The following is the conversation between Pattie and me.
This is Pattie from PA, still in south west Colorado. The snow came today when we had rain below at the campground which is at 9500 feet. The aspens get more beautiful every day.
Gorgeous pictures, Pattie! Still traveling, huh?
You bet. I’ll be out traveling for another 6 months before I head back to PA for awhile.
I forgot to ask about your dogs – are they enjoying your travel?
I love their names – maybe I didn’t know them. I’ll bet you do their grooming – they look wonderful. As you travel send me a pic now and then – it will be my own little travelogue!! You’ll find the dogs’ pictures on the blog. 😊
Yes I have to groom them since I’m away so much. I’m not great but can keep their hair under control and of course I love that they don’t shed! Here’s a picture of me and the other camp host from yesterday. Fall is here. And yes Lily is my constant arm candy.☺️
I’ve always had the travel bug. In 2005 we sold our home and lived in an RV for almost 5 years. During that time we even visited your quilt shop, I remember it well . You even offered to let our labradoodle run in your fenced yard while we visited. Funny that I found your blog a couple years ago. After we settled down again , my husband was diagnosed with cancer but we still traveled a little. Before he passed I knew I had to get out I. The world again and bought my RV 6 weeks later.
The first 2 winters I stayed out 2-3 months but this year I decided no need to wait for cold weather. I wanted to see Colorado again. We had camp hosted near Aspen 15 years ago and I had not been here since.
So I joined Workampers on Facebook and started looking around. I found out about this spot in the Uncompahgre National Forest near Telluride and it is better than I hoped. Never have seen such majestic views, can’t believe heaven could look any better.
So now you know some background. I’ll be here a couple more weeks than making my way to Oklahoma to spend a couple weeks with my adopted family. After that then to Austin to see my stepdaughter and will turn westward again.
Lily sleeps with me and sometimes Lucas too. Here are the big kids beds.
And yes I can sew in here with no problem and I read daily. I especially appreciate the books and authors you and other readers share.
Mary here – I asked Pattie to keep me updated as she travels. I told her I envy her sense of adventure – I, obviously, have none.
Thank you Pattie – I love that you travel with your dogs!
Love the adventure of Pattie and her dogs. Great pictures and thank you for sharing.
we have had some much needed rain here in the Shenandoah Valley Va . Carolyn b
I love having a face to go along with a name! Hello, Pattie from PA! I love what you are doing – and that you have your four legged friends along for the ride. I think it’s so cool when people sew in their campers! Colorado sure looks beautiful. Lois, I can only imagine how happy Bailey will be when you go to get her. It is really hard for us to leave our pets when we have to, at least for me. Patti I am so glad you’ve gotten a cleaning crew to come in and clean for you! My sister had copd and it’s not an easy thing, for sure. Loved Gloria’s story about her kennel – and the honor system of paying! We’re finally getting rain here in MA, it is desperately needed. Plus it helps to have those days for sewing and crafting! Jan in MA
Mary and Pattie, Thank you for sharing Pattie’s travels . . . so enjoyable. My husband and I have camped in the past, and yes, we do miss it. I am looking forward to Pattie’s future adventures. Janice Traverse City area.
PA Patti, I loved reading about your wonderful experiences out on the road. You are one courageous woman and have my absolute admiration.
I also loved hearing about your canine companions; they are adorable.
Thanks for the blog, Mary 🥰
Mary, thanks for including these gorgeous photos! I wish I was a nomad like Patti sometimes. I read your
blog every day and so appreciate it! Seems as though the older we get, the more isolated, and blogs like yours give us older women a sense of connection that is so comforting. Thank you again, Mary.
Elizabeth – and I’m one of those older women, too, so I get it.
Oh, I love a good look at places I’ve not had a chance to visit! There is something magical about the light when the aspens turn that luscious yellow. There are a few back roads in northern WI where the aspens make a tunnel of gold to drive through; one of those things you don’t need a picture to remind you, it just stays in your mind.
Samantha makes quite the fashion statement, I love it! Lucas and Lily look as though they are playing King of the Mountain. Enjoy your travels and if possible, keep us posted, Pattie.
Thank you for the autumn, decorating, garden, travel, and quilt pictures, everyone. And thanks to Mary for taking us on the blog tour. Kris in WI
Patti I admire your bravery & your adventitious nature, looks like fun & your beautiful dogs keep you company!! Pictures are great!!
Pattie, I love your adventurous spirit! The scenery is gorgeous as are your sweet furrrrbabies!
Thanks for sharing your adventure, happy and save travels!
My husband & I loved to camp & did so for over 30 yrs. Most of that time we had a permanent site, but our dream was to travel to all the western states. In May of 2007 we bought a 34′ 5th wheel & took off 2 wks later. We traveled the northern route & were gone 5 wks. We did stop at Country Threads & I bought a sizable amount of fabric! Other campers who have a lot of experience are very happy to share if you have a problem. And the hosts are also very helpful. One of the nicest places we camped was Salt Lake City. One of the campers even fixed breakfast for a small donation. We saw a lot of country in that wonderful trip! In 2009 my husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer. Chemo & radiation followed & also an allergic reaction to anesthesia brought on dementia. Second trip “out west” we flew to Denver, rented a car & I did all the driving! Hubby was the best planner & co-pilot! His dementia got worse & we never got to make that 3rd trip “out west”! That would have included CA to Washington. In 2016 I sold the 5th wheel & the truck, & in 2018 our home & downsized. Hubby passed in 2020, so yes travel while you can! I sure have a lot of lovely memories of all of our travels over the 55 yrs we were married! Now I’m passing on the adventure of traveling to my friend Ron who just turned 91 in July! Tomorrow we leave on a couple day trip to Holmes County, OH! Patti, enjoy your travels!!!
I like be to hear about Patti’s adventures. Sounds like a good life. The times my husband and I camped were the greatest. He worked part time til he was 80 and I was still full time. So we didn’t keep it up. I know what Patti means about getting out once you’re alone. It’s important. Kudos to Patti. Thanks for sharing the pictures and her story, Mary
I watched the Fever play yesterday. Tough game.
Loved your pictures, Patti. We are campers too. We just returned from Bear Head Lake, MN. Biking, kayaking, hiking and my favorite- a cold lake swim. It was perfectly quiet there, I didn’t want to leave. Hats off to you for being brave and doing this solo.
Mary H – you and I will have to differ on the cold lake swim – I can feel the shock of that cold water right now. Brrrrr…..
I’m a stay at home like Mary, I admire Patti so much. Now I’m too old to travel. My husband and I decided we’d travel via the TV and computer so I really appreciate the photos from Colorado. Especially since I live here!! I’d be interested to hear how she finds the people along the way. Are they friendly, are they worried about our world like we are? God Bless Patti in her travels. I am working through my stash and got it down to a very small amount. It feels good. I now make only blocks and hand quilt them as mats. I love reading all the comments, thanks Mary.
Linda – that’s a good question for Patti. Maybe she’ll read this or I’ll ask her. Thanks for reading the comments – it’s our conversation and I love it.
Thanks Patti for sharing your travel adventures which I really enjoyed. Love your dogs!!
Kudos to Patti in PA for being so adventurous and having the confidence to maneuver her RV through traffic and the ability to take care of the upkeep. Love that she has her three dogs as travel companions.
We had our new 42’ 5th wheel camper delivered last week to our lot on Prairie Lake in WI. Everything is on a computer – lights, auto leveling, awning, water heater etc. I can honestly say that day-to-day care/maintenance would not be a problem. Maneuvering that huge camper would be a nightmare. As long as it sits in one place I’m okay. Mary – I’ll send pictures later.
I had a boarding kennel for 15 years. I was open 24/7. I had customers pick up their dog at midnight or even later. I had their bill clipped to their kennel door and they would put their money in the envelope. They were happy; I was happy. Happy Fall everyone – my favorite time of year.
Gloria – congrats on your new camper! I assume it’s going to be on your lot permanently or are you going to travel? How’s Caitlin?
The camper is there permanently. Caitlin is doing great!
Oh, my gosh that was fun to see and read. I so admire Patti for having the skills to do that and the spirit of adventure and travel to just up and go. I am more like Mary. I like staying home. No spirit at all. That said, my daughter retired last spring. She bought a van, which is now her car as well, and traveled for 8 weeks this past summer. She posted gorgeous photos of her trip on FB and that was so much fun to see her travel to beautiful places. She already has next year’s trip planned out. Her dad and I are so proud of her.
I was in the kitchen all day today, canning V8 type juice. We are so different, my daughter and me.
Kudos to PA Pattie, not only for her adventurous spirit but for the practical skills she must have, too. Towing, levelling, managing the hookups and dumping the tanks, and dealing with problems like batteries and fuses. You go, girl! Thanks for sharing your adventures with Mary, and thanks to Mary for sharing them with us. Looking forward to more travelogues.
Sharon F – I AGREE! How does she know how to do all of that? Wow, just wow.
Wow! Adventure and it is so nice you share the trip with us. Your pictures are beautiful! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Mary and Patti!
What a wonderful adventure. Just loved reading about it. Best wishes Patti and continue to keep Mary posted on your travels. Love your fur babies.
And Mary I got a comment box today on this post!
I don’t know 🤷♀️ Night everyone 🥱
hi everyone. i’m back. i was so very very tired. lots of sleeping the last several days. have just spent a good amount of time catching up with pictures and posts. love them all. all those pumpkins on quilts, all those fall decorations, flowers and gardens. thank you all so very very much.
rv pattie in pa., thanks for taking us with you and telling us about your rv journeying. your dogs look like so much fun. glad you are able to take them with you. hope you keep talking to us. your scenery is breathtaking.
my house is so clean. there are areas that need help but i didn’t expect those on the first try. i can breathe in my house. my kitchen and bathrooms are clean. my floors are clean and mopped. i love it. and it wasn’t just one room and then next week another room. it is the whole downstairs. i love it. should have done this a long long time ago. but i am going to continue with it now. mary, you had a lot to do with this decision. thank you.
while they were cleaning i spent time in my bedroom sewing area and redid the star that will be the top of my 3″ christmas tree with sentimental stitches. i am much happier with it. i also made the hst that will be tree limbs and cut the pieces for the qst for the inner limbs. then i’ll be able to add two more rows. now i can start working on the ornaments that i am behind on. little by little.
am spending a bit of time each day going thru magazines to get rid of them. i am forcing myself to face reality. instead of keeping whole patterns, i will keep a picture of the completed quilt to get the color way that inspired me. i do so much super scrappy stuff that i just need more ideas and then go crazy.
tomorrow and tuesday are more medical days so expect to be tired again. so i’ll rest. patti in florida
Patti – always glad to see an update from you and yes, isn’t a cleaning lady the best gift to yourself? I must have missed that decision on your part but I’m reading between the lines here. Don’t wear yourself out cleaning!! Your health is much more important but I do know when I’m recuperating, I won’t be able to relax if the house is in turmoil. Ugh. Sort of an impossible situation.
America the beautiful.
Thank you Pattie and Mary for sharing your travels around America’s yards. (Parks)
Thank you to all others for sharing your yards and flowers this summer.
I just finished some landscaping changes trying for very low maintenance. I cut 6-7 aspen trees down. I still have 30-40. Next spring I’ll have more than 20 sprouts. Some stay, some get mowed down. The fall golden glow continues.
I think fall colors are our gift for giving up the beauty of petunias, cosmos, geraniums all the pretty summer flowers.
And Jo would you believe my primroses are blooming all over again! I sent a picture a while ago that Mary had here and I was so shocked one morning when I saw them. It’s like they are tricked into blooming again with these warm temps. Just tonight I pointed them out to someone who was here and she too couldn’t believe the bright colors. Your aspen trees popping up are like our maple trees. Whirligigs all over that just make more maple tree seedlings I have to pull out in spring.
Kathy it’s funny you talking about primroses rebooking. I passed by two houses that had the biggest crocuses I’ve ever seen. They usually bloom here in March. Both my husband and I were quite surprised. I’m away at a four day quilt retreat at a beautiful place tucked in the forest just a half hour from my home though you would think you were miles away. It’s so peaceful and beautiful on a lake. I’m really enjoying myself.
Teresa – be sure to take a picture of what you’re working on!
My hubby and I RV’d all over (I’ve been to all 50 states and lots of foreign countries) but DH passed away 12 yrs ago. I don’t think I could drive an RV, be too scared I couldn’t stay in my lane!!! Love that purple tail. Sounds like you have a LOT of fun!!
Sherrill – That was before I knew you – all the RVing! I agree that Pattie from PA is very capable and brave – I wonder how she learned all that stuff.
Patti — How awesome!!!! I will agree Colorado is definitely beautiful and I will agree with you on the views. My son lives in Boulder and I am in awe when I visit him. Thank you for sharing your fur babies with us and your travel adventures….. I so enjoyed reading them. Safe travels and may you continue to have wonderful adventures!!!!
Oh, Pattie how I envy you! No, I’m going to change that. I do not envy you, but greatly admire you. I bought a ‘54 travel traveler about 9 years ago and my husband took it down to the frame and rebuilt it. He got stuck at finishing the windows though. My dream was to travel and camp. Reality set in when I realized now that I’m older my little, short trailer has no bathroom and I have to get up to many times in the night to stay in it. LOL. I need to look into a larger one.
Such an adventurous lady. Wish I had the nerve to do that alone.
Envious of you Pattie! I love camping and especially loved the RV MH camping. My hubby and I started camping when our kids were little when we lived in FL. Then we moved to AK and camping was stalled for a couple of yrs then we started in again moving on up to MH. We camped all summer long and after hubby retired (early) we would spend all summer long down on the coast of AK. We traveled to the Lower 48 a couple times too and spent winter months in warmer climes. Then we moved down on the coast of AK and did not do much camping after that. I missed the hills around Fairbanks. Hubby passed away and I had to deal with selling everything. Then I moved to IA and camped a few times with a daughter when she lived here. I miss it sometimes. Enjoy it while you can still do it. It’s a good life. Loved the photos! As for sewing, I finished quilting a quilt today and it’s ready for binding.
I loved reading Patti’s adventures and hope she will keep us updated..she has everything she needs right with her ..thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures with us.
Thank you! Such fun to read this.
I will love hearing more from PA Patti too!! With us having a 40’ motor home I have so much admiration for her traveling alone and seeing our beautiful country while she is able. I remember patients coming into my work saying, “go while you can” and I never gave it thought till it happened to us that traveling now is difficult. One good thing about campgrounds is there is generally a fully stocked used book store in the recreation centers that campers leave one, take one, so there is always an author you can look up to read. Thanks for sharing your travels and dog rescues with us Patti. I remember you were helping with transports at one time.
I am just back from a class reunion–my 70th high school class reunion. I graduated in a class of 300 in 19 54 in Ottumwa, Iowa. We have had a reunion every five years and I have not missed any of them. This one is our final one, however. We only had about 35 class members show up, along with either a spouse or a traveling companion. I asked my daughter to go with me as I was uneasy doing a 4 hr. trip by myself. She was a lot of company for me, she joined right in at the reunion, and we had wonderful mother/daughter time together. It was a long trip (200 miles one wa y) so I am weary this afternoon. Poor Baile y is at the boarding kennel; she was not invited to the reunion party!
Lois – I hope you bail Bailey out of boarding kennel tomorrow! That is a long trip.
The house seems so empty and sad tonight without her! You can bet your boots that I will be at the door of the boarding kennel as soon as they are unlocked for the day. She and I are hardly ever apart, at least overnight, so this probably has been stressful for her as well as for me.
Beautiful pictures! I admire your adventurous spirit. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t do the same. Cute dogs!
It’s quite a bit cooler here in SE SD. Very much welcome! I’m going to try to get my garden cleaned out this week.
Mary,
Such wonderful stories & photos from PA Pattie about her dogs & her travels 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy your week ahead
Sandy in Indiana
Love traveling with PA Pattie. Such beautiful country. Thanks for sharing with all of us. May I ask what model of RV you picked? Since my backup skills are terrible, a trailer is not an option.
Maneuvering a big bus is out too. You have stirred my sense of adventure but, driving on snow-covered mountain roads would make me a tad nervous. Safe travels!
Deb – are you considering an RV?
Thinking about an RV but, would probably need to practice driving it in an empty parking lot. 🤣 Maybe a small van type?
I travel in a class A , 31’ Newmar Baystar and tow a Honda CRV. My husband always said if you can get the front through the back will follow.
I love Pattie’s sense of adventure. I always wanted to to buy a glamper when I first retired and travel with my two dogs. But sadly Jersey & Jett both passed before that could happen. I love seeing her pictures and her dogs.
Teresa – I’m quite sure there’s a sad dog in the shelter who would love to travel with you.
Mary, My husband just said the same thing to me yesterday. We may have a new addition before long. 🐕 We’ve rescued all of our fur babies from shelters.
Teresa – oh, goody! I can’t wait to meet him/her!