Settling In

As we settle into a routine with our volunteer work and life in the Lake Mead National Recreation area, Chase is becoming more comfortable with life in a motorhome and dealing with his separation anxieties.

Even though Chase has found and chewed up my name badge, our Volunteer handbook, the back cover to our Mifi, my 100-year old phylacteries, Richard's Bible and several cloth items, he has not damaged anything in the past two days.

Nonetheless, we still get a few butterflies in the tummy each time we come back from being gone, even for a few minutes.

We were away three hours this morning and when we came back, everything was in place... well almost everything. Chase had visited the dirty clothes hamper. It was very touching to find our faithful dog cuddled up on the bed with a PAIR of Richard's socks. A PAIR of my socks was on the floor at the foot of the bed. So amazing he got PAIRS of socks to comfort himself. What a smart dog is he!

Another good report for Chase The Wind was his trip to town. We went shopping at Petco and worked a bit with the dog trainer. Chase tried on several collars and toured the store, happy as could be with all the attention, smells and sights. It was a cool, rainy day, so we opened the windows a bit and made a short stop at Wal-Mart. We left Chase in the car and snuck back to see how he was doing. He was a good boy, just gnawing away on his Nylabone. We were gone 20 minutes and he did fine. I am so proud of our pup!

I'm also proud to be part of the recycling team and find it very satisfying to empty and process the plastic and aluminum the public leaves in our containers. We are still working on coordinating and unifying efforts at the various marinas, campgrounds, residential areas, etc. of this vast recreation area comprising of over 1.4 million acres!

There are carts like this one at most public areas plus several other containers that require more frequent oversight. This is my favorite because it is secure from animal pilfering and does not allow large garbage deposits. Also, it can hold a lot, and since some of our sites are over 100 miles away, large carts allow us to make less frequent visits.

Richard and Chase took a long walk yesterday afternoon and discovered a spring. Chase loves water and had a big time playing and rolling in it. He was having so much fun he almost missed the big horn sheep on the hill just above them! There were seven, a family with a ram, ewes and a young one. Over a thousand big horns live in the Lake Mead Recreation Area. It's exciting they come so near our house!!

Speaking of excitement, this week was deeply significant and filled with joy as special holy days observed by Jews and Messianics ended with Simchat Torah (the Joy of Torah). We were so thankful to celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah with Congregation Lev HaShem where we have been attending since coming to this area.

Below is Temple Bar where there is a marina, camping and serenity, not to mention the friendliest staff anywhere.