At least she is not panting very hard and trying to climb out of her seat. 

I went out and checked the tires to see if air had come out and tire in question, had gone down 10 points just since 3:00/4:00 yesterday. I was concerned so I found a Big O tires to help out. But first we went to the Napa Auto supply and bought a blade for the windshield wiper. Then we went over to Big O tires. A lovely man talked with the van took the tire off checked it for bubbles leaks two different ways and found none. But he did replace the stem on the tire. And then asked how much to pay and he said just have a nice time at the Petrified Forest. 

We drove the whole day without one alarm going off for any of the tires. I did have trouble starting it twice but I'm getting used to that. 

Since we got a late start going to the auto places, we had to rush a little bit to get to Arizona. I even know we were on the border of Arizona, we went South first and then cut over to Arizona. If you know your map you know that there's tons of mountains between California and Arizona that we had to go over. 

We had horrible winds and gusts of wind during almost the whole entire drive. Semi trucks were unable to stay in their Lane because the wind was so strong. We made it safe although a little while later than I wanted to because I had to work phone call. 

Until tomorrow...

2/26/2025

We woke up early again in order to give the dog the medicine for travel. Today we were traveling to Needles CA. It is right on the border of Arizona. 

At a certain point in the trip, a light starts flashing on the dash. I knew it meant the tire pressure. Then I got a message about the tire pressure. I found a place to get gas and air. After I got gasoline, the car starts making a cellphone alarm sound. I tried the air pump for cars but it was broken. Someone told me that I could go on the truck side of the gas station, and use their air pumps. The air pumps on the truck side are free. So I drove around found the air and ask a very nice truck driver if he could help me figure out how to use it. 

I filled up the tires and continued on my way to Needles California. What can I say about this campsite? First off needles is extremely small town. Secondly campground although it was a KOA was in  disrepair. I've been to quite a few KOA campgrounds and this was the absolute worst I've been to. The lady behind the counter was rude and the whole campground just looked like nobody had touched it in 5 years. Luckily I was only staying overnight. 

I took her dog for a walk on a little path that they campground had. It did not go well. Things that they have these things called jumping cholla which are cactus that kind of get blown onto you and they stick to you and stick their prickers in you. The portable dog had one attached to her harness in the front and got caught in her fur and she was walking the three legs because her foot leg caught in this cactus. I immediately grabbed her and carried her back to the van. I then, despite her resistance, had to cut out this giant burr with prickers that embed themselves in your skin. In her case it was her highness and not her skin. 

She's not allowed near any more cactus! 

Until tomorrow...

2/25/2025

But that's not how I woke up early this morning in order to give the dog the seasick medication 3 hours before we had to leave. After being in a car with her with no medication, it is really prudent to give her the medication I finished packing the van with the cold food and any electronics and off we went. 

It took us about 6 hours to drive less than 300 miles to Bakersfield. Travel always takes longer in a van or RV. Plus with the dog, I have to stop every 1.5-2 hours for pee and exercise breaks. 

I had to find a place that sold propane to get the van filled up. 

I set upon putting things away in the van and making the bed.

Until tomorrow...

2/24/2025

Today I picked up the rental van to go on another trip to visit some national parks. There was a little bit of a hiccup during the pickup where the van kept stalling when I tried to start it. The 20 something kid told me that I didn't know how to turn on a car. I informed that kid that I've been driving longer than he's been alive and I know how to turn on a car. He kept insisting that I was turning the key to far when starting it. Who has ever heard of such a thing? 

The van was given to me with no gas and no propane so getting gasoline was the first order of business. 

After taking the van and then returning the van to the place, I got the van home. I then spent the next couple of hours cleaning it, stocking it, and putting the dishware in the dishwasher. To be really comfortable you have to take a lot of things. To be thrifty I do not use most of their things because it's a charge when you take their stuff. 

It was a long day and I'm tired. 

Until tomorrow...

2/23/2025

I spent the day today getting ready for my next band trip. I pick up the van tomorrow and leave on Tuesday. This time I'm going to the Southwest to see a few parks. Both the bird and the dog are coming with. Today I packed, cleaned, vacuumed, and downloaded some music. I also trimmed the dogs for and gave her a bath. Then I cleaned out the bird's cage. Lots to do. 

Until tomorrow...

2/16/25-2/22/25

First off, I needed to recuperate after Valentine's Day. All the things that I had put off needed to get done this long weekend. Laundry, cleaning, putting things away. 

I also had a ton of work to get completed. 

Until tomorrow...

2/9/25-2/15/25

Busy, busy week! 

Valentine's Day chocolates!! 

After making 34 boxes of chocolates, I was so happy to sell them all!! Just so you know, I sold them outside a local Bodega. It ended up storming and the rain was torrential. I was happy I sold this many boxes! It was a fun event selling and giving out samples.  I made (top box) Bischoff, hazelnut, and peanut butter. Bottom box, mint, cherry, and orange. 

Until tomorrow...

2/2/25-2/8/25

I've been approved for short term disability and I am trying to do more things for my mental health. This week I went to the museum free day. I haven't been to a museum in about 6 years. It was really fun. 

I went to a doctor appointment about my back and neck. They are sending me for an MRI. Can't wait to see what they find out. 

Only a week until Valentine's Day. 😱

I had to get up early one day to get a pass for a hike I want to do on my next van trip. 

Until tomorrow...

1/26/25-2/1/25

A busy week with work. I had acupuncture and therapy. Then I had a day with other small business women at a manifesting your dreams session. I made another vision board. It was a fun event. 

Only two weeks until Valentine's Day. I'm getting my chocolates ready!! 

Until tomorrow...