Horizon Job...

 

Back in our sailing days, if you were racing another sailboat, and they passed you, pulled away from you, and disappeared over the horizon, that was known as a horizon job.  In racing terms, you were getting your butt kicked.

It was another lovely day; I don't take these for granted.  Joan got her patio set back up (after putting away stuff yesterday when a gust front blew threw.  Murphy got a walk and some time in his catio.  I cleaned the filters in the hot tub, after taking a relaxing soak.

When we were riding together on Tuesday and discussing where we wanted to have lunch, Joan brought up the Old Spaghetti Factory.  We agreed to continue on to Amadio Ranch that day, but put OSF on the agenda for today.

Lunch was good; the place wasn't busy.  Prices have gone up noticeably since we were here last.  But, did I mention: lunch was good.

Once back home, there was a package waiting for us: "a zebra blind" that Joan had ordered for the living room.  Navy blue to go with the shade on the patio door.  I asked if she wanted me to get it hung right now... she said, "You were planning to go for a ride - go take advantage of this beautiful day and we'll get it done when you get home."  I have to say, that sounded like a good plan.

I took the Burgman scooter.  I'm not really sure what to call it... it's a Suzuki; the model is a Burgman 200 (identified by Suzuki as an UH200 or a B200).  The name "Burgman" apparently has some distinction in Germany, where the Burgman line (650, 400, and then later, the 200) was first released.  Really, what the heck is "a Burgman"?  I think they were supposed to be an upscale scooter.

Yes, I digressed.  Again.  I took the B200, and was enjoying the ride.  Then I came upon 2 younger guys on sport bikes.  This is the part of the story where I tell you that these bikes with 10 times the horsepower of my scooter couldn't pull away from me.  I could tell you that, but it would be a big fat lie.  They powered out of the curves faster than I could ever hope to on this scoot... they kept pulling away, until I couldn't see them around the next curve ahead.  Until they got behind a slow moving minivan, who had a couple other cars trapped behind them.  Prior to getting caught behind the slow moving traffic, I would call that a horizon job.

I took a turn to head for the antennas at the peak, while all that other traffic went straight.  I had another couple miles of some fun riding.  I stopped in the parking lot at the view area, and took a couple photos...

Someone on my YouTube channel commented that the B200 "is the best bike in its class, but it needs to be updated - it's ugly."  I would call it an acquired taste.  Back in 2014 when I first saw one, I didn't think it was near as sporty looking as the PCX scooters we had at the time.  Now, I consider the Burgman 200 to be "classic"... that sounds much better than "needs to be updated."  No doubt, it could use some of the latest touches, like a keyless fob, and some "pointier" styling... but, this scoot does what I bought it for.

I took this photo of the view looking south from the parking area...

 That is looking away from Phoenix.  You can see some of the other new housing developments off the Loop 202; this is on the other side of the mountain from our house.  The interesting "feature" of these developments: the only way to get to them is off the 202... and that same exit is the only way out of the development.  There are 3 of these, residential only, no retail.  Not my idea of a good situation.

Coming back down the mountain, a Mustang convertible came up behind me.  Quickly.  Yes, I put the coals to it, and... couldn't pull away from it.  Light and easy is fun (as I've described the Burgman), but when it comes to putting down the power, horsepower rules.  I did not do a horizon job on the Mustang.

When I came to a pullout, I did just that, and the Mustang flew by.  I jumped in right behind it, twisted the throttle, and... it pulled away from me.  It's not really a horizon job if I'm not riding flat out... and I wasn't.  Mostly.  But, when I came around that last tight curve, I didn't see the Mustang anywhere.  They must have enjoyed those curves, because a minute or so later, they were headed back up the mountain - we waved at each other as we passed.

Back at home, I put away the scoot, came in from the garage, and Joan had the ladder out and furniture moved... waiting for me to hand this new blind.  I was delighted to find good solid wood to screw the brackets into, but I had to scrape away some drywall at the top of the window opening to get the mounting assembly to fit.  Yes, we had carefully measured the window opening when we ordered the blind, but there was more drywall at the top of the window than at the bottom.  Other than that, it went smooth, and once the blind was mounted in place, my services were no longer needed - Joan cleaned up the drywall I had scraped and figured a way to mount the valance from the window blind that was there to this new one.  It looks good...

The blind is on a loop - it can be adjusted to allow a little light in, a lot of light in, or be a blackout shade.  Steph and Dan put much larger versions of these on their 4-panel patio doors/windows, and we were impressed.  We like the look of it.  The living room and hallway is white, with navy and gray accents, and this fits in nicely.

A partial gathering...

 

Today, it was just 3 of us getting together to make some music.  Mark couldn't make it, because his sister is visiting.  So, Ron, Tom, and I worked mostly on songs with 3-part harmony.  The actual guitar playing was the minor part of the music making this afternoon.

I think the 3 of us enjoyed it.

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Some fun facts:

I've posted about our motorcycle/scooter rides on South Mountain... here are some fun facts about South Mountain:

It is the largest city-owned park in the US.  It encompasses roughly 17,000 acres. By comparison, Vail Resort is the largest ski resort in the U.S. at 5,300 acres.  There are actually three mountain ranges within the park, with the highest peak rising some 1,600 feet above Phoenix proper. The park’s main trail, National Trail, spans the entire 14-mile spine of two mountains within the park.

With access points in six zip codes, South Mountain Park is a recreational oasis for residents and visitors alike. Runners, hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders all call South Mountain their mountain.

The TV and radio towers are visible from almost anywhere in Phoenix...

 The image above is one I shot while we were riding on South Mountain yesterday.

This is so sweet...

 

I could just puke.

It's the "movie trailer" for the romantic comedy coming this spring to no theater near you.  Starring: Captain Jim & the Blonde...

 

Riding together on South Mountain today.  A lovely day in the desert, with abundant sunshine, high in the 70s, and us out on the bikes (Joan on her Xmax, me on the CTX).

Not sure how it happened: we were riding for a couple hours, and it seems that I shot 73 hours of video.  It takes forever to wade through the editing on all that, so, the movie trailer above and some photos below...

A view of "the Valley" from one of the lookouts...

That's downtown Phoenix in the distance...

A late lunch at Amadio Ranch, near our home...

Tab A goes in Slot B...

 

No, this isn't a sex-ed class - I learned that stuff months ago.  More Vine stuff.

We had a nice morning around the house.  Last night, we talked about taking the scoots out, but Mother Nature blessed us with spitty rain; not enough to measure, just enough to be a nuisance.  We decided to make a run to Costco, then out for lunch.  I got my summer wardrobe at Costco, Joan got a new patio chair for the motorhome (comfy!).

Lunch at Oregano's, but not our usual thin crust pizza.  Last week when the music guys got together, Joan picked up pizza from Oregano's - a large thin crust and a deep dish.  We haven't had the deep dish before, and it was tasty!  So, back again for a nice sit-down and some tasty deep dish.

On the way back home, Joan asked, "Will you give me a hand putting together the deck box I got from Vine."

"Sure thing."

Thus, the title of this post.  It took a few minutes to figure out the directions, but the assembly went easy and frustration free.  We took Murphy out to his catio so he could give us some guidance...

The finished product...

It is big enough to put the chair cushions in it... in case it rains.  And, yes, it does rain in the desert.

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A short video with some "cat play" this morning - Murphy and Tango, a bit of play wrestling...

Videography by Joan.  Editing and soundtrack by Jim.

 

Profiling...

 

Did you get pulled over by the Police again, Jim?  No, and what do you mean by "again"?  I am too pretty to go back to prison.  Yeah, that's a joke, too.  Pretty or prison?  Yeah.

About 10 days ago, I sent a message to Corbin (they make motorcycle/scooter seats) with a couple questions about ordering a seat for my Suzuki scooter, through their website.  I figured I'd hear back from them in a day or two.  Didn't happen.  Within a week?  Nope.  I figured they weren't going to answer.

And then, yesterday, a return e-mail showed up.  Very canned response.  Didn't answer all my questions.

Joan said, "You need to call them."

"I already talked to them - the girl on the phone said to use the on-line order form."

"You are being profiled.  If you had a hot bike like a Harley CVO or a Yamaha Raider (one of her favorites), they would have sent you a reply right away.  Instead, you're on a small Suzuki scooter... can you imagine what the girl answering your inquiry must have thought?  'A small scooter?  Like this guy must be 100 years old and do you think he's going to buy a seat that goes for about 20% of the value of that scooter?'  Call them and order the damn seat."

She made me laugh.  Yep, some old white guy.  Profiled again.

;-)

Playdate...

 

We are doing this most days: Tango comes over to our place for some playtime with Murphy.  Well, sometimes they play, most of the time it is both in the same room, playing separate.  But, it's always friendly.

 They're both good boys.  :-)

WARNING - this post is intended for mature audiences only!

 

This post will contain adult themes, sexually suggestive scenes, graphic violence, full frontal nudity, and adult language.  Not to mention: oversharing.  Those who are easily offended or lacking a sense of humor should press the back button now.

It all started when my buddy Earl posted: "Cats will lie through their pointy little teeth."  As regular readers here know, Rufus could speak for himself.  The new boy Murphy channels through me - I don't add or take away anything, and I try to keep his message in the context and emotion intended.

I was minding my own business this morning.  I went to the sanctuary of our bedroom to prepare to take a shower.  A pretty Blonde spoke to me suggestively: "Take off your clothes.  Now!"  Being somewhat shy, but obedient, I began to disrobe.

I know what you're thinking.  Me, too.  It must be laundry day.

She said, "Put the darks in this pile."  Yep, it's laundry day.

As I removed my black boxer-briefs in the manner I used to do when employed as a male exotic dancer (it's how Joan and I first met, but that is a story for another day).  There was a chuckle from the hot Blonde.  And not the "That's hot," kinda chuckle... no, this was a laugh of derision.

I couldn't help myself - I thrust the sexy black boxer-briefs in the direction of that pretty face... stopping well before any contact was made.

There was some stammering while the pretty Blonde tried to find words.  I heard someone mock her attempt at speaking... I was shocked when I realized it came from ... (gasp) me!

And that's when Murphy spoke up: he said, "Meow."  It seemed short and to the point for those not fluent in cat, but I translated: "He said, 'It ain't nice to make fun of my Momma when she isn't too smart.'"  It wouldn't have been so bad, but he said it in a Forest Gump voice.

And that's when the fight started.

It was thrust and parry with the sexy black boxer-briefs as my weapon, while the Blonde picked up a wet wash cloth to use as a whip.  This was the equivalence of bringing sexy black boxer-briefs to a whip fight.  I was out-gunned.  With nothing to shield my glistening naked body... What?  Glistening??  Yeah, with the water from wash cloth - now let me finish.

Where was I?

Oh, yeah... outgunned.  She was fully dressed with a weapon designed to do great bodily harm.  I was naked, with the body of a mildly athletic Shar Pei.  Hey, I've lost some weight over the last few years, but I digress.  The options were limited: stand my ground and die the death of a multitude of wet wash cloth snaps... or run naked from the room, screaming like a little girl.

Obviously, I locked the bathroom door behind me in my hasty retreat.

The adult language, you ask?  Pretty sure some slipped out while the woman scorned (is "making fun of" the same as being scorned?) aimed that deadly wet weapon at my unclothed loins.

No photos will be posted here, but for $19.95 (plus shipping and handling), I can send the video to your inbox.  You must be 18 or older and verify that you have a strong stomach (and weak mind) before placing your order.  I was not aware that Murphy was filming this entire mostly true (except for the parts I made up) unprovoked attack.

The sexually suggestive stuff?  I'm writing it right now: 

"Dear Forum Advisor, I never thought something like this would happen to me..."

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Picnic on the patio...

In spite of the morning "duel" (skirmish?) all is good in our home.  Mid-afternoon, I made burgers on the griddle, while Joan made onion rings and fries inside.  After dining all that All-American fare, we went out to the patio... Murphy walked right to his catio and wanted inside.  OK.

Joan asked if I'd bring out a guitar... "Well, sure."  I played for her and Murphy, and before you knew it, it was 5:00... not just somewhere, but right here.  That doesn't mean break out the margaritas for us - it means supper-time for Murphy.  Rather than bring him inside to eat, I went in and prepared his meal... then brought it out to the patio to see how he'd do with that...

The boy did fine with this new meal development.  A car ride yesterday, dining al fresco today.  It's good to give him some new experiences so he can learn to "roll with it" when we take him traveling.  That's the corner of his catio in the bottom photo on the right side.

On this date...

 

My Facebook Memory from this date over the years was full of interesting posts: the 4 of us at a Little River Band concert (just before things closed down due to Covid) 4 years ago, Rufus 5 years ago, a gathering of carbon fiber enthusiasts 6 years ago, a trip to Laughlin 8 years ago, getting together with friends Pat and Patty Anderson 9 years ago, traveling with Izzy 11 years ago.

Time flies when you don't know what you're doing...

It's like having a diary on-line.

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Oh, yeah... and I made another "movie trailer" from the video I shot on the ride to Tortilla Flats...

 

These "trailers" are fast and easy... unlike a more typical video that takes hours to edit, adding transitions and titles, searching out music to go with the video, then recording a voice-over... and uploading it to YouTube, where their compression will make my efforts look like mush.

 

Hello, Old Friend...

 

We made a trek to Goodyear this morning.  Time to check on the coach, and fire up the generator and engine; look it over; check out the cargo trailer.  We decided it would also be a good time to introduce Murphy to a longer car ride - one that doesn't end with going to the vet.

We started out with Murphy in his carrier, with the door open.  He wasn't sure he was supposed to come out, but with a bit of time and encouragement, he sat on the console between us.

 Based on this trip, I do believe the boy is going to be a good traveler.  Of course, we'll have to do some traveling to find out.

Once at the storage lot, we did what we needed to do with the motorhome...

Yes, that is the "old friend" I was referring to in the title.  Everything looks good, considering it has to be outside (under cover).  We did take Murphy in there, but kept him in the carrier.  He will get more of a chance to check it all out when we can get a trip in.

As long as we were out and about, we picked up mail at the Goodyear Post Office (where we share a PO Box with Steph and Dan... but not for much longer); then a stop at the new Chick-fil-A they built in Goodyear.  Then, back home.  And all along the way, Murphy did great... we did take a portable litter box, just in case (he didn't need it).

When we got home, Joan was heading to Fry's for a grocery run.  I have been wanting to take a ride to Tortilla Flats; it is about 65 miles away... it's a touristy "old west town" that is supposed to be located on a "good riding road."  Leaving before 1:00, Joan didn't think I'd be able to get there and back before 6:00, presuming the usual bumper to bumper traffic on the freeways on the east side of the Valley.

I took a surface road (Baseline) east to I-10, then north to Hwy 60 (which is a 6 to 8 lane freeway), and a few other roads, to get to the good riding.  By my calculations, it would be about 100+ miles of freeway for the 35 miles (out and back) of twisty road to get to Tortilla Flats.

The freeways were all moving good.  When I got to the twisty part, I pulled over briefly to set up a camera on the bike.  I shot video, but made some stills from that... because it is going to take a while to wade through the video.  Turns out, the riding was very good...

It was some fun riding (finally, after working through all the traffic).  The road surface is surprisingly good, the curves tight and twisty, but the big treat: the scenery is striking!

Canyon Lake is set nicely in the middle of all this...

A couple of one-lane bridges to cross...

I caught up to a couple on a Goldwing at one point.  Yes, there was the "looking in the mirror and seeing a scooter coming up on them" - the curves are tight; no way he could pull away from me...

And then, the "(touristy) ghost town" of Tortilla Flats...

I didn't stop and walk around - I'll save that for when Joan wants to make this ride.  Today, I was making time, with a plan to get home before the traffic got too bad.  So, back on the same road that got me here...

It was a good ride.  Longest I've ridden since we left the Black Hills last September.  I took the new scooter - it did an admirable job, considering the fast-moving traffic on the freeway.  And only one idiot that cut in closer than necessary while passing behind me - doing about 90mph as he cut hard to make his exit.  Did I mention: IDIOT.  Most of the time, I was doing 70 to 75 mph while on the various freeways, and keeping my head on a swivel.

On the Loop 202 on the way back, traffic going the other direction was stopped and backed up for a couple miles.  Going my direction, traffic slowed to about 50 mph briefly - I moved to the HOV lane (yes you can ride solo on a motorcycle in the HOV lane) and had reasonably clear sailing the whole way back.  And the timing?  I pulled into our driveway just before 4:00.  Yeah, I made good time.  And enjoyed the ride.  In the grande scheme of things, running up South Mountain is just as fun riding, and it is a LOT closer.  But, the scenery as I rode by the Superstition Mountians was pretty spectacular.

When I left Tortilla Flats for the ride home. I had Siri send a text to Joan to let her know when to expect me.  I told Siri: "Siri, text Joan - tell her 'Just leaving Tortilla Flats, on my way home'."  Siri did OK with that, except for calling it Tortilla Flaps... close enough, Joan will get the gist of it.

When I got home,  Joan and Murphy were out on the patio (and catio), enjoying this beautiful afternoon.