Sleepless Nights...

 

If you said, "The Everly Brothers, 1957," you are probably vintage, like me, and you get 25 bonus points.  If you said, "It sounds like the country song 'I have tears in my ears from lying on my back, cryin' at night over you,' thanks for the chuckle, but no bonus points.

Yes, I am talking about the SoundCore Sleep A30 Special earbuds again.  SoundCore sent me out a second unit to replace the first one that just shuts off when it damn well feels like it.  I like having podcasts play while I'm sleeping - better for me than "white noise."  These A30 sleepbuds are supposed to play bluetooth streaming through the night, OR play bluetooth streaming until it detects you are asleep and then switches to "local" which is a variety of sleep sounds that you choose: from raindrops to beach sound (lapping waves) to crickets to city noise, etc, etc.  That hasn't worked.  And, if it did, the sound level between the podcasts and the sleep sounds is so far apart, that one would be blaring while the other wouldn't be audible.  Oh, sure, you can adjust the volume on the sleep buds by "triple tapping" them... while they're in your ear... guaranteeing that you will now be wide awake.

That said, I don't want them to switch from streaming to sleep sounds.  And, I really don't want them to turn off indiscriminately.  I have been dealing with this annoying purchase for about 10 days now - what I would really like is a good nights sleep.

I sent another email to their customer service people letting them know that both of these units will be going back to them if I don't hear from them in some way for a solution to the problem.  I fully expect them to call this "user error," but these are not that complicated.  Checking online, I am finding I am certainly not alone with these things being frustrating.

And what I am hearing from others is that using them to stream music or podcasts won't last through the night - a battery issue.  First world problem?  More like a product that doesn't perform as advertised.

 

Stowaway 2...

 

No, that is not a sequel to the movie with Tom Hanks where the FedEx plane crashed and he wound up on a deserted island.  That is Castaway.

We went to Tucson yesterday, met with the couple who have the "like new" Stowaway2 Max for sale.  Nice people and the cargo carrier IS like new.  If they used it, it wasn't much, and it was obviously stored out of the Arizona sun.

The husband's name is Randy - he and I mounted the cargo carrier in our RoadTrek's hitch.  It is a good fit for the van; sits plenty high enough that there is no concern about it dragging on steep driveway entrances; it is well-made...

 It is just what Joan was wanting, and the price was right.  I was relieved to find out that there is no interference with the safety features on the van, like the proximity warning when something is coming up on either side of the van.  The LED lights on it are plenty bright, and you can still see the van lights.

If you're wondering how we will get to the rear doors of the RoadTrek, the rack the storage box sits on swings to the side; giving you access to the doors and the receiver hitch.  It all locks in place; a clever design. 

Back to Phoenix, we parked it in our storage space, up close to the cargo trailer...

 No, we can't use the cargo trailer and the Stowaway2 together - they each use the receiver hitch on the back of the van, so... one or the other.  I think this is going to make traveling easier and better for us.  Now, we just need to get out and about!

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Band rehearsal for me today.  We have a gig on Saturday evening with the Valley Women's Ensemble... they will do their thing, we'll play several songs accompanying them, we'll do our thing, then they will come back on to finish the evening.

In the grand scheme of things, preparing for this gig has been a lot of time and effort.  I have not been "in the loop," and was told different ways how this was to happen.  Frankly, it has led to some strained relations in the band, but I trust we have that all worked out now.  The four of us went to one of their rehearsals; two women from their ensemble have been to 4 of our rehearsals.  Ron and I went to check out the venue.  Multiple discussions of how many songs we're doing together, with the number changing each time.  Really, I am thinking a number has been determined.  Probably.  The pay for the gig will probably work out to minimum wage, considering all the time invested.  That happens.

The next gig we have coming up after that is far more simple: here's the venue, here's the time, here's the payment.  Show up, set up, play, tear down, go home.  My preference.  Just like my solo gig on Saturday.

I like making the music.  Not a fan of fussin'. 

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Cindy shot some video while we were rehearsing.  Straight from her iPhone.  I just put it together with some fade-to-black transitions, no other editing...

 I need to fix her up with one of my video cameras and a couple external mics for her next video shoot.

 

Ride, Captain, Ride...

 

If you said, "Ride Captain Ride is a song recorded by the American rock band Blues Image.  It was co-written by the band's singer-guitarist Mike Pinera and keyboardist Frank "Skip" Konte and was included on the group's 1970 album, Open," you get 93 bonus points.  10 bonus points if you were able to name the band.

I got out for a ride yesterday on the CTX.  In the afternoon.  Notable because it was only in the 80s mid-afternoon.  I didn't take a camera or a video camera along, but I did stop to get a photo of a canyon with scads of saguaro cacti...

  And, of course, the obligatory photo of the CTX...

 I had considered putting a ride off until the next day - good thing I didn't...

 There are parts of the road where the edges are crumbling away - I am hoping that will be part of the repairs they will be doing.  I hadn't seen any other notice of that road closure previously, so I'm glad I got in that ride on Monday.

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Plus, there is another reason we will be occupied today: Joan and I have been having discussions about what we want to do this summer.  I would like to haul the scoots to the Black Hills for a month or so.  We haven't tried the cargo trailer behind the van, but the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight seems to be in line.  The cargo trailer is getting long in the tooth, but some new tires and getting the wheel bearings serviced should bring it up to snuff.  Assuming "snuff" is a good thing.

Joan, on the other hand, would like to do a road trip; possibly going north into California, Oregon, and Washington.  She saw an article that told of a good loop trip to see different things going north, then south.  No scoots along.

The downside of "no scoots along," besides the fact that there would be no scoots: no trailer for extra storage of stuff.  The RoadTrek is a great size.  The only thing lacking is storage for extra stuff for any extended outing.  I am not talking about just having extra clothes, but stuff like kitty litter, tools, easy access to camp chairs and a patio mat.

Now, I will admit that towing a cargo trailer changes that whole "easy size" thing - we would no longer fit in a typical parking space.  There are some campgrounds that have sites where a Class B van will fit, but not the additional 15' of a cargo trailer.  Some compromises are in order.

Joan has been lobbying for some kind of storage pod that would attach to the van hitch.  I would be leaning more towards something that attaches to the rear door hinges, giving it that rugged outdoorsy kinda look.  Those cargo boxes that attach to the door hinges are pricey - like in the $3k+ range.  One of the nicer pods that attach to the hitch would be about half that and give more storage.

She found a couple used Stowaway brand storage pods (her preference) in Arizona.  One is in the Phoenix area, but the photos of it look well used.  Another looks brand new, but is about 2 1/2 hours away.  This week is not packed with things in our schedule, so... road trip.  Well, day trip.  We'll see how that timing works.

The Last of the Four Gatherings...

 

Last night (from 4:00 to 7:00 pm) was the fourth gathering (Thursday through Sunday) in our community.  Another food truck, another opportunity for homeowners to vote on the recall, and another evening of getting to visit with folks we know and meet new people.

The food truck last night was the one I have been looking forward to the most: Juicy Lucy Hamburgers.  Hamburgers made with cheese in the middle...

 

This was the only gathering held in a driveway.  In combination with a birthday celebration for Shannon's husband Steve.  I was told that the food truck sold out - obviously a success for them.  With this being the 4th of 4 consecutive nights, I wondered what the turnout would be; but there seemed to be a steady flow of people coming and going through the evening.  I can vouch for the Juicy Lucy burger being tasty... and they warn you to be careful when eating it because that melted cheese in the middle is hot.  I can see how you could burn your lip when it comes oozing out.  Available in regular or spicy.  Served with fries.   

Former board member Shannon has been the powerhouse in putting all this together.  I have no doubt that she will call it a "community effort," but without her leadership, it would not have brought everyone together like it has.  So many nice comments from homeowners in the community regarding these gatherings.

I'm not counting any chickens before they're hatched.  There is still a large majority of homeowners who do not participate: they don't vote in board elections and they don't attend board meetings.  There were naysayers who said those favoring the recall couldn't get 25% of the homeowners to sign the petition; that was exceeded by over 10%.  Those same people are saying that there won't be enough people for a quorum that will vote: 20% needed for that.  I don't have any insider information, but going from what I am seeing on social media, that quorum should have already been met.  And there are 5 days left to vote - the special meeting on the recall is on May 2nd, this Saturday, and will be in person.

I am hopeful.

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Murphy and I enjoyed some time in the courtyard this morning.  Yes, like almost every morning.  It is often time for me to check out what is my latest interest on YouTube on my phone while I keep an eye on Murph.  Today, it was time for a bit of attention for the hot tub... check chemistry, clean filters, and add some water.  All good.  This hot tub, Eco-Spa, has been great!

 I really appreciate the solid 2-piece top that cantilevers open - no lifting off a cover, and no vinyl to deteriorate in the desert sun.  When hot tub shopping 2 1/2 years ago, this one seemed the most practical.  Not the shiny fiberglass of some, nor the elegant thermos-bottle look of the Hot Springs Spa (what we had in Boulder Canyon and Spearfish).

When I visited with the dealer at a Home Show where we bought it, he said, "This is the brand that people buy as their second or third hot tub: well-built, always ready to go, energy efficient.  It isn't 'showy', but it is the easiest to live with."  It made sense to me then, and has proven to be just as advertised.

I use it almost every evening.  I like to look at the stars and count airplanes flying over in the night sky.  Very relaxing.

 

The Solo Gig...

 

The gig last night went well.  A friendly crowd - it didn't hurt that Joan, Steph, and Dan were there to lead the applause.  ;-)  Steph took some photos...

 The crowd seemed to enjoy the Beatles, Van Morrison, Jim Croce, Paul Simon covers, along with a few "unknowns."  A mix of ages in the audience.  The crowd had come together to support the recall of the board member discussed in earlier posts.  Based on what I saw, the community is looking forward to a change.

I did 2 hours of music.  Well "union musician hours": I played for 50 minutes, took a 15 minute break, then played for another 50 minutes or so.  I was a little nervous (excited nervous) before I started, but it all slipped into place with that first guitar strum. 

Joan helped me pack and load gear at the house; Steph and Dan helped me get it all out of the car and back into the house after I was done.  That is a lot of gear for what I would consider my "small rig."  I used my Taylor T5, the Bose S1 Pro, a pedalboard, mic, and stands.  The folding wagon is a real help in moving gear, but it gets pretty heavy when lifting it into the back of the SUV.

Could be that I'm getting a bit long in the tooth for packing this gear around?  Nahhhhh!  But, I really appreciate my family's help, carting stuff to and from the car and back into the house.

Oh, and the best part: we were home and unloaded before 8:30.  OK, maybe not "the best part," but right up there.  ;-)  I finished in time to get some food from the Japanese Hawaiian fusion food truck.  Sure beats the "good ol' days," when the band looked for a truck stop to be able to get something to eat at 2:00 am.  And the beat goes on.

 

One Man Band...

 

If you said, "One Man Band is a song written by Billy Fox, Tommy Kaye, and January Tyme and performed by Three Dog Night. It was featured on their 1970 album, Naturally," you get 45 bonus points.  Partial credit given if you named the band and the year.

Last night, we were visiting with neighbors at the second of four consecutive nights of having a gathering in the community.  The purpose of the gatherings is to encourage people to vote regarding the recall of a board member (yeah, I've covered all that here in the recent past).  The turnouts have been good.  I expect we will have a quorum, satisfying the required number of homeowners for the vote to be valid.

That aside, one of the homeowners who heard I was playing for gathering tonight said, "Oh, I love seeing a one man band."  When I think of that descriptor, I think of...

 

That would not be me.  ;-)  I tend to go with a solo singer/guitarist.  I am looking forward to playing out solo this evening.  Back to the home where the first gathering was on Thursday evening, so I know the layout and where I'll be setting up.  I will be bringing my smallest PA, the Bose S1 Pro, for easy set up.  Over the course of the evening, there will be people coming and going - getting food at the food truck, sitting down to eat and visit with neighbors, then heading home.  A revolving crowd.

I've prepared a set list that will easily take me through the two hours I've scheduled.  An eclectic mix of song styles.  I'll let you know how it goes.

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In the far more important kitty news: Murphy and Stella were being relatively calm when I was preparing their breakfast.  Murphy was grooming the back of Stella's head... and then she made a lunge for his belly and he engulfed her...

When I turned my phone on, they were sweet; a nanosecond later, it was this ball of cats.  No damage being done - more like "choreographed wrestling."

It was apparent that Stella had spent a bit of time on her own in the living room over night...

 

The toys were all picked up when we went to bed.  It is cute to see her sort through the basket of toys to decide what to play with at any given time.  Much like small children, these two do not pick up after themselves.

Gathering...

 

Last night - well, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm - there was a gathering in our community at the home of one of the people who is actively participating in the recall of a board member.  Beautiful home, nicely landscaped yard (pool, hot tub, large ramada with lots of seating, outdoor TV); plus, she had set up chairs and tables to seat people who were eating the tasty food from the Brazilian food truck that was there.  Plus, I think there was a good amount of interest in how she had done her back yard... let's hear it for curiosity!  ;-)

This is where I will be playing my first solo gig since Covid on Saturday.  The homeowner and I talked about where I will set up - I like going into a gig knowing what to expect. 

A good turnout.  I met a bunch of new neighbors.  Joan and I answered a lot of questions.  People are turning out for this recall vote.  They are tired of the nastiness, the lying, the stonewalling, and complete lack of this woman doing the jobs she volunteered for.  This was a great opportunity to meet with people in a positive manner.  This is a good community with a lot of friendly people - I'm looking forward to moving beyond this issue.  

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Contacting Emergency Services...

We're fine, thanks for asking.  I learned something today about my aging iPhone 14 Pro: in an emergency when you don't have cellular coverage, this phone can connect to emergency services via satellite.  I tried a demo on it to see how it works.

This came about after a Facebook discussion with the RoadTrek Owners Group.  Someone had asked how to keep in touch with family, especially in case of an emergency, while on the road and somewhere that has no cellular coverage.  A participant on that discussion mentioned this feature for iPhone users that have iPhone 14 or newer.

I started the demo, stepped outside to get a clear view of a satellite, and within 30 seconds it had connected.  With it being a demo, it did not connect me to any emergency services, but walked me through what to expect if that need arises.  It will ask the nature of the emergency and location (give descriptors with landmarks if known, like highway and mile marker).  It even told me what direction to turn to keep the satellite in view.

 

 

While I hope to never need it, there is some reassurance to know that the service exists.  It is text only, but that could be enough in an emergency.