The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your soul.
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–

YES—YOU CAN > >
***Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!
***Live with little money and still have an excellent life.
***Be able to live life getting very little sleep.
***Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!
***See experiences that will add to and make your life better.
***I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.
***Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?
***And, I’m not just, “Kitting Around”.
Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life!
*****************************
***Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
***If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
***If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.
***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.
***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!
I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!
*****************************
*****************************
INTRO FOR THIS WEEK >>
My van is my home, and I love it. Homeless, me, no way.

Last week I wrote that I did not have much to write about—because I did not make things happen. That is how each of us can lead our life, to just go through and let things happen, or to “make” things happen. This upcoming week I plan to “make” things happen. You will see.

Not enough happened after all this week. I really need to get out to the wilderness soon, I miss my lifestyle.

I’m actually glad I am living in my van so I can drive to where things might be safer. Care to join me on the road?
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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
1) “The Way Get Started Is To Quit Talking And Begin Doing.” – Walt Disney
This straight-to-business quote comes from the man who created the happiest place on earth – and a multi-billion-dollar empire.

2) “The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

When it comes to success quotes by famous people, Winston Churchill’s inspirational words of wisdom always make the list.

3) “Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today.” – Will Rogers

Will Rogers was an American actor, cowboy, columnist and social commentator who believed in keeping forward momentum.

4) “You Learn More From Failure Than From Success. Don’t Let It Stop You. Failure Builds Character.” – Unknown

When you replace ‘lose’ with ‘learn’ in your vocabulary, the thought of failure becomes less daunting and lets you focus on growth.

5) “It’s Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It’s Whether You Get Up.” – Inspirational Quote By Vince Lombardi

Vince Lombardi was an American football hero who’s uplifting words frequently make it onto Top 10 Inspirational Quotes lists.

6) “If You Are Working On Something That You Really Care About, You Don’t Have To Be Pushed. The Vision Pulls You.” – Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs truly captured some of the wisdom of life in this statement. Do that which you are passionate about and your work will feel effortless.

7) “People Who Are Crazy Enough To Think They Can Change The World, Are The Ones Who Do.” – Rob Siltanen

I believe this is one of the best quotes to live by because it reminds me to think without limits and never doubt my wildest thoughts.

8) “Failure Will Never Overtake Me If My Determination To Succeed Is Strong Enough.” – Og Mandino

There’s a special place in my heart for these inspirational words. They remind me of my unwavering determination to become a motivational speaker.

9) “Entrepreneurs Are Great At Dealing With Uncertainty And Also Very Good At Minimizing Risk. That’s The Classic Entrepreneur.” – Mohnish Pabrai

This line always puts a smile on my face because it alludes to the excitement of not knowing what to expect but seeing a possible life-changing outcome.

10) “We May Encounter Many Defeats But We Must Not Be Defeated.” – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was one of the top civil rights activists and embraced a spirit of positive thinking and sheer determination.

11) “Knowing Is Not Enough; We Must Apply. Wishing Is Not Enough; We Must Do.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

This piece of wisdom is one of my favorite quotes for students. It reminds us to apply what we learn and take action toward success, rather than waiting and hoping.

12) “Imagine Your Life Is Perfect In Every Respect; What Would It Look Like?” – Brian Tracy

The exercise mentioned in this excerpt of my personal development philosophy is one of the keys to gaining clarity for what you really want in life. Start with a clear vision of your ideal life and happiness, then work backward to achieve it.

13) “We Generate Fears While We Sit. We Overcome Them By Action.” – Dr. Henry Link

I love this pairing of quotation and image (below). Before we act, our imaginations often run wild, but when we move forward we often find the path ahead far less daunting than the horrifying version we had created in our minds.

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
3/7—Last night Jim and Julie took me out for a Mexican meal, the best south-of-the-border food I have had in a very long time. In fact, I had two leftover tacos, ate one last night before sleepy time, then one this morning at about 4am.

3/8—Spent today, Sunday, with Julie and Jim. Jim and I threw some stuff around in a jugglie way and great to spend time with both of them.

Along with the great Mexican food, the margaritas were a delightful mix.

3/9—Waiting for two deliveries by post, should be here today. They arrived in the afternoon. I unfurled my new mattress and it feels so wonderful. Nice to be on the road again, going south toward Corpus Christi.

3/10—Took a left and went to Galveston (remember, “Galveston, oh Galveston . . .”) Saw a very nice park, Oyster Creek Park, so I went. Spent a couple of hours cleaning and organizing the van. My new mattress is magnificent, so comfortable. Fifty bucks, a good investment.

Then it was on to Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. No, I didn’t see any animals there, but I did get to use my new ax for the first time, cutting wood down for my woodstove.

3/12—Just spending time the last few days. Mainly at libraries, very comfortable here. When was the last time you were at a library?

This morning I did some work on the van, did a shower on the far side of the parking lot, cut my hair and cleaned up.

I went to Costco to get gas. Then, of course, I went inside to get lunch (the free samples that I consume.) Because of Corona, they are no longer doing sampling! What a terrible thing.

Too much about Corona Virus, getting ridiculous. All I have to say about Corona is I bought some Corona Light Beer and it went down smooth. To tell you the truth, I have no worries about this “thing”. It will pass, give it time.

3/13—Last night I did a presentation for the monthly meeting of http://www.cheerfulclowns.com/. And, what a great group it was. I told my history and taught them all how to juggle with scarves; a few could already juggle, the rest loved their new skill. Many bought books, a good thing.

Talk of Corona was rampant. Most think the talk of the virus has gotten too big. Yet, this morning I had a sore throat, yikes. I will let you know how it goes.

This morning I had a sore throat as I got going. I am not that concerned, but with all this corona stuff it makes me think.

So, I have all day today with nothing planned or scheduled. Tomorrow I will be returning to Jim and Julie’s to wash some clothes and get a shower.

Mainly at the library online today, but this morning I did some cleaning of the van. When you are traveling this compact, you always need to keep things cleaned and organized.

Too long in the Houston area, you know how I don’t like cities. Off I will go toward the south. I want to spend some time in smaller cities where, I think, things will be safer. With too many people taking this corona scam so seriously, that scares me.
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MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>
Be positive and help at least five people through this so-called virus epidemic.
*****************************
NEXT BLOG >>
Going south, slowly, toward Mexico.
=====================

The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your soul.
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–

YES—YOU CAN > >
***Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!
***Live with little money and still have an excellent life.
***Be able to live life getting very little sleep.
***Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!
***See experiences that will add to and make your life better.
***I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.
***Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?
***And, I’m not just, “Kitting Around”.
Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life!
*****************************
***Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
***If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
***If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.
***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.
***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!
I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!
*****************************
*****************************
Intro to this week >>
Each Friday for more than a year I have gotten my blog out to you. I hope my words and photos have inspired you and brought your life up to a higher level.

I am, once again, awaiting mail coming in, this time to the house of my juggling friend, Jim and his lovely wife Julie Mackenzie in Spring, Texas.

Not special things happened this week, therefore no new photos. I am going to include a few of my favorites, hope you like.
*****************************
Words to inspire you!
From my book series, “Beyond Your Potential”

Passionate people are doing what they love and loving what they do.

We’ve all known people who do not resonate with this passion. A lackluster life at best is how they live. They do just enough to get by and meander through the time they have on earth. This book will teach you how to find this love, apply it to your own life, and achieve the excellence that you desire.

Often, people who find the desire are highly successful and they love their journey toward the end result. Along the way, even though they have not yet arrived at their goal, they constantly fuel themselves with this driving passion.

More importantly, they often bring others up with them.

We have to work together in the world and find success for all of us. Yes, we can all be at the top – it will work. Help others to move up and you shift forward and up, too.

Generating this passion from the bottom of your mind and the bottom of your heart will keep you driving forward. When you develop this love, it will help to build your life, I guarantee it. You can go from average to more than you would ever think.

Sorry to say, it seems to me that many of the people in America have settled with being “average” and living ordinary lives. We all should aim higher (and then higher and higher) to be (as they say in The Marines) all that we can be.

This is about going beyond being normal to becoming more and more. Being average never caught anyone’s attention or found them the excellence that they may crave. No one ever says, “I want to grow up to be average” when they are a youth, yet so many people end up there.

At any age, you can make the change and aim your life anew.

As you live your life, develop a purpose for living and understand why you want to be alive. Once you discover and understand your purpose, muster up an intense passion toward the end result.

This will give you stability in your life and help to make things more solid for you. People without a passion in their life lack energy and will often go nowhere—quickly.

Having passion will give you energy. In your life, you must love the journey as much as you love the destination you are aiming toward. Find your purpose—bring on your passion—and you will live the life that you want.
*****************************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
2/29—I seem to go from city to city, yikes. As you know, I do not like cities. In Austin for five days was enough for me (thanks for letting me stay over, Darren and James.)

To the east, I headed, to Bastrop State Park. But, not so nice, placed between two highways, much traffic noise. Yet, it is a Saturday and the place is pretty full up. Just one night here and off I will go.

3/1/20—Slept well last night, after all, could not hear the traffic, it was nice. The campground was full, I slept in the parking lot. In the morning I used their shower and got clean, feel better.

Journeyed on to Houston, I need to have some work done on my bike. I had the bike on the bike rack wrong and the back wheel got tweaked. So, I think I will need a new wheel. I will find out and let you know tomorrow.

For tonight, I found a place to park in a residential area away from traffic. Seems that it will be dark and quiet; nice. (did I use that semi-colon correctly?) Typing to you on battery power offline, do you like?

Today I went to some food banks in the area. At this point, I have enough food to last me for at least a month. In a library in downtown Houston. I will just leave my van parked in the lot and sleep here, a library is quiet, after all.

3/2-4—I’ve been in and around Houston, as I await some more mail, this time coming into my friend’s house, Jim and Julie Mackenzie. So, a few days with nothing going on. There is rain, too, so no juggling in the park for me.

3/5—At a library most of the day. I watch videos for education and write words, like right now. A special dinner tonight >> I had fajita chicken meat, already cooked and cut, I mixed in some good slices, along with fresh-cut onion and cheese, tasted great.

I do like this free lifestyle I am leading. I still do not see it ending anytime soon. Although, I am lonely and it is hard to find someone when you are on the move. My passenger seat remains empty, might you have an interest in traveling with me?

3/6—At a different library where I spent most of the day, big and clean, very nice. I miss the wilderness and will return soon.

****************************
My Challenge for You this Week >>
As I was walking through the library I saw some scraps of paper, trash they were. I knew I would be passing a trash can, so I picked them up and disposed of them. My challenge for you this week, clean up wherever you can and help make this planet a better place for all of us.
*****************************
Next Blog >>
Not sure what direction I want to go in. As you might know, I have been through every state. I’m thinking of going along the gulf shore and heading toward the east to New Orleans. Do you have any suggestions for me? =====================

The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your soul.
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–

YES—YOU CAN > >
***Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!
***Live with little money and still have an excellent life.
***Be able to live life getting very little sleep.
***Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!
***See experiences that will add to and make your life better.
***I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.
***Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?
***And, I’m not just, “Kitting Around”.
Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life!
*****************************
***Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
***If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
***If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.
***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.
***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!
I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!
*****************************
*****************************
Not much happening this week, enjoy my words.
I would love to hear from you, please do.
*****************************
Words to inspire you!
Think of these daily for yourself >>
I have solved similar problems in the past and can do so again.
I cannot be defined by society’s labels. I am unique.
I can use this anger to spark positive change in myself and those around me.
My anger stems from fear, and I will comfort that fear with loving kindness.
My small acts of compassion matter to the world.
Each small step forward adds up to a long journey toward peace.
Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. I only need to focus on now.
The success and positive energy of others empower me to change.
There are beautiful days ahead.
I will find small beauties in the world today.
Forgiveness begins with taking care of my own hurt.
My challenges inspire lessons for myself and those around me.
My feet are on the ground, I am breathing, and I safe.
Resting will clarify my next positive step forward.
I am only responsible for my own actions.
*****************************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
2/22—Last night I discovered that there a juggling festival in Austin, Texas, over 500 miles to the south. I had been planning for a slow drive down, but this changed things. I was still awaiting the box of books coming today by post (more about that, later.)

http://juggling.place.org/jugglefest/

When the mail finally came—I was off. I arrived right before the big show they have every year. And, a magnificent show it truly was.

Here is Darren Peterson — doing his thing.

They put together an excellent show. I saw unique juggling and unequaled performing.
Here are a few of the performers, watch and see some impressive juggling >>

Corean Gonzalez – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QBpxK6fbDE

Jesse Patterson – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSsHqUUXDlA

Zak McAllister – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJNjXqrnt40

Cate Great – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSLa5bLHZGY

cyril rabbath – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNa6494n6vg

Tana Karo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-3vdGExZEg

2/23—Sunday, the juggling festival will be ending today. I sold some books, helped various jugglers to advance. Had a fun day. Did some goofing off and joking around for the whole group. They liked it, I had a good time.

Beauty and exquisite juggling — Corean Gonzales
Take a look — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyHNnkugCDU

One thing is they have a challenge. Clubs are thrown and then caught by someone who holds them all, one person gathered 77 clubs. When I went up to do it, I caught one club, said “That’s it” then said, “Do I win?”

Two jugglers, seven balls each — quite advanced.

In the afternoon I went to a taping of atheist-community.org Good to be around people who think as I do. The idea of a God still makes no sense to me. It seems that some people get so angry that I do not believe as they do, something that is hard to comprehend.

Dr. Darrel Ray and Matt Dillahunty were running the show. Matt and I have talked before, he is a good thinker. Here is the taping I saw, let me know what you think >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2_Q1uxASeU

2/24-2/27—Staying with my juggler friend, Darren Peterson. He has been a juggler for some time and I met him here before. I was surprised when I went to his website to discover he has won iron-man competitions six times. Take a look >> chickendog.net/. 

Darren also takes care of his younger brother, James, who has down-syndrome and needs help. Darren is dedicated to making James’ life better, so great to see.

Nice to have a place where I can stay for a few days.

2/27—Went to a meeting of the Austin Juggling Club. Many jugglers there and I was some good juggling. I did some coaching and helping people to improve.

Amazing juggling, 8 rings, by Scott Sorenson. 

2/28—Born on this day in1959, yes, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY. Happy birthday to me.

Headed out of Austin toward the east. As usual, I have no idea where I am going. At a McDonald’s now on their free wifi, I didn’t want to spend my birthday alone, but here I am.

As I was getting out of the city, I saw a turnoff for McKinney Roughs Nature Park, I headed in. I saw there were some trails, so I brought my bike off the van, jumped on, then peddled some miles. Here is about the park >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY97oiPMp0o

Please don’t tell them, as I am in the library and working on this blog, in my travel mug I have two beers that I am consuming. A minor thing, but they would not like it, I believe.
****************************

My Challenge for You this Week >>

Start planning each day the night before, aim for success. Let me know how it goes and how things advance more and more.

*****************************

Next Blog >>

Heading south then east. I need to get back to the wilderness, please join me as I do.

=====================

The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your soul.
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–

YES—YOU CAN > >
***Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!
***Live with little money and still have an excellent life.
***Be able to live life getting very little sleep.
***Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!
***See experiences that will add to and make your life better.
***I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.
***Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?
***And, I’m not just, “Kitting Around”.
Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life!
*****************************
***Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
***If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
***If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.
***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.
***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!
I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!
*****************************
*****************************
When I sent the blog last week many did not go through. I think it might be where I am sending at times. I tried to send a few times, some did not go through. So, if you did not receive the notification, here is the link for the last blog again >>
https://kitsummers.com/blog-55-snow-in-the-picture/
Some good stuff, let me know what you think.

This has happened before, where I get hundreds back saying they were blocked. Then I sent again from a different location and they go through that time. Do you have any idea why this might be happening?

*****************************
Words to inspire you! >>
From my book series, “Beyond Your Potential”

SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE!

Words empower, become a master of language and it can add a great deal to your life. Really learn verbal communication, you will develop much more as a human being. Whatever language you do speak, know that language is considered to be the most important single factor not only in the development of more efficient reading but also in academic and business success. This is a subject that must be studied and developed your entire life. Good communication is one key to a successful life.

Your communication skills can always be improved. The main thing I want to restate: Think every time before you open your mouth. Take these ideas on how to connect with people better and get out there and bond. Let’s work together to develop a better and more friendly world for all of us.

*****************************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

1/16—Yesterday Cheeta took me to The Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge on the Pecos River. No, I didn’t taste the water to see if it was bitter, and, we did see some antelope, so saw wildlife.

Also, in the same area, we went to see the http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/bottomlesslakesstatepark.html

No, I did not swim down to find the bottom. Take a look >>

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bitter_lake/

Cheeta says that back in high school her and friends would spend time in the area and be kids, she seemed to love those times.

2/17—Did not so much today. Had the van checked out, a-OK it is. Of course, I am looking forward to getting back to the wilderness.

We went riding bikes today, a nice ride. But, at one point I shifted into the high gear, the chain went into the sprocket and simply stopped. Good thing I was going slow because the wheel just stopped, I could not even push the bike. Cheeta went and got her truck, I put my bike in the back and we got back ok. Now I will have to replace the back wheel and the sprocket, yikes.

I’m impressed with how much Cheeta achieves. She has a shop where she cuts hair and takes care of people (she cut my hair, turned out great.) She also drives a bus twice a day for students. From her talk, I can tell that the students, elementary through high, adore her.

One memory that I will always have of my time with Cheeta is this is the first time I ever noticed that I am starting to have gray hairs appear. Perhaps it is because Cheeta’s last name is Gray? Or, maybe I am just turning blond? (nawww)

2/18—Packing up today to head north to Amarillo. Things fit well into the van, I still have much room with all I have. I’ve been here visiting Cheeta for five days. Whenever I move on from a place I feel like I am starting a new life with new adventures. Kind of a scary feeling, no knowing what the future holds, but none of us does.

In fact, she is off on the bus delivering students now. I cleaned her home as I could, I always like to leave a place cleaner than when I arrived.

When Cheeta arrived home I was off to more miles put on the van. Feels good to be back on the road again. Last night I found a deserted and quiet rest area and spent the night.

Going north to Amarillo, Texas to visit my friends, Kat Pledger and John Early. My daughter April sent me some mail to be picked up there, and also many orders from Amazon.

2/19—What a fun day. Kat and John took me to see Cadillac Ranch and Route 66. First placed here is 1974 by an artist. At the ranch, anyone can spray paint any of the cars. Here is an old video about the farm >>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqtTz-Uw2kU

Next, we were on to the Route 66 visitors center. Here is a video of the well-known route >>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUrrrCZciHg

Dinner out was delicious; a good day.

2/20—Up early as usual, 3am today. Enjoying my time with Kat and John.

2/21—Today I will be moving on toward the south. I was waiting for one more box to arrive, which it has not, so I will have it mailed to me by John later.

****************************

My Challenge for You this Week >>

When was the last time you hugged and kissed your family members? Well, this week is time, do it every day this week.

*****************************

Next Blog >>

Very cold here in Amarillo, Texas. So, I will be heading south, no idea where—you will learn.

=====================

The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your soul.
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–

YES—YOU CAN > >
***Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!
***Live with little money and still have an excellent life.
***Be able to live life getting very little sleep.
***Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!
***See experiences that will add to and make your life better.
***I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.
***Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?
***And, I’m not just, “Kitting Around”.
Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life!
*****************************
***Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
***If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
***If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.
***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.
***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!
I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!
*****************************
*****************************
As you know, I published my blog yesterday, hope you enjoyed the read. Each Saturday I wonder what will be coming in the upcoming week.

*****************************
Words to inspire you! >>

From my book series, Beyond Your Potential

The attitude you hold toward your future will determine your life.

Your income is directly related to your attitude and the approach you take toward your future. A positive attitude will take you far. A pessimistic approach to life will hinder you.

If you expect to be successful, then there is a good chance you will do just that. If you expect failure, then you are on your way.

If you expect to fail, that’s where you will end up.

*****************************

MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

2/8—Last night I did a special juggling/magic show for the LOWs people I was here with. People seemed to like it, much. Sold some books too, a good thing. Did you see >> https://lonersonwheels.com/index.html

What a wonderful day today with the LOWs group. In the morning Micheal Weldon took me and six lovely ladies out on a boat ride on Canyon Lake, which is part of the Salt River, and part of the Tonto National Forest. I saw such great views, you will see from the photos.

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.Take a look >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg1YLQzoFPo

People had damned up the lake, so, a man-made (and, mame-made, too, I would think) lake.

Last night the coyotes were howling and such, great to hear. Then, on the boat ride today we saw four big-horned sheep and 3 mountain goats up on the precipice, as well as an eagle soaring by the face of the side walls. Seeing these wilderness happenings reminds me of why I am doing out here—I love it.

Later, as a group, we went to Goldfield Ghost Town, which started in 1893. What a fun place it truly is. We went to eat at the Mammoth Saloon (http://goldfieldghosttown.com/saloon/ ). They mainly have steaks, which many got at a cost of over twenty bucks. I settled for a quesadilla, and had them put fresh onions inside. With the draft beer, my bill came to $16; I hardly ever spend that much for a meal for me. There was enough quesadilla left for breakfast, too, so that was good.

Enjoy >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2_twa-gXeI

Back at the campground, a wonderful group to be with. There are rules, generators can only be used from 8-10am and 3-5pm; many have them. Seems that, with the growth of solar, that would be quieter. I think solar is a better way to find power and fill batteries. Generators make SOOO much noise, as you would know, I much rather want to hear the wilderness.

2/9—I bid adieu to the group and off I went.

Thanks so much for having me, Trish.

Great memories of my time with these people.

A special day for me, my mom was born on this day many years ago. As you might know, she died a few years ago, which was very hard for me. And, my friend, Larry Zeiger, was born on this day, too, happy birthday, Larry! (Are there too many commas in that last sentence? Or did I do it right?)

The last day of being with the Apache LOWs group. Made many new friends and had a great time for five days. Then it was on down the road, as usual, not knowing my destination.

On the map, I saw the town of Tortilla Flat looked quite interesting, which it was. I was planning on continuing on this road to the town of Roosevelt, but there had been a flood and the road was washed out. So, back I went to take a different route.

60 East through the town of Superior, then toward Globe. On the way, I saw a turn-off, still in Tonto National Park, for Oak Flat Campground—and here I am. Very quiet, very still, I will be staying the night.

See this about Oak Flat >>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u5MD4nwT2o

9/10—Here is part of the way I drove today, a good film >>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxpo1rwCh8o

There is so much to explore in the state of Arizona, take a look >>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzvksnJ8S4

I am at the Show Low, Arizona library and, right now I am a little scared. Rain tonight and tomorrow morning (turned out to be snow.) The temperature tonight is going down to 25, and then tomorrow night to 18. I will let you know how it goes in my van.

Also, I have somewhat of a toothache.

What to do, what to do . . .

At a Jack in the Box restaurant plugged in and on their wifi. They keep this place quite cold, but still warmer than sitting in the van. I will hang out in here until about 9pm (they have no customers coming in, I ate one taco.) Then I will drive the van over by the library, where it will be quiet and dark. Hope you sleep well tonight, I will let you know how cold it gets. Goodnight.

2/11—The cold was tolerable, I got some sleep. I have a warm sleepy bag with two blankets on top, fully clothed in balmy coverings, too. I was prepared for the night, but quite surprised at what I awoke to.

I AWOKE TO SNOW! Good thing I was staying at the Hampton Inn. Well, I parked in their parking lot and slept in the van. Parking in a motel parking lot is a good thing, it is quiet and safe.

Upon awakening I set my GPS for the nearest McDonald’s (they are everywhere these days), they open early at 5am, so I got going. The snow was still coming down pretty heavy, so I had to take the mile and a half drive slow. Another vehicle passed by me and I followed his lights and got here safe.

It was a whiteout! Very had to see.

Inside McDonald’s and warm, in looking out the window, I still see snow falling pretty steady on the van, I think I will be here for couple hours, drinking my tea and eating my sausage muffin. I am the only customer here, by the way. Well, the library is less than a mile away, so I will be there when they open at 9am; it is 6am now.

The library opened at 9am, so here I am. Dry and warm and will probably spend most of the day here. Worked on writing and watched videos. But. at about 1pm the wifi in the library stopped working, they don’t know why. So, I await re-connection when I can.

I ended up driving further east to Springerville, Arizona. I found a McDonald’s and got online, it is 6:30pm. I will sleep nearby and return in the morning when they open at 5am. Later I will go to the library in Springerville, which opens at 10am.

I was planning on going up to Petrified Forest National Park. Somehow, in all my travels to so many national parks, I missed that one, and will miss it again. If I went now I would just see coatings of snow on everything. When it is warm I will return, want to join me?

2/12—What a scary drive this morning. Started driving at about 5am in the dark. Foggy/cloudy, hard to see. Some snow coming down as well. I was the only one of Highway 60 going through Arizona. Some snow squalls came in, too. At times is was driving at 15mph not even seeing the centerline. Eventually, the sun made an appearance and things cleared up.

Got into Albuquerque safely. I spent time in yet another library. I like this town, I think I will spend a few days here.

In Albuquerque, I got to meet my new friend, Rose Williams. Such a lovely lady and a good person she is. Rose did a radio interview of me, hope it turned out good, Rose.

2/13—The temperature last night got down to -8.33c (17f). I remained warm in my sleepy bag with blankets on top. I often worry about being too cold, but have not experienced that. I woke, as usual, at about 2am. In the past I would just stay up for the day, I have been forcing myself to just lay there until I got some more shut-eye. It is working.

As I awoke and set my GPS for McDonald’s, there was one within a mile (they’re everywhere now.) They open early, at 5am, so here I am.

Later I went to the nearest library, having to drive through much traffic, backed up on the freeway. As you know, I hate traffic and big cities, so I will be leaving soon to head toward the east, stopping at small cities which have libraries.

At the library now I am charging my computer, my phone, my electric razor, and my power station. I like libraries.

I just have to make sure I can get online on Fridays, so that I can get my blog post to you. My main aim right now is to head to Amarillo, Texas to see Kat Pledger, I had some mail and Amazon orders sent to her house. Thank you so much, Kat, for allowing me to do that.

And, my daughter, April, mailed more of my books, Juggling with Finesse, which will arrive about February 20 (thanks, April Du.) So, about one week to drive 285 miles. I will stop often and try and find wilderness areas.

While I am in the library I hung my shower bag on the roof of the van to warm the water. It’s been about five days with no shower, I am starting to get itchy, so it’s time. I am never too close to someone to have them smell me, so I am not stinky to anyone.

Another big city—Albuquerque—had to get out. To the east and Santa Rosa, a small town. I went right to the library, cooked up three delectable tacos, opened a beer, and, with a smile on my face, I was loving life. It is 5:26pm now, I will be staying in this town tonight, maybe a few nights. Care to join me?

In fact, I will just stay parked at the library and sleep. I am parked out front and can still get online using their wifi, I like that.

2/14—Last night, I somehow lost my clock, so, when I awoke I had no idea what time it could be, so I laid comfortably once again. I awoke again, still had no idea what time it was. I often get limited sleep, still did not know what time it was. It ended up being about 6am; I was surprised at the good sleep I got.

So, I had a number of days to spend before I get my mail of boxes at my friend’s house in Amarillo, Texas. I had wanted to stop by to a friend in Roswell, NM for some time, now was the time to go and see Cheeta Wortman, about one hundred miles south.

Cheeta and I met in Balboa Park, San Diego, when I was performing there. We were together and had a romance for a time in 1977 during high school until I was off to juggle somewhere. Because, like me, she has a unique name, I looked her up on Facebook and we connected. Perfect that I came to see Cheeta today—Valentine’s day.

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My Challenge for You this Week >>

How many friends do you have?

How many close friends?

This week, get close to three of your friends.

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Next Blog >>

Heading to Amarillo, Texas, then to the south—to the warmth once again.

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