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.

 

Shhhhh - Sleeping...

 

I like having some kind of sound while I'm sleeping: a podcast, sleep music, white noise, the TV.  Over the years, I have used a variety of headbands with speakers built into them - I get the sounds, Joan doesn't hear it.  Last year, I tried some SoundCore A20 sleepbuds...

 I have used these off and on over the last 18 months, occasionally alternating with one of the headbands with the built-in speakers.  This week, these sleepbuds crapped out: the battery life dropped to about 4 hours, and one of the earbud came apart.  I superglued it back together, and now it won't charge.  Yeah, out of warranty.  I need to come up with something.

But wait!  SoundCore has a newer model: the A30 Special.  And you can buy a 2 year warranty.  Because, as Joan said: "I don't think any of these things you have bought have held up more than a year."  That's based on a bunch of the headband things over the years.

I generally like to listen to spoken word, as in a podcast.  If I listen to music while trying to sleep, I find myself "groovin' to the music."  I can't use the TV because of the light.  So, I pull up stuff on my iPad Mini and blue tooth that to the sleepbuds or headband. 

For the record, this isn't a new thing for me.  When I was a kid, I had a clock radio (remember those?) that I would have on overnight.  Without some noise, I can hear my own heartbeat at night.

Joan just placed an order for me on Amazon.  Back to the old-school headband tonight.

 

Liftoff!

 

A little late with the Artemis 2 stuff, Jim?  No, this was for a SpaceX launch to put some more Starlink satellites into low orbit.  The launch was scheduled for last night.  We kept an eye on it online.  Launching out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the bearing of any particular flight might take it where those of us in Phoenix can see it as it flies over.  Generally, 1 to 5 minutes after launch.  Yes, it is moving right along after launch.

Keeping an eye on the launch online...

 A Falcon 9 rocket; while cool to see it go over, these flights to put more Starlink satellites into low orbit have become almost routine.  We stepped outside right after the launch, and... nothing.

After 5 minutes, Joan went back inside to check her iPad; came out and reported, "It already landed."  That would be the booster that separates and comes back to land on a platform in the Pacific.  The trajectory on this one was more south than southeast, so not visible in Phoenix.

Here's what it sometimes looks like (photo from an earlier launch) when we can see it...

 

Prehistoric...

 

"Are we talking about your age, Jim?"  Funny.  Not.

I'm talking specifically about the Compsognathus dinosaurs.  You may have heard them referred to as "Compys" in the Jurassic Park series of movies.  They look like this...

 They were relatively small (the size of a chicken), agile, carnivores.  In the Jurassic Park movies, you often saw them running in large groups.

"Thanks for the (pre)history lesson, Jim - what does this have to do with anything?"  Thanks for asking.  Seems that one of us (and it was Joan) thinks that Stella looks like a Compy.  She has long back legs and is fast.  And, at times, will stand on her back legs.

I guess that makes Murphy a Saber Tooth Tiger (AKA Smilodon)...

 The size comparison seems to work.  ;-)

 When they are in the middle of a zoomies event, it can feel like we are caught in a Jurassic Park movie.

 

String Quartet by Candlelight...

 

Like 4 guitars around the campfire?  No, but thanks for asking.  Last night at the Phoenix Art Museum, we saw a "Candlelight Concert" with the string quartet Listeso.  Excellent musicianship. Two violins, a viola, and a cello.  Surrounded by candles (electric) covering the stage floor, except where the musicians were standing/sitting.

Have you gone all classical on us, Jim?  Nope.  This concert was a tribute to The Beatles and Queen.  The "set list"...

Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

Blackbird - The Beatles

Help! - The Beatles

Come Together - The Beatles

Yesterday - The Beatles

All You Need Is Love - The Beatles

Love of My Life - Queen

Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

I Want to Break Free - Queen

We Are the Champions - Queen

We Will Rock You - Queen

Radio Ga-Ga - Queen

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen 

With only candles for lighting, you saw mostly the outline of the musicians...

 A nice evening out.  Old folks bonus: we were home before 8:30.  ;-) 

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Our little girl is growing up.  Your daughter Stephanie?  No, she is nearing retirement.  I'm talking about Stella...

 Joan weighed her; she told me, "Just over 7 pounds."

"I can't imagine that."  I weighed her: 7.2 pounds.  That is a bit more than 50% bigger than she was when we first brought her home (4 1/2 pounds).  And very close to half of what Murphy weighs.  For the record, she has been with us about 3 1/2 months, making her 8 1/2 months old.  She has more growing to do, but we are so pleased that she has put on some weight.  Good nutrition, plenty of exercise, and an abundance of love - she is secure in her place in the family.  She has a fun personality.  And most importantly: she likes being where we are and she is becoming snuggly... she likes to sit on Joan's lap, resting her head on Joan's chest.  She gives me "nose-to-nose touches" - I am very fond of that.  She is playful with Murphy.

It's all going according to our plans and best hopes.

 

It's Good For You...

 

Yeah, when someone says that something "is good for you," it rarely feels that way.

Yesterday, Joan said, "I think Stella has been good for Murphy."  Murph might not feel the same way if you ask him.  That said, he is certainly getting more exercise since we adopted Stella into the family.

This morning, while I was getting their food ready, there was a raucous game of "chase and tag" happening up and down the hallway and all around the living room.  Murphy would chase Stella - tag... then he'd turn and run and she would chase him.  They both seem to like it.

I've often heard people say that it's good to have two cats so they can keep each other company.  I can say for sure that Murphy doesn't have much time to get bored these days.  So, maybe Joan is right: I'm hoping they are good for each other.  I enjoy seeing them play.

The know how to chill, too.  Murphy on his back...

 Little Stella ready to play some more...

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I can tell you what is good for me: getting out for a ride.  Between being under the weather for a couple weeks, then a busy schedule this past week, I haven't been able to get out for a ride on the CTX.  I took care of that today.  After getting our two cats their second meal, I geared up, checked tires and oil, and got out for some "wind therapy."

Being a Sunday, it wasn't the usual light traffic on the fun roads - plenty of "Sunday drivers."  Easy to see the origin of that phrase.  ;-) But, it was a thin overcast and temps in the low 80s - cooler than we've seen in a while.

The CTX is a fun bike.  I am a BIG fan of the dual clutch transmission.  Some riders don't like it... I think it may be because they don't understand its best function.  With the bike in Sport Mode, it runs as you might expect: rather sportingly.  With the bike in Drive Mode, it is kind of uninspiring; it tries to shift to the highest gear as soon as possible.  I might even say: a bit of a slug.  But, you can shift the gears manually at any time by using the paddle shifters (like an F1 race car).  Most motorcyclists would tell you that they downshift just before they come into a tight curve.  And that's why some riders don't care for the DCT: "It can't anticipate when you want to downshift."

DUH.  No transmission can anticipate for what the rider can see ahead - the rider needs to shift as necessary... and that's why you can manually down (or up) shift a bike with DCT.  Just like you would manually downshift any bike with a manual transmission in that situation.

Going up the mountain, I manually downshifted twice.  In that whole run up the mountain.  That's how good the DCT is.  Yes, I had to downshift more often than that as I came down the mountain - again, just like you would with a manual transmission.  At some point, as you slow down with the brakes, you will want to downshift to be in the best powerband for the situation.  The DCT lets you do that.  Certainly better than the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in a scooter.

This transmission, combined with the strong low-end torque, and the riding position is why I consider the CTX to be a "sport cruiser."  I like it!

 

Splashdown...

 

The Artemis 2 splashdown yesterday was the completion of a successful moon flight.  This flight was historic in many ways, most notably: the first time man has been around the moon in over 50 years.  And, the furthest man has been away from the Earth.  Ever.  First woman on a moon flight.  And, lots more.

To me, it felt like the US really needed something positive to be happening.  And, like many, I kept watch on the status during this nearly 10 day flight.  It was impressive... right down to the splashdown, happening in "prime time."  I held my breath until the parachutes allowed an "easy" splashdown into the Pacific Ocean, near San Diego. 

Some of the images...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of NASA. 

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The Pied Piper of Cats...

It's my life.  Well, for a few days.  Besides our two felines, we are kitty sitting for Steph and Dan's 3 kitties.  Two of their three need meds.  They get two meals a day - more food per meal than Murphy and Stella, who get 4 meals a day.

Before meals for the neighbors, the bowls all need to be washed...

 There is considerable "angst" on their part during this process.  Then, Alfie needs his meds.  And, then, I can start getting the food ready.  Three food bowls, but they all eat together...

 We have today planned for a chill day.  We've had a lot going on this week, so we plan to make ourselves available for kitty snuggling here and at the neighbor's... we have enough love to go around.