I’m under self-imposed house arrest to avoid the flu.
While I’m sitting in the sunshine, a tall, slim man approaches from the Airstream across the flat area that comprises our shared, desert property.
“Hello!” he calls out. “I was worried about you. I haven’t seen you out since the dust storm.”
“Oh, I’m fine. I was afraid I might’ve picked up the flu virus when I went shopping at Wal-Mart, so the next day I pretty much stayed in bed to fight it off. I’m okay.”
“Well, you have a very nice set-up,” he adds as his eyes scan the BLT, the PTV, the Wilson antenna, and the solar panel.”
“Thank you. I’m very proud of it.”
He looks over at his campsite. “That’s an old ’66 Airstream. Only we’re supposed to call them vintage, not old.”
At a break in the conversation I hold out my hand.
“My name is Sue.”
“I’m Tom,” he replies as we shake hands. “My wife’s name is Carolyn.”
Tom and Carolyn have a home in northern Utah. They’ve been RVing for many years. Ogilby Road is one of their regular winter camps. Once I learn he and Carolyn like to boondock, I ask him many questions about their favorite places.
They recently went across the border to Los Algodones.
At Los Algodones Optical they paid $117 for three pairs of bifocals! Tom and Carolyn are also very pleased with the dental care they’ve received in Los Algodones from Dr. Luis Miguel Escobar, D.D.S.
Later Carolyn comes over, a plastic bag in hand.
“I’ve got some onions for you from my garden.” I look inside and see three perfect yellow onions. “Thank you! I don’t have any onions.” We converse for several minutes as though we’re long lost pals recently reunited. Carolyn is a cheerful lady with eyes that sparkle.
“Tom tells me you’re leaving tomorrow for Quartzsite.”
Carolyn explains that her books about wire-wrapped jewelry are on display at some of the booths, and she wants to stop by to thank the vendors and sign some books. She may have said she’ll have a booth herself, but I’m not sure if I’m remembering correctly.
After Carolyn goes back to her campsite, I look up Carolyn Eddy online. She teaches jewelry wire-wrapping classes through Gem Faire.
If you’re using a laptop monitor, you might need to tip the screen to see this photo taken in near-darkness.
Tom and Carolyn’s Airstream under a January sunset
Oh, the people you meet on the road!
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 