Every house sit is different – the house, the owners, the area, the pets, the tasks, the climate – and provides us with new experiences and routines. I always enjoy arriving at the next place and settling in.
Cuddles with Beck and Gunner
As mentioned in an earlier post, our most recent house sit was a last-minute decision. Mark and I had nothing lined up after our 3.5-month house sit in San Diego, CA (with a three-week visit back East), because we wanted to be flexible. We faced six weeks in Zesty, until our current 2-month house sit in Santa Fe started. Without jobs, the prospect of exploring the American West in our camper van and soaking up the sun in Arizona (with the idea of meeting up with my brother on a business trip in Phoenix, and RV blogging friends in that area) sounds perfect. But, since we need decent internet and two offices, our preference goes out to more comfortable and reliable quarters. So, when this house sit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, appeared, we jumped on it.
The dogs were the main priority. Black lab Gunner (12) and yellow lab Beckwourth (8) are sweet, cuddly, goofy labs who immediately took to us as their new caretakers. Twice a day, Mark and I walked them in the neighborhood. Beck led the pack, while old man Gunner dragged behind. Because of his age and stiff joints, we couldn’t take him (them) in the car or on weekends. Once in a while, one of us would go for a longer hike with Beck, who enjoyed the extra exercise.
Both dogs shed profusely, so frequent brushing was in order. Twice a day, they received a hearty meal of a main course (dog kibble) and dessert (wet food with all their meds and supplements). We followed them around with a towel after they drank. They slobbered a lot. But, that didn’t take away from their cuddle factor. Many snuggles were had on their comfy dog beds, and play time involved heavy-duty toys. These boys are spoiled! They took naps in my or Mark’s office, and for six weeks I had at least one (yellow) shadow wherever I went.
Our temporary home in Albuquerque was extremely comfortable, well-stocked and well-equipped. Cooking and doing chores was a pleasure with high-end appliances in the kitchen and laundry room. The house offered lots of space, a fancy Jacuzzi, and a quiet environment right across from Petroglyph National Monument.
Yard work was easy with a sprinkler system and desert landscape. The small patch of grass – what a joy in these arid surroundings – only took five minutes to mow, and we watered the potted plants weekly. Every few days, I sent photos and love from Gunner and Beck to their owners abroad, and each week an extensive update kept them connected to their boys and home.
During the weekends, Mark and I spent time with the dogs, did a few camper projects, and visited some of the city’s highlights, like two sections of the National Monument we skipped six months ago because of soaring temperatures, afternoons in the town center, and the da Vinci exhibit.
Old town Albuquerque
Nob Hill – Old Route 66
Petroglyph National Monument
Tingley Beach and the Rio Grande
Leslie and Al, who own the same unique camper van as us, came by for a short visit in HaRVy.
While six weeks long, this house and pet sit assignment passed by quickly. Mark ran our business, and I worked on my memoir and translation projects. A pretty normal life, if you ask me. ? Our biggest complaint was the chilly and windy winter weather.
At work surrounded by my shadows
Best feature(s): Modern appliances, Jacuzzi, big and comfy house. Friendly and engaged neighbors. Fully stocked garage/workshop. Paper products and soaps for us to use. Once-a-month house cleaner. Two cars we could use once a week, which covered all our shopping trips and excursions. A cheap Mexican supermarket (El Super) in town.
Did we go overboard at the Mexican grocery store?
Best gadget(s): Electric can and bottle openers, slide-out microwave, state-of-the-art hot tub, tons of TV options. I especially liked the roomy kitchen with lots of counter space and an extra sink in the island.
Surprise(s): Some of the intricacies about the house and the dogs were not disclosed up front, like the fact that the owners didn’t like us to pan-fry on their stove. The view over the city of Albuquerque (and the hot air balloons) was spectacular, especially at night.
Downside(s): At above 5,000ft, it was cold in the winter, and the winds were atrocious. Twice, a massive sand storm blurred the whole vicinity and dumped piles of tumbleweed in everyone’s yard. One of our last days, a crazy hail storm battered the roofs of the house and our camper.
The owner’s review of us for this house sit can be read at the top of this page. There is a funny anecdote about Mark chasing Gunner. ?
To read about our other completed house sits, click here.
Sunset over the Sandia Mountains
April 11, 2018 at 13:57
I like the idea of HaRVey, but I couldn’t take the nomadic life anymore. I once spent 1 1/2 years in a 26-foot travel trailer with 2 small children, which I may have revealed to you earlier. It was an adventure, but no picnic, let me tell you!
You are developing resilience, adaptability, and tons of memories. Bravo!
April 11, 2018 at 14:07
One and a half years with young children in a travel trailer. That’s news to me. Wow, Marian, I can’t imagine how challenging that must have been!! But, many good memories as well, probably. 🙂
April 11, 2018 at 14:23
Sounds, and looks, like a wonderful stay. I checked out the review from the house/pet owners. Honestly, if we ever have a dog again, you and Mark will be our #1 choice of pet-sitters!
April 13, 2018 at 12:58
Thank you, Donna. We are pretty good with animals. At the moment, we keep “dreaming” about a visit and stay at Best Friends, to try and make a difference. 🙂 That house in Albuquerque was fantastic!
April 11, 2018 at 14:30
Sounds like another nice house sit. I figured it would be cold and wondered how you guys were liking it. Thanks for the link and hope to finally connect down the road.
April 13, 2018 at 13:01
Colder than we ever thought, Ingrid. And, the wind… wow! I had to think about you and your post about boondocking in Utah. Unfortunately, it’s not much better here in Santa Fe. The sand storms are in the distance and obscure the mountain views, which we can live with, but the constant 20+ knot winds are getting old! We had no idea New Mexico was windy in spring. It’s not something the home owners disclose… Lesson learned! We will connect next winter, if not earlier! 🙂
April 11, 2018 at 14:44
I so loved New Mexico and really want to return, even more so when I see your photos and read your post. Cold and windy, I’ve learned, are relative terms. I don’t think I’d have a problem after the winter we’ve had!
Poor Mark with the cacti. I’m sure he has a new appreciation of how a dog would feel with porcupine quills embedded in her face – thinking of one of my St. Bernard’s, Casey, who was incredibly miserable until we could get to a vet to have them pulled.
The patio fireplace looks just beautiful.
And now you’re in Santa Fe? I love that even more than Albuquerque. The art, oh, the art!
April 13, 2018 at 13:08
You are right that there is a big difference between your “cold and windy” and ours, Karen. I’d never sign up for yours! But, we have learned our lesson about spring in New Mexico. It might be warmer here than up north, in Canada, but it’s not pleasant outside, so either way, we all remain inside. Our winter planning and expectations didn’t work out, so, next year, we will be more careful. Our bodies love the warmth, and that will be a priority from now on. Yes, we have said that before and it is how we ended up out west (and didn’t remain in New England) in the first place.
Porcupine quills… Ouch! Poor pup! I think that’s exactly how Mark felt. And, I wasn’t much of a help, being a blind mouse. Even with my glasses, I couldn’t see the “fuzzy”, little ones. The worst were the ones completely embedded under his skin. Finding an end to pull caused us lots of trouble…
Santa Fe is a much more attractive and atmospheric place than ABQ. We’re looking forward to venturing into town one of these days. We’ve been here over two weeks and it hasn’t happened yet. Today, it was snowing and freezing, and this weekend has “cold” and “windy” weather again. But, we still have time. The weather can only improve, after next week. For you, and for me, right? 🙂
April 11, 2018 at 14:52
What a great review, Liesbet! I laughed at the matching campers. 🙂
My co-worker just returned from a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She had a great time, but she did mention the evenings were cold. Not sure I’d like to experience a sand storm. Yikes!
Do you ever miss the pets after you leave?
April 13, 2018 at 13:12
This windy weather is something we never experienced before, Jill. I have to admit that there is always something weird everywhere we go. Mark and I keep asking each other “Could you live here?” and the answer is always “No.” No place, and no climate is perfect. Or, that’s where we’d be right now. 🙂 The advantage of house sitting is that we can keep moving, discovering new areas, and their climate.
We have missed pets before, especially our sweet Lola in Sebastopol, Northern California. When we were asked back there and here in Santa Fe, this spring, it was a tough call. One of the things I have learned over the years of being a nomad, is to be able to let go. It is easy for me to turn my back to the last experience and move on. New places, new experiences, new adventures. You kind of have to, especially when it comes to leaving friends behind in exchange of new horizons.
April 13, 2018 at 18:51
I can certainly understand that, Liesbet. Thanks for explaining. I guess it’s kind of like ripping off a Band-Aid.
April 16, 2018 at 07:46
🙂
April 11, 2018 at 16:52
Congrats on another successful house sit, Liesbet! Look forward to reading about your stay in Santa Fe.
April 13, 2018 at 13:14
Thanks, Natalie. When we were in Santa Fe last summer, we went away every weekend, to explore national parks and nature. This time, we are more house bound, because of the weather and work obligations. But, we do hope to take Zesty to new parks one of these weeks!
April 12, 2018 at 00:20
Looks like you had a good time there, but with few challenges. The dogs are lovely…I am sure they will be missed?
April 13, 2018 at 13:15
Not having dogs around, like on this current two-month sit in Santa Fe, is easier. But, we do miss the furry company. And, it gets us outside, every day, for exercise and a change of scenery.
April 12, 2018 at 00:53
I guess one really good sign of a good house sit is if the time goes by quickly? Maybe the owners leave at that time of the year because of the intense winds?
What a charming old town. The house looks like it is fairly remote… love the shot of the two vans nose to nose and of course the cute pups.
How wonderful to send the owners such frequent updates so they can relax without worrying about their house and dogs.
Peta
April 13, 2018 at 13:22
The owners left because of a three-month work assignment in Krakow, Poland. But, they never mentioned the winds. Neither did the current home owners in Santa Fe. I think on purpose… 🙂
You might be right with your statement about time going quickly, Peta. I’ve only had one house sit (a three-month one) go slow, because of the uninspiring area it was located in. If only I would have gotten translation assignments then, or worked on my book more intently, time would have flown by as well!
Making sure the owners have nothing to worry about when they are away for work or vacation is probably one of the main responsibilities of house sitters. To do this, you have to be responsible, communicative and transparent. In my case, I’m also straightforward and, probably, share too many details. 🙂 Mark is more relaxed about it all, trusting we are very responsible, love dogs, respect other people’s belongings and always do our best, which should be enough.
April 12, 2018 at 01:13
I think the road we were on might have veered into New Mexico for a short distance once when we were in Arizona, but otherwise i’ve never been. Looks great!
April 13, 2018 at 13:24
There are a lot of similarities between Arizona and New Mexico, Anabel. My biggest surprise when I visited this state for the first time, was the altitude of Albuquerque (5000 ft), and especially Santa Fe (7000 ft). I thought the desert was always located around sea level. This one is called the “high desert”. 🙂
April 12, 2018 at 07:19
Liesbet, I swear, If Jeremy and I ever hit the road and can’t take Roxy girl with us, I’m contacting you two!!! I love your care of the places you sit, and how you treat the fur-babies! ~ Lynn
April 13, 2018 at 13:28
Now, that’s a compliment, Lynn. We do love dogs, and I’m looking forward to meeting Roxy one day. And you and Jeremy, of course. Where are you guys located?
April 12, 2018 at 09:12
Labs are such great dogs – so friendly and sweet. I love that fireplace – what a sweet spot to chill out next to at night.
April 13, 2018 at 13:29
That fireplace was quite something, Ellen. And, a photo of it one of the things that made me apply for this house sit. 🙂 Unfortunately, weather conditions allowed us to only use it once, but it was definitely nice!!
April 12, 2018 at 12:28
Another fascinating house-sit. You certainly end up in some great places Liesbet. I could easily sit in front of that fire all evening, every evening.
April 13, 2018 at 13:30
Totally agree about the fire place, Denzil. This house and its amenities was quite something else! No wonder, those six weeks flew by. This lifestyle suits us and brings me pleasure with every move! 🙂
April 12, 2018 at 12:49
Every day an adventure, it’s a very special kind of life.
April 13, 2018 at 13:32
Definitely never boring, Hilary! Thanks again for all the writing tips, by the way. As mentioned in my last writing update, in the next draft, I’m going to look at it all with different eyes, keeping the advice shared by knowledgeable writers like yourself close to heart.
April 12, 2018 at 16:42
Glad we got to visit you at this great home. If all house sits were like that one, everybody would want to do it! Hoping you will be coming out our way this summer. Has a decision been made yet?
April 13, 2018 at 13:35
It was fun to have you with us for a night, Leslie. And, you got to watch the cactus drama! 🙂 No firm plans for this summer yet, but we are still leaning towards keeping Zesty here for another year and flying east. You’ll have to agree that the West offers a lot of exciting destinations. And, we haven’t had the time or means to explore them in depth yet. Yes, house sitting, especially in homes like the ABQ one, is exciting, but… the road (and real adventure) calls.
April 12, 2018 at 18:07
Poor Mark… doing a face-plant into a cactus? Yikes! Those two dogs look so loveable. Now that you are sitting in a pet-free home, I bet you miss the furry cuddles. I love these completed sits roundups! They really give us a flavor of your lifestyle. What’s up after Santa Fe?
April 13, 2018 at 13:39
The cactus episode was quite spectacular, Janis. I watched it happen, and so did our friends in their Westie van, having breakfast! Yep, that’s the morning it happened. The blood and needles were quite scary, and we even considered an ER visit. But, eventually, we managed to remove the inch-long needles ourselves. Even the ones that were completely embedded under his skin.
No plans after Santa Fe yet. Contemplating applying to a five-week house sit in Colorado, or – until something else comes up – living in Zesty. Tough making a decision, because of the business and my memoir. We are constantly pulled between life on the road and having adventures again, or living comfortably and being able to work in peace and comfort.
April 12, 2018 at 20:10
Oh my goodness to Mark falling in the cacti! Yikes. Talk about going to extremes to ensure the pups are well cared for. should i be a pet owner looking for a sitter your review page would have me emailing immediately. Now I just have to ask…why no pan fried food?
April 13, 2018 at 13:44
Thanks for the review compliment, Sue. We are pretty crazy and devoted when it comes to animals. I should tell you the story about the sea lion in the Galapagos one day. Or wanting to bring our dog Darwin into Antigua and leaving because of the treatment we received there. Or, that time a stray dog swam all the way to Irie at anchor and climbed aboard.
Glad you picked up on the “no frying” remark. We were actually quite shocked to hear about this restriction, initially thinking they meant deep frying, which we totally appreciate. The reason behind the no (pan) frying has to do with their beautiful steel and wooden hood above the stove. I think they didn’t like to get (oil) splatter on it.
April 14, 2018 at 06:43
What a fabulous looking housesit for you both made better with a couple of gorgeous four legged friends 🙂 Looking forward to following more of your post Leisbet. After reading your about page you certainly have had many adventures! 🙂
April 16, 2018 at 07:49
Thanks for your visit, Sam. With your wanderlust and love for pups you understand. 🙂 Funny thing is that most people see our current lifestyle as house and pet sitters as adventurous, while this is as mellow and less challenging as it ever gets for us. We truly enjoy the comfort, the pets and the conveniences, but we are getting itchy feet again. 🙂
April 14, 2018 at 10:13
I’m sure there are downsides to the lifestyle, Liesbet, but there seem to be plenty of positives too. You just have to be a fan of moving on. 🙂 🙂 Flexibility, I think is the word. I did like the look of that fire! I guess most of the people you housesit for are fairly affluent.
April 16, 2018 at 07:52
It’s a mixed bag, Jo. That last sit in Albuquerque, with the amazing outdoor fire, was the fanciest house we ever stayed in, in terms of size, appliances and comfort. Most home owners are actually very modest people – liberal thinkers, who prefer experiences and travel above stuff (apart from souvenirs and art). 🙂
April 15, 2018 at 04:12
You get to have such amazing immersive experiences living like this! It sounds like an adventure, even though the weather got cold and windy at times. What fun.
April 16, 2018 at 07:55
We do love this house sitting lifestyle for the comfort and variety it brings us! And, we love animals, of course. 🙂
April 17, 2018 at 18:21
Thanks for sharing this house sit recap. I loved the photos Liesbet! I also had a chuckle at ‘HaRVy’, what a great name for the camper! It looks like you certainly had all the comforts of home. Okay, what’s up with not being able to fry on a stove????? LOL 🙂 xx
April 18, 2018 at 08:36
Yeah… That’s what we were wondering as well. As far as we could tell, the owner didn’t like oil splatters on their nice stainless steel and wooden hood. We kept thinking how and what they cooked for dinner. The grill was state-of-the-art, and the oven as well. The stove looked unused, and so did a lot of the pots and pans. 🙂
April 18, 2018 at 08:59
That’s hilarious! And ridiculous! LOL 🙂
April 18, 2018 at 10:47
🙂
April 20, 2018 at 03:55
Sounds a wonderful place, especially to write, but I think winter would suit me better if I were there. I can imagine it getting very hot in the summer. The landscape looks very flat, just as well if the heat is too much during the daytime.
Such lovely dogs. I bet they miss you two.
April 20, 2018 at 13:09
In Albuquerque it gets extremely hot in the summer, Hugh, you are right about that. 100 degrees F are not an exception. Here in Santa Fe, it’s much better, since it sits at 7,000ft. The dogs might be missing us. With labs, you never know. They love all people. 🙂
April 25, 2018 at 11:19
I lived for a number of years in a very windy place on the Canadian prairies. What I found is that after awhile, I just became used to the wind, and probably never would have thought to mention it as a factory to someone visiting.
Jude
April 29, 2018 at 06:23
That makes sense. As humans, we adapt to almost every situation and can call it the new normal. Now that we think about it, having two home owner couples leave New Mexico in March, April, May, might not have been a coincidence. That being said, we hear everyone say how this spring is more windy than others. Just like Northern California was more wet than others when we were there last spring. 🙂
April 25, 2018 at 11:19
Factor