Cinco de Mayo...

 

Yes, it's that day again.  It gives me the opportunity to re-run a post here from years ago...

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It is the 5th of May and everyone is Mexican for the celebration.  Much like everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.  Seems that a lot of people don't really know why the 5th of May is a day of remembrance in Mexico.  Allow me to explain...

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England .

In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.  This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.

But, as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York . The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss.  Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.

The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as -

Sinko De Mayo. 

 

Fire...

 

If I add: "Let me stand next to your..."

If you said, "Jimi Hendrix, 1967," you get 20 bonus points.

There is a wild fire in the far west Valley - in Buckeye, AZ.  It is over 1,000 acres currently, and is not yet contained.

 It has been burning for several days now.  The wind has been out of the southwest, so our part of the Valley didn't have the smoke.  Until today...

 It kept the sun from heating things up today: 78º for a high here.  More heat is coming, though.

 

So, How'd It Go?

 

Thanks for asking.  The vote to recall the board member was decisive: 134 voted in favor of removing her from the board, 8 voted to keep her on.  The homeowners have spoken.

Will she go away with no fuss.  Not likely.  She has been fighting this all along.  No, I have no idea why someone would try to stay on a board where she isn't wanted.

Hopefully, the community can move forward, without all the nastiness.  That would be the best outcome.

There were about 25 people at the Special Meeting.  In terms of "homes represented," it wasn't much of a turnout.  Nobody really needed to be there, is it was held to officially count the votes.  I was surprised that we were in a small meeting room in the Community Center, but it was enough - there were a few people who had to stand.  It wasn't a typical meeting: the lawyer stated why we were there (to count the votes), he oversaw the counting (Joan and another homeowner did the count), the vote was announced, and the meeting was done.

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The gig with the Valley Women's Ensemble went well.  We accompanied them on one song; did 3 songs with 2 individuals (the music director and the woman who handles arrangements for the group)... and then did a set on our own.  Then, they did a set.  The crowd was responsive; for both groups.  And, a full house.

Mark had borrowed a set of powered speakers to use for front of house.  It was more than necessary.  This crowd was here to listen, so it didn't have be loud.  Those speakers were large and heavy.  I put one of the speaker cabinets up on a stand - I will be paying for that with an achy back.  We need to make a new band rule: if you brought it, you cart it in and set it up.

My Bose PAs worked as expected, being the monitor for Ron (the percussionist) and me.  And the S1 Pro was my guitar amp - it works great for that.  With the main speakers being out in front of us, we needed the monitors.  Mark used one of his Headrush speakers as a monitor for him and Podge.  We were fortunate to have the musical director's husband to help us balance sound, since we could not hear what the audience was hearing with those large front-of-house speakers.

I wasn't sure how the crowd would react to our music, since they were there to hear a women's choir - good applause, singing along, and a group of women dancing in the back.  It turned out to be a fun gig.

Of course, we had to wait until the ensemble finished their set before we could start our tear down.  This venue is a church, and the church has a worship band that has gear set up on the altar - we had to work around their gear to set up and tear down ours. 

After the gig, Joan asked, "Do you want me to make you a grilled cheese and ham sandwich when we get home?"  That is a nod to my old band rat days on the road: it would often be 2:00 am before we got gear tore down and into the bus; we were always ready for a meal at that time, so it was off to the nearest 24 hour truck stop before getting down the road.  The grilled cheese with ham sandwich was my go-to.

Joan isn't just a supporter: she helps me pack gear and get it in and out of the car.  She picked out my outfit for the night.  She parked the car while I rolled a wagon full of gear into the venue.  And she was sitting up front, giving applause.  And I get to go home with her after the gig... that really beats getting into a bus with 8 or 9 other guys and rolling all night.  ;-)

 

 Yes, Joan took these photos, too.  And shot some video.  I did some edits, cropped where I could, added some titles and transitions...

 

 

Today Is The Day...

 

Two things happening for us today: first is the results of the recall effort.  By law, the HOA board had 30 days to arrange the vote and hold a Special Meeting.  Today is Day 25, and the meeting is scheduled in person at the Caesar Chavez Community Center at 1:30.  It is supposed to be just to count and announce the results.  I think most people voted online through the Homeowners' Portal, so those votes should already be counted.  There were a handful of votes that were turned in to a lockbox that was available at the gatherings last week.  There will be the opportunity to vote in person at the meeting.  We encouraged homeowners to use the online option, and it appears that is the way it went.

We will find out the results at the meeting, but based on what people were saying at the gatherings, I have expectations.  Word is out in the community that the board member being recalled plans to contest every single vote.  That has been her "M-O" all of last year and into this new board's year: argue and delay.  Don't do the work she volunteered for, but argue about everything.

I will be glad when this ugliness is done.  I expect the recall to be successful, as long as enough homeowners voted so there is a quorum.  I don't expect her to go away quietly.  And I expect she will be retaliatory and continue to walk the neighborhood looking to turn in violations against her neighbors.  But, if the vote goes the way I expect, she will no longer be able to delay board business.

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The other thing happening today is FAR MORE upbeat: the Hip Replacements have a gig this evening.  The event is the annual fundraiser for the Valley Women's Ensemble, being held at First Church UCC in downtown Phoenix:  https://valleywomensensemble.org/#announcements

Tickets are $22 at the door (advanced sales are closed).  This is their show.  We will be backing them on 4 songs (one with the entire ensemble, three others with 2 different individuals singing).  We will also be doing a half hour set on our own.

 This has been a lot of "arranging" - not in the musical sense, but in coordinating rehearsals and getting different stories on gear to be used.  (They will use their own PA... no, they'll be using ours... no, they will use their condenser mics with our PA... no, they'll use their own PA... and back to: they will be using their mics with our PA, plus we'll need to have a couple extra mics for them to use).

We rehearsed our set on Wednesday, so we're ready to go.  We can get in two hours early to set up our gear, while they will be doing one last run-through before the performance.  We've heard them sing (a couple songs at a joint get-together, where we also did a couple songs) - they are good.  Not our style of music, so it will be interesting to see how their audience does with a rock 'n' roll band.

 

Stash It...

 

Out to the storage place to take the Stowaway2 off the back of the RoadTrek.  And we have a good place to stash it.

How it looks on the back of the van...

 Swung away for access to the doors...

 Cranked further out...

 We took the Stowaway off the RoadTrek and rolled it into the cargo trailer...

 Out of sight, out of the Arizona sun, but ready to go when we are.

Moon Me and May Day...

 

No, don't.  Today (well, it will be visible tonight) is the first of two full moons in May.  The moon would have appeared full last night, but there was enough cloud cover that it didn't make for a good photograph.  I will try again tonight - it is supposed to be clear.

Today is also the first of May.  May Day.  I called my brother-in-law John this morning, who had a life long career as a professional pilot.  We had a good "pilot talk" visit.  I asked him if he ever "declared a Mayday"?  No; in all his years of flying, he had a couple what are considered emergency situations, but never a "Mayday."

I had one time when a door popped open in flight, causing a "shudder" when making a left turn.  The slipstream was such that I couldn't pull the door shut.  When I spoke with Approach Control, I asked for "right turns" due to that shudder.

"Are you declaring an emergency?" they asked.

"No - I just want to avoid left turns."  They let the tower know that I had requested a non-standard approach for landing.

When they turned me over to the tower, they asked, "Do you want the equipment standing by?"  That means: rolling the fire trucks.

"Definitely not.  No emergency here."  If you declare an emergency and it turns out to be nothing, you are responsible for any costs incurred in "rolling the equipment."

As I made my turn to final, there were two fire trucks with lights flashing ready to roll with me on the parallel taxi-way.  I reiterated that I did NOT request "the equipment."

The tower came back with, "We're just playing it safe - plus, they can use the practice."

I had a flashing light escort as I pulled up to the FBO (fixed base operator).  No declared emergency, no cost to me.  But, was winter and it was damn cold in the cockpit.

I was taking the plane from our home airport in Spearfish to the Rapid City Regional Airport just 55 miles away - I had a set of engine heaters that I was having installed by the FBO mechanic there.  It was a cold winter day, and I had taken my coat off while warming up the plane with the cockpit heat on while still on the ground.  Right after takeoff, the passenger door popped open - and stood out about 6" in the slipstream.  I considered returning to that airport, and that is when I discovered the "shudder" in a left turn.  Also, the pressure differential was pulling my coat that I laid on the co-pilot seat toward the door.  I grabbed the coat and shoved it under my leg.

To add to the fun, the engine heaters were in a box in the second row of seats... packed with styrofoam peanuts.  When the door popped open, the styrofoam peanuts swirled around the cockpit like snow.  And, yes, I tried reaching across the cockpit to pull the door shut - too much pressure differential.  So, I made the chilly choice to get the plane to Rapid City.  I pulled my gloves out of the coat pocket... did I mention: it was cold. 

And that led to my discussion for "no left turns" with Approach Control.

Another "emergency situation," which was definitely more of an emergency was when Joan and I were heading from Jackson, Wyoming, to Denver, Colorado, and the plane was hit by lightning while at altitude over the Rocky Mountains.  It took out all our electronics, including the heated pitot tube (which is used to determine air speed).  While in the clouds.  In icing conditions.

Fortunately, the de-ice equipment was still working.  With the radios knocked out, I knew Air Traffic Control would be trying to contact us, since I had let them know about "flying into convective conditions" right before the lightning strike.

At the moment, my job was to fly the plane and determine what equipment was still working.  In instrument conditions.  And icing.  I was flying by sound and feel.  I could see the airspeed indicator dropping, but the sound of the engines was normal... that previously heated pitot tube was icing over, making it look like our airspeed was dropping.

Joan was in the co-pilot seat and was fixated on that dropping airspeed - if it gets too low, the plane will stall (not the same as the engines stalling).  She was very concerned that the airspeed would get too low and we would "fall out of the sky."  In the turbulent conditions, I was working hard to keep the plane "straight and level."

35 years later, I still have the bruises on my arm where she was gripping me so tight. (Humor)

I said to her, "I need to fly this plane and I need your help - my flight bag is in the seat behind you.  Get me the handheld radio and the pad of Post-It notes out of the bag."  I put a Post-It note over the airspeed indicator so she couldn't see it and told her the frequency I needed put in the handheld radio.

I was able to get Air Traffic Control on the handheld... they asked, "Are you OK?  Your transponder went away."  I explained the situation and asked for vectors to where I could safely get lower to get out of the icing conditions.  The plane had de-ice for the wing leading edges, props, and windshield, but I could tell that we were picking up ice on other surfaces.

Within a few minutes, we were able to descend.  With no navigation gear and still in instrument conditions, I didn't know what was right below us... other than the Rocky Mountains.  I shut down the electronics bus and tried bring up nav and com gear.  Nope.

We eventually got below the clouds... and started shedding the ice.  All good.  I asked for and got vectors to Centennial Airport - just south of Denver, where I knew they had a good aviation electronics shop.

Emergency situation?  Oh, yeah.  And no one to declare it to in the worst of it.  After getting all the electronics repaired, we added a StormScope to the plane: it shows you where lightning is in all quadrants around you.  And, yes, it got plenty of use (for avoidance).

 An old photo from our flying days.  Look at those youngsters.

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The Full Flower Moon.  It reached its peak at 10:24 am today (Mountain Standard Time) and will appear full tonight and tomorrow.  The appearance of flowers in abundance inspired the name for this Moon, a term used by Algonquin and Ojibwe peoples.  Similarly, the Cree names of Budding Moon and Leaf Budding Moon celebrate the awakening of plant life . Egg Laying Moon and Frog Moon are other Cree terms for this period.  Moon of the Shedding Ponies is an Oglala term.  Planting Moon (Dakota, Lakota) marks the time to plant seeds and start the year’s crops.  (Thanks to the Old Farmer's Almanac for this information)

It is a clear night tonight, allowing for this view...

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.

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I heard from their Customer Service this morning: they are refunding my purchase price.  They did give me a list of things to try, which I did.  No difference.  I reset the earbuds.  I deleted and re-loaded the app.  It wasn't from lack of trying on my part; and I do appreciate their customer service person (Shane) for the responses - I felt they were trying, too.  Sometimes, it is best to just cut your (sleep) losses.

 

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.

 

Clear the cookies...

 

On one of the sites I check most days, it was requiring me to sign in, even though my settings are clicked for "always stay on."  I asked on that forum if anyone else was having that happen.  One friend said no, but the site owner said he was having the same issue.

It was recommended that I clear my cookies.

Fine - I ate the rest of the package.  Chocolate chip.  I have no idea why they thought that would help, but when it comes to cookies, I am in.

Clearly, that didn't help.  I will try again with a fresh package of cookies.  If my blood sugar is up, someone is going to have to explain this to my doctor.

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The voting has started...

Nothing to do with our idiot lawmakers.  I am talking about the recall effort happening in our homeowners group.  There is a small group that wants to keep this woman on the board.  The majority who have spoken up want her removed.  The real majority is the number of homeowners who are unaware of the whole situation.

The group wanting her removed have been giving people facts: providing verifiable information.  The side that wants to keep her on the board cannot defend the fact that she hasn't done her job and then lies about it to the board and the homeowners... so, they go around the community tearing down anything that has been posted about the vote.  

The next four evenings have gatherings planned: food trucks coming into the community where people can get together to meet their neighbors and have questions answered.  There will be volunteers there that will show people how to get on the homeowners portal so they can vote.  Ballots will be available for those who want to mail in their vote.

It is at the gathering on Saturday where I'll be providing the "live music."  The lady who is putting on that gathering is opening up her backyard so the food truck can pull in there and be off the street.  It is great to see people getting involved in the community.

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The Instigator... 

No, that is not an alligator that is delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less.  Two cats: one an adult at 3 years old, the other an adolescent at 9 months old... somebody is always "startin' something."

Mid-morning, Murphy was settled into a nap.  Well, they were both napping, but kitten naps come on fast and end abruptly, as well.  Stella awoke from her nap first.  The "target" was too enticing - she pounced on Murphy.  He hopped down off the couch and settled back in on the floor.  Stella went over to Joan to try to start something.  The main rule in this house: don't mess with the Momma.

Stella went over to Murphy, and started licking the back of his head.  That lasted almost 2 seconds, then she chomped down on his ear.  Murph shook her off and started slowly walking towards his food dishes... Stella followed, trying to play tag with Murphy's tail.  I stepped between them... "Don't pick on your brother."

"He started it!"

"No, he didn't."

"He was gonna!"

"No, he wasn't."

"You don't spozed to tell Stella 'No'!"

"I will tell Stella whatever she needs to hear."  OMG - I am arguing with a kitten, trying to use logic... "Leave him alone because I said so!"  Pretty sure I lost that argument.  I sent them to neutral corners.

Joan sent me these photos...

 

 

Bonus Points...

 

Music trivia has been a thing in our family.  We often played "Who Does This Song?" during our studio days.  I awarded bonus points based on how popular or obscure I felt the song/band was.  A "one hit wonder" song/band would get more bonus points than something "everybody knows."

It was easier back then.  Well, to be fair, I was a lot younger and kept up with music trends.  Now, I am in the camp that thinks music was better "back in my day."  (And get off my lawn ya damn whippersnapper!)  We had radio, or a cassette or CD player in cars.  Now, there is Sirius/XM and all the different music streaming sources like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.  We don't really have that "collective music experience" - where we all know the same songs.

Much like watching TV: back in the 80s and earlier, we had 3 networks and we all watched the same shows.  The next day, you could talk about it with co-workers, because a show was on at a set time and you watched it when it played.  No streaming, so unless you had one of those fancy VCRs where you could set a time for it to record, if you missed a particular show, you were out of the loop.  You had to wait for reruns.  ;-)

So, my "bonus points" are kind of a thing from the past.  Doesn't matter - I like 'em, and I'll continue offering them.  And for full disclosure, here are the details regarding the bonus points:

1. Bonus point awards are at the sole discretion of this blog creator.
2. Bonus points have no cash value and can't be turned in for any prize.
3. Even though they have no value, bonus points do accumulate - no expiration date.

And that's pretty much it.  Well, with the other exclusions: void where prohibited by law, no purchase necessary, winning bonus points may cause euphoria or a sense of superiority (that's on you), family (including employees, associates, and friends) of the blog owner may participate in any bonus point competition, the blog owner accepts no responsibility for hurt feelings if you don't win the bonus points.

Odds are pretty good I'll never know if you answered correctly or not - with over 97,000 views on the blog just this month so far, there aren't many who comment here (my buddy Earl excepted - and I think he does that so I won't feel ignored).  I'm good - this blog is a form of therapy for me... like writing in my private diary... with over 2,000,000 views so far.

 This is as of 8:48 this morning...

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Happy Earth Day To You...

Everybody sing!  Yes, today is "Earth Day."

Earth Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 22  to promote environmental protection, awareness, and sustainability.  Founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, it is recognized as the world's largest secular day of protest, encouraging advocacy for a healthier planet.  The 2026 theme is "Our Power, Our Planet". 

Do we get an Earth Day cake?

 

With Two Cats In The Yard...

 

If you said, "A line from the song Our House, by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, 1970," you get 15 bonus points.  If you said, "Our house is a very, very, very fine house.  With two cats in the yard..." you get 5 extra credit points.

If you asked, "Did you take Murphy and Stella outside this morning?"... no.  Stella still shows no interest in going outside.  Murphy and I had our guy time out in the courtyard this morning.  The "two cats" part...

 Murphy chillin' in front of that black and white cat planter.  If you look close, there are two more cats behind and above Murph.  If you look around the yard, you will see about 15 cat items...

 I enjoy the whimsical array of yard decor out there.

It isn't unusual for a bird or three to land on the block wall while we're out there.  They squawk at Murphy, and he postures for an attach that never comes...

 In this yard kingdom, he is the apex predator.

"And where is little Stella during all this?"  Thanks for asking.  She will often come to the patio door to check out what we're doing...

 When Joan gets up, Stella will go lay by her.  Maybe snatch a bite of Murphy's "grown up" food.  Stella is now 9 months old and has shown us a fun personality: playful and sweet; strong willed; curious and adaptable.

 

All By Myself...

 

If you said, "Eric Carmen, 1975," you get 25 bonus points.  If you asked, "Did Joan finally dump your ass?"... not yet, and you lose 30 bonus points.

I haven't played out solo since Covid first hit.  I did a bunch of "Stayin' at Home" music videos during the uncertain days of the pandemic, but no playing out.  It has been interesting playing out with the Hip Replacements and once with the Allan Lindsay Project.  "Interesting," you say?

Yeah, with someone else handling the details, it is like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get.

I have made no inquiries into playing out solo.  Until this weekend.  There is a recall happening for an HOA board member who was a pain in the ass for the board I was on; she is continuing that with the newly elected board.  She hasn't done her job as secretary (only turned in one set of minutes in a year's worth of meetings); she lied during the last board meeting, saying: "Jim banned me from voting on the Architectural Committee."  That's not even something the president can do; she simply didn't participate in the voting.  She is constantly saying that she works "60 to 80 hours a week" when asked why she doesn't do the jobs she volunteered for.  Too busy to do the job, but not too busy to stalk the community and turn in neighbors for what she considers violations.

Homeowner were fed up.  A movement started, and the legal process to recall her is underway.  A petition was circulated, with more than enough signatures from homeowners to bring it to a ballot.  The voting will start this week.  With that in mind, one homeowner scheduled gatherings for 4 nights this week, with various food trucks and "voting parties"... come enjoy the food, meet your neighbors, and sign and turn in a ballot (one per home).

I made one call to volunteer to provide live music for one of the gatherings.  I was asked if I could do all four.  I had to politely decline all four, but let them pick which one they wanted me to play for.  So, my first solo gig in years.  I did a 2-hour run through yesterday... I have enough material for 4 hours solo, but I will be keeping it to two hours.  I have to say that I am looking forward to the opportunity.  I'll be working on a set list over the next few days. 

Shadows and Light

 

Murphy and I were outside first thing this morning.  He was chattering at a quail that was sitting on the wall...

 He figured out that he wasn't going to be able to jump up at the quail before it could fly off.  But, they stared at each other for a while.

Next, the furry boy in the light and shadows...

 

Then, in the sun and looking under the gate...

 That's part of the "morning routine" I sometimes mention: it's our "guy time" out in the courtyard.

 

Together On Scoots...

 

It's been a while since Joan and I got out together on our scoots.  I've ridden, she's ridden, just couldn't make the scheduling work for both of us to get out at the same time.  Yesterday was a treat: fun ride, gorgeous weather.  I grabbed a 360 camera at the last minute to get some video of the occasion.  Once home and the video edited, I added a voice over, comparing and contrasting Joan's Yamaha Xmax 300 and my Suzuki Burgman 200..

 And, a few stills from the ride...

 

A Fluke...

 

If you said, "A fluke is the two lobed horizontal tail fin used by whales for propulsion," you are technically correct.  It's not music or movie trivia, so no bonus points.  If you said, "An accidental, lucky, or unexpected occurrence that happens by luck rather than skill," you are on-topic for today's post.

Murphy sometimes comes to my chair, stands on his back legs, and wants to play.  Last night he did that... I held up my hand and said, "Give me five," and he smacked his paw (no claws out) on the palm of my hand.  Joan saw it - no photo, but you can trust that it actually happened: verification by spousal unit will hold up in a court of law.  That is a legal fact that I just made up.

We were both delighted with that fluke.  Murphy is not trained to "give me five."  But I will carry that moment in my mind and heart for a very long time.

 Little Stella is not left out of this heart felt stuff: she has gotten very good at giving me nose-to-nose bumps.  It's pretty darn sweet.  Murphy will jump up on the arm of my chair and give me head-bumps on my shoulder.  This is a fairly new thing, but he has done it enough that I know it isn't a fluke.  It gives me hope that he may one day gravitate to head-bumps on my jaw... that was a thing Rufus did for me daily, and I miss it.  I know they are all different, and they show their love and connection in different ways.

Stella is different with Joan: she will climb up on her and lay her head against Joan's neck or chest.  Joan will pick up Murphy and give him hugs and kisses - he pretends like he doesn't like that.  ;-)

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After Murphy got his morning outdoor time, he settled on the chair we put in front of the patio door so he can look out.  Stella joined him...

 I think it is cute when they sit together.  Sometimes that will turn into a wrestling match.  Today, Stella started grooming Murphy...

Check out the difference in those tails.