Good Morning, Good Morning...

 

If you said, "The Beatles, 1967, from the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," you get 10 bonus points.

Out this morning for a walk around the yard - Murphy getting some early morning light...

 Little Stella in the stroller again, me pushing and directing Murph to walk alongside us.

 Cool, but not cold out there.  Hot days happening right now here, with a record high today of 92º.  A light jacket for me this morning, the kitties seemed quite comfortable.

 You get a good size comparison with that image above.

It makes my heart happy to see Stella content in the stroller and Murphy walking alongside.  Good way to start the day.

 

Yeah, We Go Outdoors...

 

Stella got some outdoor time in the stroller.  In the backyard.  No, she did not freak out - in fact, she seemed to enjoy looking around...

Murphy had to check it out - "That was mine first."

A boy and his cat...

Well, two cats: one in the stroller, one lounging in the shade...

Look at that sweet little face...

 We are happy that she is doing so well.  Coming up (we'll give it a few days before we hit her with another new experience): the cat backpack.  Probably.

 

VanLife...

 

While we have a campervan (RoadTrek Chase 50)...

 ... this post pertains to all kinds of RVs and RVers.  There are communities out there that are "going after" RVs.

The RV industry paints an ideal image of RVing - as you'd expect; they are in the business of selling RVs and the "RV lifestyle."  They are intentionally turning a blind eye to a growing category of people in RVs: the homeless.  I am not talking about "full-time" RVers, who are living in their choice of RV and getting out to enjoy a mobile lifestyle.  I am talking about people who are living in a dilapidated RV that is parked on the street; it may or may not be in any kind of condition to move.

In the eyes of many community leaders, these are a blight.  And, I understand why they think so: these rigs were never designed for full-time living, they have no means of getting this conveyance to a dump station, so they are most likely dumping their waste water out on the street.  They are parked on a public street with the hope that they will go unnoticed and they will be left alone.  Homeowners in these neighborhood DO notice.  Most communities have local ordinances that allow up to 72 hours for an RV to be parked on the street, so that the owners can load or unload in front of their home.  The ones I am talking about have no home... if not for this run-down RV, they would be living on the street.

I am not unsympathetic to the homeless issues.  But, putting a ratty conveyance on a public street, in front of someone's home with the idea of living there, is going to be challenged.  Homeowners will complain to their City Council and State Legislatures... new laws are being enacted.

The results of an internet search:

While there is no precise nationwide percentage of RV owners who are homeless, approximately 486,000 to 1 million Americans live full-time in RVs, with a significant, growing portion doing so due to economic necessity rather than lifestyle choice. In cities like Los Angeles and Oakland, RV dwellers constitute over half of the unsheltered population. 

• Full-Time Living: An estimated 486,000 to 1 million people live in their RVs full-time.
• Vehicular Homelessness: In areas like Seattle and California, people living in vehicles—including RVs—make up roughly 28% to over 50% of the unsheltered population.
• Economic Factors: A large percentage of full-time RVers earn less than $75,000 annually, indicating many are living in RVs as a cheaper alternative to traditional housing or due to economic distress.
• Distinction: While some RVers are "nomads" by choice, many in cities are forced into this situation, and their vehicles often lack proper amenities. 

The number of people living in vehicles, including RVs, has increased significantly, with a 146% rise in some California counties since 2015.

The "VanLife" culture has played a part in this.  There are many vanlifers online who tout how "you can live in your RV and always find places to park (for the night or longer) that are free.  Many modern Class B vans (ours included) are designed and advertised as being able to be used without being in a campground or RV park.  That is due to large lithium battery systems, solar panels on top, underhood generators, and 3,000 watt inverters.  They are somewhat self-contained for their energy needs.  A relatively large freshwater tank (ours can hold 33 gallons of fresh water) for the size of the vehicle allows for showers, cooking, doing dishes, and flushing your toilet.  But, at some point, the gray water and black water tanks are going to need to be dumped.  At that point, you need to be in a campground or RV park, or stop at someplace like Loves or Flying J that will generally have a dump station.

Living "normally," we could go 3 days or so before needing to dump our tanks.  We could definitely go longer with our previous motorhomes or 5th wheel, but they did not have the lithium battery systems.  We are just fine with being in an RV park - we like to overnight somewhere safe.

That is not happening with the RVs I am referring to in this post.  RVers used to be able to overnight in a Walmart or Cracker Barrel parking lot - those options are getting fewer and fewer, as people who have taken advantage of the situation (staying more than one night, littering, dumping tanks, creating anxiety with shoppers or diners) have ruined it.  And those living in a run-down RV that can't move have turned entire communities off on "the RV lifestyle."  For full disclosure, those numbers above include people living in their cars or other vehicles.

For those who might ask, no, we have never had an issue with being lumped into any category while out in our van.  In fact, it isn't unusual for people to ask about it... most often, they want to know what amenities we have and the cost... I generally give a "cost range," since manufactured Class Bs (different from self-converted or built by someone who does one at a time) can run from around $100k to well over $250k.  Class Bs like this are a travel choice, not something that someone is living in as a last resort.  But, a self-converted van, minivan, or SUV may also be something you see "stealth parked" on a public street... not just an old travel trailer or motorhome.

In the past, we have seen this in some RV parks - "liveaboards" who don't travel, but live in a campground full-time.  Some communities are starting to go after this, as well: legislating how long an RV can be in a campground.  State and National Parks generally have a 14 day limit.  Most commercial campgrounds don't have a limit, although many offer weekly and monthly rates that are less expensive than the daily rate.  These, also, are not what I am talking about.

Besides the sanitation issues of what some consider squatters, there is the matter of registration... licensing... insurance.  What illegal activities are happening in and around these conveyances?  How would you feel as a homeowner if a half-dozen of these parked in front of your home?

A lot of questions... answers to be determined.  For sure, it isn't doing anything for the image of the RV industry. 

                                                            photo from Los Angeles

 --------

While we're talking about the van, we ran some errands this morning, then pulled the van out of storage.  One of the things on my to-do list today was cleaning the van.  It was grubby when we drove it to Fountain Hills on Monday.  Well, mostly the front - in our covered storage area, if we get any weather (as in: rain) from the north, the front of the van gets it.  It was mostly dusty, but I was up for a good bath.  To do it right generally takes me 1 1/2 to 2 hours; right on schedule with that today.  I finished in time for Murphy and Stella to get their noon meal.

It cleans up good...

 Yeah, that is with the .5 wide angle lens on my iPhone.  Of course, that makes me want to get out in the van.  I may have to sit in the driver's seat and make "motor noises"... or maybe go out there and take a nap.  Either one works.

--------

Yeah, I know: I'm the only one that gets fired up about the van... "Where's the cat content?  That's the only reason we're here!"  Wow, a bit demanding, don't ya think?

As you requested...

 That is little Stella sitting in the stroller.  In the living room.  She has no idea it moves - she is enjoying the perspective.  Even though Murphy told her, "It's a trap!  They let you think it's another place to nap and next thing you know, you're getting rolled down the sidewalk!  I didn't know if they were gonna bring me back!  They'll probably dump you off somewhere."

That's not very nice, Murphy.  Stella has been with us for two months, as of yesterday... she is family.  And to Murph's point, I will be taking her for a walk in the stroller at some point.  Joan brought it in and put it in the living room yesterday, letting Stella get used to it.  Baby steps.  If you look close, you can see that Stella is wearing a harness - that's the first step in getting her comfortable with what it will take for her to be a traveling cat.  

 

The Heat Is On...

 

If you said, "Glenn Frey, 1984, from the album AllNighter, and used in the movie Beverly Hills Cop," you get 30 bonus point.  If you thought that was Kenny Loggins, so did a lot of people.

A weather report?  Yeah, pretty much.  Today, the high is supposed to be 89º, with 90s predicted for the next week.  90s in February?  Yep, we are in record territory.

 

This isn't just about the weather - another music day today: the "big group" at Mark's house.  We two guest musicians - Mark's half brother and his wife.  And, whoever else shows up.  I don't think there's enough room in Mark and Cindy's living room, so we will likely be in the garage again today.  It's gonna be a hot one.

Two days in a row for music.  I like making music, but I'm less enthralled with the drive.  The "big group" days are more about having fun; not rehearsing for anything upcoming.  

 

 

In the words of the philosopher John Lennon...

 

... referencing an audition.  If you said, "John Lennon famously said, 'I'd like to thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves and hope we passed the audition.'  He made this remark immediately following the final song of The Beatles' rooftop concert on January 30, 1969, at their Apple Corps headquarters in London," you get 15 bonus points.

The Hip Replacements auditioned for a gig in May today.  It was kind of a rehearsal for us, as well.  We were playing a song when the woman who was auditioning us came in - first thing out of her mouth: "You've got the job."

We did several other songs for her... 'cause, we were there.  This one is not for an Alzheimer's group or charity, so this gig is paid.  She is part of a women's chorale group and they are putting on a concert - they'd like us to back them on a few songs, a set of their own, and a set of ours.  I asked a couple questions so we'd know what we need for PA equipment.  She left happy and will be in touch for final arrangements.

The last time I did an "audition," it was for a band back in the mid-70s.  I played with them for several years, until we moved to the Black Hills.  

 

 

Heading Northeast...

 

Out in the van today; the kitties got lunch early, with a bit extra to hold them.  Joan suggested we go to Fountain Hills, northeast of Scottsdale.  Maps and I worked out a route, and we were off; an hour or so enroute...

 That is the only photo I took today.  My plan: shoot some video clips with two different cameras (DJI Action 4 and DJI Pocket 3) and try editing it with Final Cut Pro.  You may hear some people say that FCP is like "the grown-up version of iMovie" - they lie.  The actions are all different.  But, I will see what I can do before the 30-day trial period is up.

We drove to Fountain Hills, arriving at the park just as the fountain was going off (on the hour).  We didn't try to time it that way.  A drive-by with some video, and by the time we parked, the fountain was done until the next hour.

From there, it was onto McDowell Mountain Regional Park, one of the Regional Parks in the County system that we have an annual pass for.  It is out there a ways, but as pretty as any of the other parks we've been to.  Of course, I like to see what the camping is like, both with hookups (water and electricity) and without.  Interesting; I have good intentions to get out there "one day."

Then, on to Rio Verde, another community north of Fountain Hills.  Then, through Carefree, and into Cave Creek.  I was surprised that Cave Creek was more "touristy" than upscale, like the other communities we checked out today.  Almost like it was trying to be "old West(ish)"... it felt like a weekend biker destination.

We were looking for a lunch stop when Joan saw an Oregano's - "How does that sound to you?"

"Pizza?  I'm in."  Our waitress was great, the food was exactly what we expect from Oregano's (and that's a good thing."

Time to find a route home.  Joan routed us to a Costco along the way so we could gas up for 50¢ per gallon less than everything around that area.  Onto the Loop 101 and south on I-17.  Not the pretty scenery we enjoyed on the way north, but I was happy to be out in the van.

Back to Laveen, we swapped the van for the Equinox and back home.  The kitties seemed happy to see us.  Well, happy to get treats and know we were back in time for supper.

And I have downloaded videos and will start working on that.

A test of a new logo...

 

--------

Here is the "unlisted" video I shot today.  I didn't use wireless mics (intentionally), looking to keep this as simple as possible.  I am still learning Final Cut Pro, so this is more about the editing than the video itself... thus, the reason the video is unlisted.

 

Laveen BBQ Festival...

 

It's a big deal: the 74th Annual Laveen BBQ Festival - a couple dozen food vendors and at least 50 other booths, from banks to political candidates to other businesses (our vet was there - more on that in a bit) to a bunch of kid attractions (bounce house, giant slide, bungee jump swings, face painting, and others).

We rode our bikes to Caesar Chavez Park, where the festival is being held...

 We locked the bikes up and wandered around...

Shade shelters set up for eating the BBQ...

Entertainment on the stage...

 We stopped by the booth our vet (well, Murphy's vet) had set up - they had a "spin the wheel" set up for various prizes.  Joan won a cooling towel and I won a large Yeti dog bowl (worth over $50).  We gave the bowl to Steph and Dan as a prize for the Guide Dog group.

And, yes, we had some BBQ - a good deal: a large pulled pork sandwich, a bag of chips, a chocolate chip cookie (from Chick-fil-A) and a soda... all for $10.

It was a good outing on the bikes and fun to see all the vendors and people at the park.  Oh, and we met the owner of the Chick-fil-A that we go to - he thanked us for our business and gave us each a card for a free breakfast.  I complimented him on the training they give their staff - always friendly and efficient.  He said, "If you know of any great kids that are looking for their first job, we can give them training that will give them an advantage as they move on in life."  No doubt about that.

 

Tired of the Sweet Crap, Yet?

 

Yeah, me neither.

Both kitties laid by Joan last night.  For a good part of the evening...

 I love it!  They both want to be by their Momma, and they are getting better sharing a close space.

Speaking of which, we have been giving then Churu treats at the same time.  If we use the regular Churu holder, only one at a time can lick the treat, but they take turns.  If we put it on a spatula, it is wide enough that they can both lick at the same time.  Yeah, that's pretty darn sweet, too. 

--------

Comments...

If you're a regular reader here (and there are generally over 1,000 each day), you have probably seen the comments.  On Blogger, you have to register to comment... and most people don't register.  One regular commenter is Earl.  Earl is a friend we have met "in real life."  The Facebook Memory from 8 years ago today was the first time we met in person...

 We first met online when we had our C-Dory and they were curious about that boat brand; found out we have many other things in common: cats, guitars, motorcycles, and aviation.  Nice people.  Just thought you might like to see who that regular commenter is.  And my "Hi, guys!" to Earl and Alice.

 

I thought this was the end...

 

A near-death experience?  Oh, hell no.  Just one of those times when you're thinking "Just kill me now."

Yeah, another HOA board meeting last night.  It was supposed to be my last one.  The management company rep asked if I'd open the annual meeting the first week of March.  The meeting where the newly elected board members take over.

So, how was the meeting last night?  Thanks for asking... same shit, different day.  Two more significant items got tabled until the next meeting (the annual meeting).  One was due to vendors not getting us bids in time.  The other due to the same board member that drove 3 of us away.

There was a greatly watered down version of a Meet the Candidates during the time scheduled for the board meeting.  A half hour that ran long.  Candidates saying they want to work together and get the community more involved (yes, some of the same people that were particularly nasty on Facebook, but have deleted those posts).  Then we still had to wade through the rest of the meeting.

And the beat goes on.

--------

How About Something Happy and Sweet?

I had music with my local guys today (Allan and friends).  A good time.  Even more fun: when I got home, Joan wasn't in the living room... when I walked back to the bedroom, she gave me a finger up to the lips (Shhhhhhh) and a big smile.  When I opened the door a bit wider: Murphy and Stella were laying on the bed with her!  Another first!  And everybody looking sweet.

Joan had taken these photos earlier...

 Joan couldn't get up to get a different angle, but I could see how sweet the kitties were being and how happy Joan was.  Me, too.  I am looking forward to a time when both of them can be in the bedroom with us overnight.

Oh, there is still All Star Cat Wrestling happening - I took these a couple hours later...

 Stella has grown a bunch since we first brought her home, but she is dwarfed by Murphy.  As you can see in that image directly above, she isn't intimidated by his size.  It is the first time that Stella got the "high ground."  Mostly, the wrestling is playful, but we do have to intervene on occasion when it gets rough.

 

Sunrise, Sunset...

 

If you said, "From the Broadway musical Fiddler On the Roof, 1964; made popular by Perry Como," you get 30 bonus points.  Partial credit will be given for any of those 3 key components.

I heard from my C-Dory buddy Harvey yesterday.  We are going to get together with him and his lady friend today.  Harvey was asking me about Arizona things and commented that he was told "there are some beautiful sunrises and sunsets here."  That is a fact.  It may be because of dust in the air at the horizon, which takes away from the thought of that beauty.

This morning, while taking Murph out after his breakfast, we were treated to this...

Technically before the sunrise, but quite pretty with the clouds being lit from below.

Murphy did not enjoy the scene as much as I did - a street sweeper came through the neighborhood, and he was not a fan of that different, and loud, noise.  He wasn't any happier about it when it came back the other way just a couple minutes later.  We did get him some good walking around, after.

And speaking of cats (and I frequently am): Murphy and Stella were not wild and crazy while I was getting their breakfast ready.  I know we are not beyond Thursday Morning Smackdown (or ANY morning or evening smackdown), but I am seeing an easing of "establishing dominance" - for the record, neither is coming out the victor, and neither is giving in.

--------

The kitty detente lasted a couple hours.  That's kind of a big deal.  As you might expect, little Stella broke the peace...

Murphy was on the highest level, chillin.  Stella jumped to the second level (above), then stood on her back legs (she is getting long) and bit him on the neck (below)...

 To his credit, Murph pretty much ignored her and she moved on.  Not sure where Stella is, but I need to check out her whereabouts.  ;-)

--------

We got to see Harvey and meet his lady friend Carol today.  They made that long drive from Florence.  A nice visit!

 Harvey sent me this one that he took with the 4 of us...

 

Sweetness Alert!

 

Jim, are you being sweet again?

Well, that is my natural state, but of course, I am talking about Murphy and Stella once again.  They were pretty wound up yesterday, but by evening, they were mellowing out.  Yep, the two of them napping together on the couch...

 Joan's perspective above, mine below...

 And, the moment I didn't catch the other night: Murphy grooming Stella...

 No biting.  No wrestling.  No slap fight.  Just sweetness.

How long does it last?  Thanks for asking - the napping was over a half hour.  The grooming, about 5 minutes.  Then, they just laid there.  Until Stella gets her 12th wind (we are WAY beyond a second wind), and then it's back to chasing and stalking.  Jumping and wrestling.  Their night-time meal and Stella will go to her catio and Murphy will head to bed with us.  Quiet again.

--------

Yesterday late afternoon, Murphy and I were out in the yard; he walked around to Steph and Dan's patio door, and...

 The door was open and Murphy and Tango visited through the screen.  These two haven't had as much time together since we adopted Stella.  Pretty sure I could follow the conversation...

"How's it going with your new little sister?"

"Chicks, man - they be crazy."

"You need to come visit more."

"Yeah, I'm going to work on that."

 

Size Matters...

 

I don't often give a "reader warning" regarding content.  This post is all about guitars.  Well, a little bit about buying an expensive guitar without having any comprehension regarding the specifications, specifically the size and scale length of a guitar that is advertised as being a 3/4 size.

-------- 

There was some discussion on my carbon fiber guitar forum this morning, with a participant asking about a McPherson Touring (a small CF acoustic guitar) vs an Emerald X20; trying to decide which one to buy.

Those are very different guitars, especially in size.  The discussion, as usual, talked about price.  The going price on a McPherson Touring is $2999.  Someone wrote "that is a lot of money for a small guitar."  I had to dust off my soap box.

 That is the Sable on the left, the Touring on the right.  ^^

My response to that price discussion:  "That said, I appreciate smaller guitars and not just for travel. My previous generation X7 is still one of my favorites... OK, you got me, they're all my favorites. But, I like the shorter scale. And the comfort. When people say that it sounds smaller... well, yeah: physics. But I've always found my smaller guitars are enough. And when plugged in, that isn't an issue.

And while we're on the subject of smaller guitars and cost... smaller doesn't necessarily mean it costs much less to produce. The labor is the same. The things you put on/in the guitar, like tuners and pick ups, are the same. The material difference is pretty minimal. I understand why quality guitars like McPherson or Emerald cost what they do. Yet, people expect a smaller guitar to be significantly less expensive.

Two years ago, you could by a new Touring for $2699 at pretty much any dealer. Today, they all seem to be around that $2999 mark. Inflation.  And a Sable is $3799. Carbon fiber material isn't cheap, but there isn't $800 worth of materials difference in those two guitars.

We used to own a photography studio. The difference in materials cost between a 5x7 and an 8x10 was about 30¢... but people expected the cost of the 5x7 to be half that of the 8x10. Perception. A friend of mine put it this way: "If I told you I just bought a Rembrandt painting, would you ask me 'What size?'."

There is value in each size guitar. These days, my largest guitar is a Taylor 814. It gets less playing time than my other guitars. But, when I play it, I really appreciate the tone. But I pick up my X7 far more often than the 814; because it is more comfortable and I appreciate the smaller scale."

--------

The guy on that forum discussion received his Touring today.  He was not happy.  It was a demo (he got 10% off for that) and the strings were not in good shape (you can replace strings for $15 or less).  And, in his words: "The guitar was too small to be comfortable."  He took it back to a local Guitar Center (they accept returns from Guitar Center online purchases), and immediately ordered the larger McPherson guitar, the Sable.  I guess he didn't look at the specifications for the Touring.  Hey, it is a small guitar... but, it sounds much bigger than the size would have you believe.

I have played both of those McPherson models.  They are both very nice.  Between those two, I actually prefer the sound, feel, and playability of the smaller Touring model.  To each their own.

 

A Quiet Start To The Morning...

 

Happy Presidents Day!  I remember as a kid getting Lincoln's Birthday (Feb 12) and Washington's Birthday (Feb 22) off from school.  And, you learned something about each President when you did come back to school.  Now, it's just another "Monday off" and a reason for mattress sales.

It was a quiet start to the morning in our household.  While I was getting their breakfast ready, Murphy was sitting on the floor, watching TV.  Stella came over and sat beside him.  Nobody jumping or swatting or body slamming.  My phone (camera) was on the other side of the living room, so I couldn't get the photo.  Still, it made me smile.

After they ate, I took Murphy outside; that's part of the routine.  It was before sunrise, but the light was glowing in the southeast...

 I'd like to say it was quiet out there, but there is a townhome development being built to the east of us, about 1/4 mile away.  You hear the construction sounds while outside.  And the rooster at a nearby farm.

We walked around a bit.  Murphy wasn't ready to go back inside, but did look at Stella through the patio door...

 Chilly this morning, at 51º.  I was comfortable in a fleece jacket and a stocking cap.  A cooling trend over the next few days.

No plan for the day, other than meeting with a homeowner with questions later this afternoon.  My time on the HOA board is almost done - my last board meeting is this Thursday.  No, I won't miss it.

 --------

Joan stacked up the big cat toys on the couch so I could vacuum.  That doesn't stop Stella from playing with them...

 So darn cute.

--------

No photos or video, so you'll have to trust me.  I got out on the CTX this afternoon.  It was great!  A lot of stuff working against me for getting out on that great bike this past month: and getting that gawd awful cold that messed up my lungs and equilibrium for a while was foremost.  I took the Burgman out last week, but the CTX is heavier and more powerful - I wanted to be sure I was up for it.

I don't know why I don't ride that great bike everywhere I go.  Well, probably because most of my running around these days is to music stuff, and it's hard to carry a guitar, an amp, a mic stand, a gear bag, and a comfortable stool all on a motorcycle. ;-)

But, did I mention: it's a great bike!

 

And, They're Off...

 

If you said, "What the announcer says as each horse race gets started," you get one bonus point.  "One? One stinkin' bonus point??"  Yeah - the easiest trivia question ever asked on this blog.

A short post today.  That "Peaceful, Easy Feeling" (who did that song?) from yesterday's blog with Murphy and Stella being so sweet - yeah, that didn't last into today.  More like: "Wild Thing."

If you said, "Peaceful, Easy Feeling is by the Eagles, 1972; and Wild Thing is by the Troggs, 1966," you get 4 more bonus points.

The cats are one giant ball of energy today.  Well, until they wear out...

 Little Stella napping.  She initially has more energy than Murphy, but he is bigger, stronger, and much more stamina.  

 --------

It was just Stella in that photo above, because Murphy was in "time out."  When Joan let him out of the bedroom, he came into the living room with us.  He likes to nap on the couch, too...

 OK, that's pretty sweet, again.  You don't even see their switchblades.