Happy Summer Solstice Day...

 

If you're thinking of getting me something for this special occasion, I think I would look good in a 2024 Jaguar F-Type.  I was behind one at a stoplight yesterday.  That was real purdy.  Red would be my first choice.

Apparently, summer is here.  I can tell that because the predicted high for today is 114º.  This will be the longest day of the year, according to the weasels.  Checking into it, all days are the same length: 24 hours.  To be more accurate, this will be the day with the most daytime hours.  So, the sun can bake you to a crackly crunch here in the desert.  Hiking trails in all the local parks are closed.  No, I wasn't planning a hike, anyway.

I did my Feed Me Guy duties this morning, for Murph and Steph's brood.  With the outside temp at 78º first thing this morning, it was a good time to get Murphy some outdoor time.  It is going to be too hot later for his little paws, even after sunset; well, his paws are that little.

Murph was a bit concerned this morning...

 

"Where did all our stuff go?"

That stretch of gravel to the left in the above photo has been filled with lawn ornaments (gravel ornaments?), potted plants, and twinkling lights.  Looks pretty bare right now; Joan has been putting stuff away in preparation of heading out.  I already miss all the fun stuff out there, especially the lights as evening sets in.

No, I didn't get a ride in this morning.  I have an appointment with a new doctor.  I'm hoping this guy will have more of a pleasant bedside manner than the guy I had in Texas.  Joan urged me to go in there with a good attitude... "Moi?  I'm a ray of sunshine.  Just don't try to schedule me for a bunch of tests I don't need since I have good insurance."  We'll see how it goes.  This is supposed to be a "wellness visit" and some discussion.

In continuing Murphy content: Joan brought his catio inside last night.  Out in our yard, he hasn't used the catio much.  Inside, it is a whole new plaything.  And just now, with all that stuff inside it, he has chosen to sit on top of it...

He is a sweet boy... a bit weird at times, but sweet.

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Back from the doctor...

So, how did it go?  Thanks for asking... one of the best medical visits ever!  Of course, I am healthy going into it.  The front desk people are friendly and efficient.  For the first couple minutes, I was the only one in the waiting room and then one other guy came it.  They got me into an exam room ahead of schedule and the nurse started with me right away.  Lots of questions, blood pressure and blood oxygen checks, a memory test (yes, I passed): the nurse gave me 3 words to remember and repeat back to her - "captain, gardening, photograph"... no, I hadn't told her what I did for a living prior to that.

My weight was only one pound different from our scale at home (that's a first).  Instead of an exam table, you are seated in an exam chair (which is actually comfortable).  She logged all my "maintenance meds" and asked questions.  Then the doctor came in.  He, too, was friendly and efficient.  He checked my heart and lungs, asked more questions.  I told him of my concerns about my previous doctor in Texas who just seemed hell-bent on running unnecessary tests.  He said, "This is about how you want things to go.  Some patients want me to tell them what to do, I prefer a discussion.  It's your body and health - you can say no at any time.  Feel free to question me about anything we discuss.  I'll make recommendations, you and I will discuss it, and we'll do what you want."  And that's the way it played out.

They took blood, urine, and scheduled me for a telephone call to discuss the results.  I didn't feel rushed and there was no "sitting around, waiting for someone to come into the exam room."  I got the prescriptions the way I requested, and it was all smooth and easy.  Yep, a real good experience.

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Brutal...

The air quality is crap: our view of the mountains is diffused with a brown haze.  Alas, we had to make a trip out: first to Ace Hardware to look for some rubber spacers to fit on the top case rack on Joan's bike; I am thinking we will need her bike as our "grocery hauler" and it is already set up for a top case.  Ace didn't have exactly what we were looking for, but something close enough after some Dremel modification.

Then, on to Fry's to leave off a prescription and pick up a few groceries.  Oh, and did I mention: it is 111º at 1:30?  With a hot breeze.  Add to that the crappy air quality (smoke, blowing dirt?), and it is seriously unpleasant to be out in that.  We got what we needed and got ourselves home.  112º.  Yeah, brutal.

If someone says, "It's a dry heat," I'm gonna smack 'em upside the head.

Feed Me Guy...

 

That's what I was for many years with Smoke the cat.  Joan was Momma, I was the Feed Me Guy.  While Steph and Dan are on vacation, visiting Dan's family in Wisconsin.  Joan and I are taking care of their 3 kitties.  So, I'm feeding 4 cats daily for now, plus giving 2 of their cats medication.  They are sweet cats...

 That's Tasha (the Queen) on the left, Tango (the orange boy) in the back, and Alfie (with his back to the camera).  These 3 eat twice a day.  Murphy gets 4 smaller meals daily.  Joan, Murphy, and I spent some time at Steph and Dan's home last night, so the kitties could get some human interaction.

This morning, I fed Murphy and took him outside for a while.  Then, over to Steph and Dan's to start the feeding and medicine process with their 3.

One of the advantages of our "compound" (with our adjoining residences) is that we can help out each other and share the joint responsibilities.  Steph and Dan have been dependent on a cat sitter who would come to their house to feed and spend time with their kitties twice a day when the kids need to be away; that person does not travel to Lavene.  For us, leaving our house in Texas for our get-ways meant a closing down procedure for the house, and being dependent on security cameras to keep an eye on things.  While we have all the security cameras and such here in Arizona, we can keep an eye on each other's place as necessary.

I'm pretty sure Steph lobbied for this living situation so we could see more of each other... not so they'd have a built-in free cat sitter.  ;-)

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And now time to get on with my day: today is oil change day for the bikes.  I may "pre-skin" my knuckles before I get started just to get that over with.

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I was done with the bikes by noon.  Well, the two scoots went uneventful.  Joan did help me pour used oil into containers to take for recycle, in between getting things in the yard put away (and there is a LOT of stuff out there).  We're not leaving for 10 days or so, but Joan likes to get things done in advance.

I mentioned the scoots being uneventful.  Not so with the CTX.  It took an exhausting amount of tugging and grunting to get the oil drain plug loosened.  In fact, I broke one socket in the process.  Then, the even worse task: getting the oil filter off; it is tucked up under a lower fairing.  Joan ordered me a set of oil filter wrenches (2) in anticipation of this.  Neither of them would bust the filter loose.  Joan took a try at it - same non-results.  In the process, it beat the heck out of the filter, so I can't just "change it next time."  We decided to let the dealer deal with it (see what I did there?) when we get back.  We put the CTX into the Tuff Shed, so there is extra room in the garage.

I mentioned to Joan that "if I had a motorcycle lift" I'd be able to get a better angle on that filter.  A short discussion about "space" (and not the kind from Star Trek's final frontier) ended that thought. 

Later this afternoon (after I cool down and clean up), I'll get the used oil to O'Reilly's.  We keep chipping away at projects.

Ohhh... that's early.

 

You got up even earlier than usual to get out for a ride?  Seriously - you think that's all I do?

Steph and Dan are off to Wisconsin to visit with Dan's family.  I took them to the airport this morning... departure time from the house: 5:20 am.  It's not like I had to get up early - I was awake much of the night, checking the time.  Yes, I will need a nap this afternoon.  This is the first I've had to set the alarm on my phone in a very long time... I was concerned it wouldn't go off, or I might sleep through it.  No worries - I was awake.

I got them to the airport on schedule.  First time I've had to drive into Sky Harbor Airport here in Phoenix... you get to the airport, then there is a lot further to go to get to Terminal 4.  I stopped at the curb, gave 'em both a hug, and they wheeled their carry-ons away.  The last thing Steph said to me was: "It can be kinda confusing to get out of the airport and heading the right direction.

I am apparently not as feeble minded as they think, as I was heading the right direction (well, directions) to get me back home; in a half hour.  I sent Steph a text: "Still circling the airport!!  Just kidding, I’m home - have an uneventful flight.  Love you!  They will let us know when they are down.

In the meantime, they have entrusted us with the care, feeding, and medicating of their 3 kitties.  "We got this," I told Steph, "It will be party time every meal: candy and ice cream for my grandkitties!"

I was home and wide awake at 6:30... Joan was up and out trimming the plants in the front yard.  She turned down my offer to help, so I did what you'd expect: out for a ride!  As usual on weekdays, not a lot of traffic on the twisty roads; plenty of bicyclists, 2 cars and a pickup, and one other motorcycle.  The motorcycle was a sport bike, and that rider blew by me like I was parked.  The cars and pickup were there to celebrate "Drive Over the Center Line Day."  I don't know if that is a state or national holiday.  What are the odds: 3 vehicles and each of them was driving over the center line?

I stopped to gas up on the way home - it's a new record!  91.6 miles per gallon!  Pretty cheap entertainment.  Speaking of the scoots: we ordered oil and filters for each of the bikes so I can get them done before we head out.  Most of it showed up this morning.  Lots of other stuff on the to-do list.

I told Joan to save the box the stuff came in - I'll lay it flat under the bikes to catch and drips.  That is, assuming I can get the box back from Murphy...

 "I love my new box - it's all I ever wanted!"  That will change as it gets closer to lunch time.

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We got some of our to-do list checked off: I delivered my previous medical records to my new doctor, so they'd have them for my upcoming appointment.  Then west to the motorhome, where we looked it all over (looks to be in good shape), started up the engine, ran the generator, then plugged it in to top off the batteries.  We took the tire info off the cargo trailer and went to Discount Tire to get an appointment to have new tires put on (Friday).  The tires that are on it don't have a lot of wear, but they are over 4 years old, so we want to start with new tires for this upcoming trip.

Lunch out, then off to Wally World for a short shopping expedition; stopped at a Walmart not too far from where we store the motorhome; haven't been in that one in a long time, and it seems they have cleaned it up nicely.  Then home for a short bit of relaxing before taking on the cat feeding and medicating for Steph and Dan's trio; back home to get Murphy taken care of.  I did send a couple photos to Steph so she wouldn't worry that her cats weren't getting the attention they are used to.

One last test I wanted to do with the DJI Mic 2: try it with the HoverAir X1 drone, to use the mic through the app.  The app eliminates the sound of the drone (and most other extraneous sounds), so just your voice comes through.  In the past, I have used it with just the phone, and it works well.  I tried it with a couple different inexpensive wireless mics and the delay between the sound and the video was hard to watch.  I was hoping it would be better with the more expensive DJI Mic 2.

As it worked out, it is almost as good as directly through the phone - certainly better than the cheap wireless mics.  It would be usable.  One issue: it was 102º out (cool by recent standards) and the HoverAir did not like like that heat... it would stop recording video and fly back to my hand.  At first, I didn't realize it was the heat - I had put my phone with the mic receiver connect to it about 10 feet away, to make sure it wasn't the phone picking up the sound.  Before flying today, the HoverAir wanted me to upload new firmware, a regular thing as the company continues to add features to the drone.  So, I was out in the heat doing the update.  I thought it may be a problem with the new firmware when it cut each flight short, until I went back to the phone and tried to fly it manually: nope, there was a notice on the phone telling me the HoverAir was overheating.  So, enough testing to know it is working and that the DJI mic works reasonably well with it.

So, no motorcycle or scooter video today, but this kinda doesn't count as a substitute.  In this 19 second clip you can see how the video stops before I am done.  I'll try again sometime, when it isn't so hot and not stand in the direct sunlight.  ;-)

More where that came from...

 

Up and out reasonably early again today, I wanted to try the DJI Action 4 camera and Mic 2 on the CTX.  Well, any reason for a ride.  ;-)

It was warming up fast (82º by 7:00 am), but still a delightful ride.  Here's a photo...

 And, assuming the audio is OK (the CTX is louder than the Burgman 200), there will be a video forthcoming... with the consideration of discussion the Dual Clutch Transmission a bit.  But, mostly just out for the ride.

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I didn't make this video 4k (resolution) - that takes time and memory storage, so it may look a bit less quality from the last video with the Burgman 200... but mostly, I wanted to test the audio with the DJI Mic 2 and get in a ride before Mother Nature cranked up the heat.

Let's go to the video...

Happy Father's Day!

 

My favorite title: Dad.  We had a nice day.  Joan made breakfast and reminded me that the new DJI camera and mic system was my Father's Day gift... and birthday, Arbor Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and probably other occasion for the foreseeable future.  Hey, I picked it out, so it is "just right."  ;-)

We had lupper (that's between lunch and supper) at Steph and Dan's place, where Dan and I made the burgers and dogs... and Murphy got to come along to play with Tango on Tango's turf.  There were cards and an appropriate amount of adoring after lupper (yes, there was a card from Murphy, including his traced-around paw print - I would have liked to have seen that in the making).  And when Joan, Murphy, and I came home, I got in a short nap... being adored can wear a guy out.  Kidding; I adore being adored, because I am pretty adorable.

I did thank Steph for being such a great kid - mostly likely due to her having such a good Dad.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there.

First Test...

 

As usual, I got out early this morning on the scoot.  Not usual: I was geared up with equipment for shooting video.  Of course, I wanted to try out the new DJI Osmo Action 4 camera, and edit it with some footage from the Insta360 X4, and connect the DJI Mic 2 (inside my helmet) via bluetooth to the Action 4 camera (on a chin mount on the helmet).  If you're keeping track, the Insta360 X4 is best mounted somewhere on the bike.

My plan for all this: make some videos where I am talking while I am riding, without having to do a voice-over after the fact (while editing the videos).  The reality: it's a lot going on.

Usually when I'm shooting video while riding, I have just one camera and control it using my phone as a remote control.  I can see the top of the Action 4 on my helmet, so it is easy to press the shutter release button... but, I can't see the rear screen, so I don't know if the camera is framing what I want, or if the camera is even on (I have the cameras set to turn off if not used for a selected amount of time).

The DJI mic and camera connected up with no problem.  Well, no problem until I messed with getting geared up (talking to Steph and Dan who were out in their garage when I rolled the bike out)... and that was just enough delay to turn off the camera... so the mic didn't know what to do... and when I turned the camera back on, it didn't automatically connect up with the mic... so, I had to re-pair them.  It all took some extra time.

I didn't turn on the X4 360 camera until I was already riding up the mountain.  And then waited to see how it would all work out.  I don't usually turn on the 360 camera and let it run - it eats up about a gigabyte per minute, which takes time to edit and download.  I did the same with the Action 4, and figured I'd sync them up, somewhat, when I got home and started editing.

The results: The Action 4 camera does a great job with "single view" video; that's why it works best as a helmet mount.  The DJI Mic 2 worked perfectly syncing with the camera as I started and stopped recording.  I assumed the mic gain would be a matter of trial and error (usually mostly error) to find the best setting for it... as it turned out, with speeds up to 45 mph, it did a fine job of adjusting the gain on its own.  Using other external mics in the past was frustrating... this just worked.

To edit, I just pulled in footage from each camera that was shot at about the same time; one clip over the top of the other in the editing, then just cutting away the 360 video as desired.  And letting the audio from the Mic 2 handle the audio for both.  I'm still working on it, deciding how much to edit out and what kind of other audio (as in music) I want.  This will be a departure from the way I have been doing videos, but it should be easy once I have a work-flow, definitely faster than shooting a bunch of 360 video clips.

The advantage: the audio should always be synced to the video.  The best part of shooting 360 video is being able to change the point of view... but (for me) the best part of the ride is with the camera facing forward.  I envision that I will be adding 360 views for some interest.  The key is going to be in keeping what I shoot relatively short... and that's not always easy for me.

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The edited video...

Unlike most of my recent videos, this one is a longer narrated video.  Consider this a "Seinfeld" type video: not really about anything - just having a conversation while out riding.  The main intent is to try out the DJI camera and mic - yes, I am very pleased with the quality of the video and the audio from the mic.  Blending in some video from the Insta360 X4; you can tell which is which by the watermark on the lower right from the X4 clips.  Insta is sneaky: I turned off that watermark on the camera and my phone, which is how I capture the video.  Then, I work it up on my iPad... who knew there was a watermark switch built into the iPad app, as well?  That shouldn't show up on any future videos.

Let the adoring begin...

 

It is the Friday before Father's Day... or, as I like to call it: Father's Day eve eve.

Joan has been asking me what I want for this momentous occasion.  Truth be told, I am happy I was involved in the initial making of... well, you know.  I told her I'd think about it.  She said that the Arizona Humane Society had some fun new t-shirts and suggested we stop there on our way home from lunch yesterday (it is, literally, right on the way).  The one style shirt I liked (the others were kinda girly-looking), they didn't have in my size.  I was perfectly OK with that.

Last night, the discussion came up again, and I told her that I was interested in some other camera gear to use on the bike.  That discussion morphed into "What would you really like?" and I showed her some options.  I was considering this gear, but thought I'd buy it at some point.  She asked, "How would this be different from what you have right now?"  I explained.

She said, "Well, if you would consider this a Father's Day and your birthday gift, let's go for it."  I get some new gear and she gets out of having to shop for something (she always does a great job with surprising me) - win/win.

She ordered it last night; it arrived this morning.  I really do like Amazon!

Stephanie and I had a Dad/Daughter day: she took me out for breakfast at my favorite: Waffle House.  Then, went to Shooter's World and spent some time at their indoor range...

It has been years since she and I did this.  Even with that time off, Steph is still a good shot.  I had her do most of the shooting (good practice for her); I was impressed with her aim and gun handling.  This is a new Shooter's World in Goodyear - nice place.  Bonus: Fridays are Ladies' Day, so there was no charge for her on the range.

We ran a few other errands, and made a stop at Bass Pro Shop - nothing either of us couldn't live without, but it was nice to have that time with her, one-on-one.

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We had a nice supper out with Steph and Dan, at their favorite "celebration dining place," The Stockyards.  The occasion: a celebration of Dan's promotion at their school district.  As you'd expect, the Stockyards specializes in steaks - Steph, Dan, and I had prime rib, Joan went for salmon with scallops.  It was a nice meal in a pleasant environment.  About a half hour from home (Steph says, "Everyplace you want to go is a half hour from here."  Good conversation.  Being "next door neighbors" with the kids means we can do this regularly.

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I did have time after supper out to set up the new camera and mic system.  Initial testing is promising, but it was take a set-up on one of the bikes to know how it will all work out.  The DJI gear looks well-made, with a smart layout on each component.

Go, Johnny, Go, Go...

 

If you said, "Johnny B. Goode, by Chuck Berry, 1958," you get 12 bonus points.  If you said, "Hmmm... there are 3 'Go's' in there - is that a subliminal message?", you get an additional 20 bonus points.

Insta360, the company that makes the cameras I use most often for motorcycle/scooter videos, has been teasing the release of a new camera today.  They unveiled it this morning: the Go 3S.  It isn't really an all-new model, but a significant upgrade of their Go 3 camera...

 The Go 3S looks pretty much the same, except the lens on the little detachable camera is a bit bigger; it has 4k resolution, up from 2.7k.  Insta is pretty good with making what people ask for.  When the Go 3 came out last summer, a lot of people commented that "I'll wait until they offer 4k"... ask, and you shall receive.

No, I won't be upgrading.  Although, you can buy just the small camera with the new model and use it with your current "pod."

I'm considering some additional camera gear, but not this new Go 3S.  The DJI stuff is looking pretty interesting.

Monsoon Season...

 

Yes, it's a thing.  We've heard Steph complain about "monsoon season" in years past: "Hot, humid, rainy, and a 90% chance of swamp ass."

A monsoon is a wind and rain event.  The local news and weather is full of "How to prepare for Monsoon Season" PSAs.  Unlike hurricane season in the Gulf Coastal areas, which runs from June 1st to November 30th, Monsoon Season here in the desert is June 15th through September 30th.  The National Weather Service (federal weasels) is predicting a 60% chance that it will be hotter than normal and a 40% chance that it will be drier than normal.  In other words: flip a coin, we don't know, either.

There was a piece on this morning's local news telling about the 50 huge pumps that are located along freeways in the Phoenix area to pump water out of low-lying areas to prevent flooding on the roads.  Joan and I have discussed this: there are places along the Hwy 51 and 60 freeways that look like giant concrete canals, just waiting to be filled with water; big walls on either side guaranteed to hold it in.

In Texas, we put away anything that could get caught in the wind and would become a "missile or cannonball."  Similar advice here, with talk on those news/weather reports about "patio umbrellas (with weighted bases) becoming airborn."  We took hurricane preparedness serious - I don't see the same concerns here.  Steph told us that their previous house would shake in the high winds and some people in that neighborhood lost shingles.  Nothing to be trifled with, but not the same massive intensity as a hurricane bearing down on you.

I have to say that I don't miss the concerns about hurricanes, where part of my morning routine during the season was to check weather development in the Atlantic, even when we were far away from Texas.  The weasels would predict higher or lower chances than "normal" of how many hurricanes there might be and what number of those would become "intense" (Category 3 or higher).  My take on it: the weasels would predict and Mother Nature would laugh... and any storm with a name got my attention.

Do I feel less concern about Monsoon Season vs Hurricane Season?  I do; maybe I shouldn't.  This will be our first Monsoon Season in Arizona and I doubt that Jim Cantore will start talking about a monsoon storm 5 days out.  I don't see "Monsoon Evacuation Lanes" on the freeways (yes, that is a thing in Gulf Coastal areas).  We no longer have a house that is on the high point of 7 feet elevation on an island.  We aren't paying ever-rising hurricane insurance premiums,  Our house in Texas survived a direct hit in 2008 from Hurricane Dolly.  It was only a Category 2... well, predicted to be a Cat 1, but then ramped up as it made landfall, then sat over the top of our part of the coast for 22 hours as a Cat 2.  We had minor damage to our house, mostly cosmetic.  But the amount of damage in the area was massive, and the economic impact to the local economies was harsh.  The weather weasels were there for the start of it, standing in the most open areas with their windbreaker jackets flapping in the breeze, then reporting from the middle of the street where they could find the deepest street flooding.  And then, in 24 hours, they were gone... no reporting on the massive clean-up and repairs that are left behind.

I hope Monsoon Season is not like that.  I can change my underwear twice a day, as necessary.  I understand humid.  But I have never seen a haboob (giant dust storm) in person.  Yet.

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Situational Awareness...

I have had two classes recently where situational awareness is stressed: the Concealed Carry Permit class (you want to be aware of what is going on around you, especially in a parking lot situation or while in a public place), and in the Can Am Ryker class, where a lot of basic motorcycle handling revolves around knowing what the traffic around you is doing.  I have been practicing both of those situations for a long time.

This afternoon, Joan suggested we go to Five Guys for lunch.  I don't see any scenario where I would turn that down.  When we got out of the car, I make it a point to look around before we step away from the car.  Inside Five Guys, I take a second to scan through the seating area.  No issues.  Lunch was tasty, and from there we went to the Walmart Neighborhood Store that is nearby.  Again, as is my routine, I looked around before we parked and after getting out of the car.  We went inside.

Joan focuses on what she needs to get and determines the most efficient way to move through the store.  I look around as I push the shopping cart behind her.  This is what we do, and why I will ask if she wants me to "ride shotgun" for any trip to the store.  We got everything on her list and went to the self-check area.  While she scans our purchases and puts them into bags, I look around.  Again, this is how we operate.  She finishes the scanning and leaves it up to me to get out my credit card and pay.  As she puts bags in the cart, I scan the area between us and the door.  No, I am not paranoid - I am being situationally aware.

On the way to the car, I ask her, "Did you see the kid that walked through the check out area; who looked like Lurch from the Addams Family?"

"What?"

"The kid - an employee.  He looked like Lurch from the Addams Family."

"No, I didn't see that."

"He was wearing a green tu-tu... a 6 foot 2 guy... wearing a green tulle tu-tu... you didn't see that?"

"No, I didn't see that."

One of us is an efficient shopper, the other is situationally aware.

;-)

It's Still Rock 'n Roll To Me...

 

If you said, "Billy Joel, from the album Glass Houses, 1980," you get 15 bonus points.

I got together with "the guys" today, to make some music; 6 of us there.  Only Tom was missing, but he has been back in Iowa for a couple months.  This will be the last of the 6 of us getting together for a while... probably September.  Seems that we all have summer travel plans, and not all at the same time, making for a lot of over-lap for getting us all together.

It was a good day.  Well, one omission on my part: I brought drums, a stand for them, and a drummer's throne... but, forgot to grab drumsticks.  Duh!  Mark had some brushes we use on a cajon, so we made it work as best we could.  Ron played drums most of the day; I took a turn on them for a couple songs.  We worked up a couple new (to the group) songs and refined other songs we've been playing.  For the 6 of us, we had permutations of 5 guitars, a bass, a mandolin, and drums (an electronic set and a cajon); 4 vocalists.

I really enjoy getting together with these guys - no doubt we'll all work on music individually during the summer months.

X-tra Fun...

 

Out on Joan's Xmax this morning.  I was up and out early (rolling around 6:30), after getting Murphy fed and some outdoor time for him.  The temperature was in the upper 70s - a delight!

I clipped the Insta360 Go 3 on my helmet, got some stills and video...

 

It was delightfully quiet up on the mountain; a few bicyclists, a couple of hikers, no cars in front of me the whole time, and 3 other motorcycles.  Oh, and in that photo directly above, one rabbit who ran across the road in front of me (yes, he made it unscathed).  The ride was a delight.  I do enjoy Joan's Xmax.

Coming home, I stopped for gas.  I think I put all the miles on this tank; it took 2.3 gallons and got 98 mpg - that is some economical entertainment.

A good start to the day.

We have an appointment to check out another doctor's office later this morning - looking to find the best fit for us.  I am told that Joan will take me out for lunch after.  I'm thinking Chinese buffet.

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Got around to working up the video from this morning's ride...

Date Night...

 

Yep, another MIM concert, last night.  This was was "Songwriters of the Southwest," which featured 3 different trios.  It was a nice evening of interesting music.

First up was Ponderosa Grove...

 A powerful female vocalist, flanked by two guitarist who also sang great harmony parts.  This was my favorite act of the night.  Joan thought the singer sounded like Carly Simon; she was the main songwriter, with the guy on the right also doing a lead vocal on one of his original songs.

Next up was Nolan McKelvey trio...

 His songs all had a local feature.  His vocals reminded me of Gary LeVox from Rascal Flatts, a high tenor.  He was flanked by a violinist and bass player, both excellent players.

The main feature of the evening was the Brian Chartrand Trio...

Chartrand seemed very familiar when he came out - he was the lead singer in Live From Laurel Canyon that we saw a while back.  He is the most locally known in the Phoenix music scene; backed up with a pianist and drummer, both excellent musicians.  Joan thought he had a sound similar to James Taylor... can't go wrong with that.

It was clear that each group had their fans in the audience.  We had good seats in the 3rd row, but there isn't a bad seat in that outstanding MIM concert theater.  Nice to see Mark and Cindy; we'll repeat that again on Tuesday with group music for me, while Joan and Cindy work on something crafty.

Hazy Days of Summer...

 

Yeah, there's plenty of songs that mention that phrase.  No bonus points, but I'm leaning towards Sly & The Family Stone's "Hot Fun In the Summertime"... I got out for some fun this morning.

A ride on the scoot?  Yeah, that's part of my routine... no surprise there, huh?  What can I say... "Live to Ride."  ;-)  It was about 5º cooler to start the day: I saw 79º on our yard thermometer.  For a few minutes.  It was up to 82º by the time I got Murphy fed, did my morning routine, then geared up for the ride.  The cooling vest actually felt cool when I put it on.

I generally avoid weekend rides up the mountain, but it has been different the last couple weeks; maybe because school is out, so there is very little traffic on Dobbins past the one school on my direct route to the good riding.  Compared to the last few days, there were fewer bicycles and more motorcycles this morning.  I am not the only one looking to enjoy some two-wheel therapy; mostly smaller sportbikes, one Harley dresser with a couple on it, and no other scooters.  Quite a few more people on the trails that I could see from the road.  You have to get it in when you can; and when Mother Nature allows.

Off the bike to take in the far horizon views...

 Crisp view of part of South Mountain in the foreground, with hazy silhouettes of mountains in the distance.  A noticeable haze in the air this morning.  And on the bright side: the "Excessive Heat Warning" expired last night.  A predicted high of "only" 109º today.

Joan and Murphy spent some time on the patio while I was out riding.  Under one of the patio umbrellas; them, not me - I don't have an umbrella holder on the scoot.  ;-)

We have another date night this evening: a concert at MIM.

Morning Views...

 

Up early and out on the CTX shortly after 6:00.  Another warm start to the day, and another predicted high temp of 112º today.  Up the mountain again.  I got off at the top to look around a bit - diffused light this morning made for some hazy views looking southeast...

 A deeper blue to the sky looking more south...

Even more so, looking to the southwest...

Time to rehydrate and head out again, a look at the CTX before before mounting up...

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Doctor Shopping...

No, I am not looking to purchase a doctor.  I am, however, looking for a primary care doctor.  Seems there are plenty of "senior care" operations with multiple doctors in various locations around the Phoenix area.  As my buddy Mark once told me: "They know how to take care of old people here."

That will be a refreshing change.  My experience with doctoring in Texas was... variable.  I liked the doctor I had in Harlingen, didn't like the people at the phones and front desk.  I put up with the staff because the doctor was decent.  And then, he retired.  The big medical corporation that bought up his practice brought in a guy who I affectionately refer to as... the asshole.  I have good insurance - the asshole wanted to run every test imaginable and seemed highly offended when I said, "No!"

His response: "You have insurance - this is all free!"

My response to him: "It is NOT free.  My insurance is paying for it, and running up a bunch of unnecessary tests is only going contribute to insurance costs rising."  He didn't like being told that.

Then he said, "To get a baseline, I'm going to schedule you for a Sleep Apnea test."  I said, "No."

The next morning, someone from Florida called to get the my address for where to send the equipment to do a sleep apnea test.  I told that guy, "No."

He said, "You have to do this - your doctor ordered it."

"I don't have to do anything if I choose not to."

He said, "It's free!"  I made reference to what he could do and the horse he rode in on.  I felt bad about that afterwards, because the horse didn't do anything wrong.

So, after trying to get through a call center to set up a time to visit one of these senior health care operations (the woman at the call center was the worst), we got in the car and drove to one, without an appointment.  The people were very nice... a lady sat down with us in what looked like a "gathering room," rather than a "waiting room."  She said there was generally very little wait to see a doctor and same or next day appointments were generally available.  She was appalled at my experience with the call center and assured me that the call center is NOT part of their business, just something that is used to set up an initial "welcome appointment"... I told her I didn't feel very welcome.  That said, our time there was very positive.  I don't know how they come out financially without a waiting room full of people?

While there, I got a call from another similar operation (different company) and set up an appointment for Monday.  Between these two, I'm sure we will find a primary care physician.  This seems to be a very different business model than a typical doctor's office.

I will need to update some "maintenance prescriptions" before we get out of Arizona in a few weeks.

A Craving...

 

Not sure where to go with this one?  I'm talking about a food craving: it's been months since we had a Waffle House meal.  Joan looked around on-line to see where the closest Waffle House locations are... there is one on 85th Ave and McDowell.  I remember driving through that area a few weeks ago... plenty of decent looking retail, but the nearby neighborhoods looked a bit sketchy.  We decided to give it a go - after I got back from a ride.

I got out on the Burgman early today, but it was 85º for the overnight low... so, yep, another hot one.  I put on the cooling vest and Joan gave me a cooling scarf (wet it, snap it, and drape it around your neck) to try.  At some point, it is going to be too hot, even with all this cooling gear.  We are approaching that point with this overnight low.

More bicycles than vehicles today.  I did not see another motorcycle.  I also wanted to try my older Insta360 camera (an X2) with the AI editing.  Here's what the AI came up with: 45 seconds on 5 minutes worth of video...

 This was 4 clips.  To my eye, there is a "sameness" within each clip, so some repetition even within this 45 second end result.  As before with the AI, this cuts out 80 to 90% of the time spent editing the individual 360 video clips.

Back to the Waffle House: our meals were good.  I know some people think of Waffle House as being low rent (example: "Denny's is like Waffle House for people who don't know how to fight.")... I enjoy watching the griddling process: like "a meal and a show!"  It reminds me of my amateur status on the griddle - those cooks are good and efficient... flipping 5 pieces of bacon at a time... and making my all-time favorite tasting hashbrowns.

Like all restaurants and fast food, the prices have increased noticeably - a couple years ago, we could have breakfast there for $25 to $30... $45 this morning, with the tip.  And, the tip was well deserved: our waitress (like the cooks) was fast, friendly, and efficient.

That will take care of my craving for a couple months.  For Waffle House, not for riding.  ;-)

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The Facebook Memory from 2 years ago...

Excessive Heat Warning...

 

Big surprise: it's hot in the desert.  The weasels were excited to report that "today is the first day this year where the overnight low was above 80º."  And: "We are a week ahead of normal (??) for the first 110º degree day of the year."  And: "It has been 268 days since it has been 110º in Phoenix."

Can't say I've missed that.

 We took Murphy outside this morning, for a half hour or so.  Then, back into air conditioned comfort.

I'm getting together with Mark and Ron for some music today.  Joan said "You should pack a cooler today - if you should have a breakdown on the way there or back, you'd need extra water..."  I remember in our younger days living in the frozen northland and having a "winter kit" in the car.

And to paraphrase Sonny & Cher: and the heat goes on.

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A good music day today with Mark and Ron.  We worked on a couple new songs and fine-tuned some older tunes.  Yeah, it was hot... noticeable when we went out for lunch.  First time we've driven the 3 blocks instead of walking... pretty sure I would have melted into a puddle on the sidewalk while waiting for the stoplight to change.  It got to 108º - Ha! The weasels missed the predicted high by 2º!

Where'd They Go?

 

This blog isn't just about riding, although that is a pretty strong pull for me these days.  I get out on one of the bikes almost every morning.  As we get into the summer season here, getting out early is better.  Even in the heat, the ride is refreshing.  Yeah, the cooling vest doesn't hurt.  ;-)

On today's ride, the South Mountain Park and Preserve (where the good twisty roads are) was as empty of people as I've ever seen it.  It has generally been quieter on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when I ride there, but this was surprisingly devoid of traffic.  I passed 3 people on bicycles when I rode up the mountain; one car going the other way.  When I got to the Gila Valley Overlook, there were two guys with bicycles sitting in the shade of one of the two covered tables.  That was it.  In a Mountain Park in a city of nearly 4 million people.

I enjoyed some ice water, then continued my ride.  I rode up past the Dobbins Overlook (that looks north over downtown and most of the Valley).  There was one vehicle - a city truck.  No Native Americans selling jewelry, no people looking at the views.  No other cars in the parking area.  I have never seen that before.  And this wasn't because it was SO early: I didn't leave the house until around 8:00.  It was warm, but about the same as it has been for the last week or so.

Coming back down the mountain, I passed two of the bicyclists I had seen on the way up.  A couple other cars coming up the mountain.  No hikers.  No idea why so few people today.

I stopped for gas on the way home.  The gas cap went on first try.  The bike got 87.5 mpg on this tank.  88 mpg on the previous tank.  The Burgman continues to impress me.

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Yep, it was hot; got to 104º today.  It is supposed to get to 110º or higher (as in: 113º) for next 3 days.  The Park/Preserve where I like to ride is closing their trails from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (all public trails in the Phoenix Park System) for at least the next three days.  They have a standing policy of "no dogs on the trailer when the temperature gets to 100º or higher."

I made pork chops and salmon on the griddle around 5:30... it was still 102º.  It felt it.  Murphy wanted to go outside, but we kept him in air conditioned comfort until 7:15 or so.  I went out and felt the pavers (not hot to the touch - they are in the shade by that point), then let him out.  The furry boy likes to roam around the yard, doing his part to keep America safe for democracy.

I was looking him over as he walked around, to make sure he didn't show any signs of overheating.  He was happy just being out there.  He is still a bundle of energy, but I am seeing a subtle change in his physique: he has gone from scrawny to muscular.  He has filled in a bit, but you (well, me) can see he looks more muscular through the shoulders.

I got this photo of him with my phone when he settled in for a short time...

Desperate Measures...

 

Desperate times call for desperate measures.  That's what they say... no, I don't know who they are (is?). 

The weasels are in their glory: looks like the thermometer will likely top that 110º mark this week, with one of the local TV stations predicting 113º by Thursday.  Another station is running a contest: the person who predicts the exact day/hour/minute that the official thermometer at the airport hits 110º will win $5,000.

I didn't go out for a ride yesterday... I made breakfast out on the griddle before it got too hot.  I was in need of a ride this morning... but I slept in until 7:10.  It was already 79º at that point.  Getting through my morning routine, it was close to 8:00 before I was ready to gear up for a ride.  It was time to break out the "desperate riding gear": yep, I brought my cooling vest in from the garage and soaked it under the faucet in the sink.  Wring it out and slip it on, then get ready to ride.

The vest really makes a difference - in the mid-80s by the time I rolled out of the driveway, I felt delightfully cool.  The riding was good.  I was behind a pickup for a bit, but got around him on the first available straight stretch where I could see ahead.  Only saw two other motorcycles the whole time.

I stopped at the top for some water and a quick photo of me in the vest...

 

It doesn't look wet, does it?  The fabric somehow holds the moisture, allowing the air that blows through the mesh jacket to act like an air conditioner.  It works great with this low humidity.  I was wearing a cotton t-shirt under the vest; it will definitely be better with a performance type T instead of the cotton.

There were 4 late model Corvettes coming up the mountain as I was heading out of the parking area... looked like they were enjoying the drive.  I'd like to tell you that shortly after that, when they came up behind me, my sporty little scooter held them off through the tight twisties.  I'd like to tell you that, but that would be a big fat lie.  They must have stopped at the parking area to enjoy the views, because I never saw them in my mirrors... and pretty sure it wasn't because the blistering 18.4 horsepower of the Burgman left them in the dust.  ;-)  You don't have to go fast on those mountain roads to enjoy the views.

So, where does that "Burgman name come from?" you ask.  Thanks for asking - this is what my search came up with: in Japan, this model scoot is called the Skywave.  When Suzuki was ready to launch this model in Europe and the US, they found that Skywave name was already in use by another manufacturer in Europe.  They hired an ad agency in Germany to come up with a name, something that would give a feeling or subliminal suggestion aristocracy or people of achievement. but below King or Monarch.

They suggested names relating to Bergers, Burgerman, and medieval structures that were constructed on high elevations.  While the name Burgman has no real accurate association to anything or anyone whatsoever, they felt it was a good sounding name because the combinations of the words Burg, which in German means a medieval fortress or walled town, and Man, would somehow give the bike an aristocratic link, so it felt as if it was a bike to be looked up to or a bike that was elevated above others; hence the name Burgman.

I can't be certain about the accuracy of that explanation, but the Burgman 200 does have an obvious resemblance to the 650 and 400 Burgman models, with its large twin headlights and curvaceous fairing.  I've come to appreciate the looks, performance, and design of this scoot.

The Weasels...

 

Not the woodland creatures - I'm talking about the weather weasels... you know: those talking heads on TV that like to sensationalize their weather forecasts.  All the local weasels were saying, "This is the hottest day of the year, so far," last night (107º).  Then, following it up with, "We are on tap for the first 110º day of the year next week."  As though it is something we should look forward to.

We get it: it's hot.  In the words of the late Screamin' Sam Kinison: "You live in the f****** desert!"

"Next Thursday - that is the day... 110º!"  In the grand scheme of things, it is only 3º hotter than it was on Friday... but, it gives them something to talk about, I guess.  Every city in the Valley was between 104º and 107º for the high... but they like to say that "Laveen was the cool spot at 104º" - cool spot?  Maybe I'm not acclimated; I don't think of 104º as "cool," no matter the comparison.  Weasels... if they tell you the high temperature of every city in the Valley of the Sun, they get more camera time than if they just said, "It's freakin' hot.  Everywhere around here."

I find the catometer to be most accurate...

"OMG, Dad - it's SOOO hot!"  Those were taken last night, after sunset... no sun on those pavers.  We make it a point to feel the pavers with the back of our hands to make sure it isn't so hot that it will burn his little paw pads.  He likes to go outside with us... mornings and evenings.  None of us want to be outside during the "Gates of Hell" hours.