One in a row!

 

Warm, breezy, and humid.  The weasels could put it on an endless loop for their weather forecast.  So, I get out early on the bicycle and motorcycle.  That's my (loop) routine.  ;-)  And today - no one tried to take me out.  I didn't see anyone run a red light or stop sign.  If people were on their phones, there was no evidence of stupid behavior.  Just a nice ride.  I did look extra close at that intersection where the close call occurred yesterday... no traffic.  Other than sweating, no issues.

Speaking of sweating, I did get out my lightweight riding pants; first I've used them with this bike.  On the Vespa, behind the leg shield, I didn't feel any airflow on my legs.  On this bike, I can feel the breeze wherever the mesh is on those pants.

Speaking of even more sweating: while I was out riding, Joan put her new weed-eater to use.  I don't think our lawn service has done any edging in months... it took Joan nearly an hour to do 50' of edging; some of that greenery had attached itself to the brick trim along our driveway and sidewalk.  She seemed satisfied with the performance of her new tool and happy with how it looks now.  Of course, it should not have been necessary.

The last time I ran a weed-eater was our last summer in Friday Harbor - I did the trimming by our utilities to keep from getting wet grass stuck to the side of our motorhome.  I don't miss it one bit.

I did the breakfast cooking again today...

Joan still does the prep work - that certainly makes my task easier.  Bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns; a happy belly to take on the day.  :-)

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And for supper: chicken with rice, vegetables, and noodles...

Those who know me may be surprised that I'm eating vegetables... if I'm gonna cook 'em, I'm gonna eat 'em.  I am learning to like my own cooking.  I don't get too heavy with the soy sauce, but I do appreciate a dab of butter. 

We are eating out less often; doing our part to keep the economy going by buying more groceries.  :-)

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Stay in school - don’t do drugs.

This afternoon, Rufus was chewing on one of his catnip toys… then, he jumped up on my lap, stuck his head in my armpit like I was hiding a chuck of salmon under there, then bit me in the armpit!  Felines be crazy.

Photo shoot...

 

I spent quite a bit of time playing the new 12-string after I got back from my motorcycle ride this morning.  I am very impressed with how it sounds and plays... it has even been easy on my fingertip callouses, although I do have to shake my hand out for a few seconds every once in a while, as my hand muscles get used to this wider neck.

Joan went to the store and left me unsupervised.  I was thinking this new guitar needs some proper photos... I took a quick shot with it in the case when I first opened it, but the other photos were images from Taylor, and not of this specific guitar.  With wood guitars, and especially with the flamed maple on the back and sides, every guitar is a bit different.  This one has some striking bookmatched flamed maple - I wanted to capture that.  No, I didn't set up studio lighting, because I don't have any... I used the light coming through the full-length 3-pane windows/door leading to our deck.

The obligatory "front shot"...

 The flamed maple on the side, and champfered edges...

The ebony headstock...

The back - this is the aforementioned bookmatched flamed maple...

The arm bevel...

The detail work around the soundhole and the inlays on the fretboard...

It is a delight.

It was time for new strings on the X7; I set up my "guitar work station" on the island in the kitchen.  It's a good standing height to work on.  As good as the new Taylor plays with light gauge strings, I thought I'd give that a try on the X7.  With the small body on that guitar, I usually use mediums or light/mediums on it.  The sound is different with the lighter strings - a bit less "punch" than I get with mediums.  Joan suggested I try tuning it down a half-step.  I know: I was surprised by that bit of advice, too... but, I guess she was listening when I told her I was tuning the 12-string down a half step, just to see if there is a change in tone.  Seems that a lot of 12-string players do that.  I gave that a try on the X7... yep, surprisingly, the sound is a bit more full that way.  The X7 is my smallest guitar, but it doesn't sound small.  

I don't know what people who don't play guitar do to occupy their time.

That was close...

 

I got out for a motorcycle ride this morning.  When I get home, Joan always wants to know "How was the ride?"  I report what I saw, what businesses have changed, new construction, traffic, people... and whether any stupid drivers created a problem for me.  What I see way to often around here: people blowing through stop signs and red lights.  I saw both this morning - I look before pulling away at a green light to make sure people on the cross street are going to stop.  A guy in a pickup was today's culprit.  No close call, because I expected it.

While riding towards my favorite whale mural at the Convention Center, a woman ran the stop sign.  At the last moment, I saw that she had her head turned away from the front and realized she was going to run the stop sign.  I was already into the intersection - if I stopped, she would have surely run me over.  Instead, I accelerated to get just beyond her... when I say "just," she missed me by maybe two feet.  When she saw me, she looked startled and took both hands off the steering wheel... never hit the brake.  Absolutely not paying attention.

Vigilance is important on two wheels.

Back home, I got out of my motorcycle gear; Joan had a fruit smoothie waiting for me.  I had taken Rufus out for a walk earlier, so he was in relax mode...

The furry boy looks so peaceful.

Happy Mothers Day!

 

If you are here to read this, you can thank a teacher and your Mother.  Yeah, we all had a Mother.  That person who birthed you, cared for you, kept you alive to this point.  And, we set aside one day a year to thank them?

I am married to a great Mom.  Yes, I played a part in getting her that Mother title, but she is the cornerstone of our family.  Stephanie is fortunate to have that caring, loving, sometimes tough woman to guide her to become the great woman she is in her own right.  And Rufus - yes, he has a great Cat Mom... the woman takes care of the "back end" duties, brushes him, makes sure I always have food to feed him (front end duties), trims his nails, and often hands me paper towels when I have to clean up cat barf (front end duties).  Rufus is one fortunate feline.  Those women who take care of the furry members of our families are Moms... because the caring, nurturing thing isn't just for those who gave birth.

It was just over 11 years ago I lost my Mother.  She was there when I took my first breath; I was there when she took her last.  Take the time today to hug a great Mom... because without them, none of us would be here.

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I made breakfast for the Mom in our household... bacon, sausage, ham, hashbrowns, and eggs.  I think I'm getting the knack of this griddling stuff; didn't burn anything and it all came out hot and done at the same time.  Of course, I couldn't do it without my Honey doing the prep work.

I gave her a 12-string concert... until she pulled out her iPad to look up the most popular 12-string songs... I already knew about half of them... and hadn't heard of most of the others.  This is like being a kid again, and playing 'till my fingers can't take it anymore.  But, I am enjoying it.

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I was looking for this photo today, but couldn't find it on my computer...

And then, Steph posted it on her Facebook feed.  This one just melts my heart.  Thanks to my sweet girl for reading my mind and posting it.

NGD!

 

For those who aren't guitar players, NGD = New Guitar Day!  Taylor 652ce WHB Builder's Edition 12-string.

The rollercoaster ride is over, the new Taylor 12-string is here!  I had just gotten out of the shower, and when I came into the living room, Joan said, "UPS is on the island"... she is signed up for detailed info with UPS.  This was shortly after 1:00 pm.  I expected it to be a couple hours yet.  At 1:15, she stepped outside and met the UPS truck at our driveway - they usually stop at our house on the way down our street... today, they drove by our house and stopped on the way back up the street.  Just for the fun of it.

Joan opened the front door (I had no idea why she went outside) and said, "Do you want to carry your new guitar in?"

"Yes, I do!"

 When it's cold outside, you have to bring the box inside and let it acclimate for 24 hours or so before opening it in your warm house - it keeps the finish on the guitar from checking (looks like little cracks).  It is warm and humid outside: 84º, 80% humidity.  While it is cooler and dryer in the house, I assume there is no acclimating needed.  Just in case, I did take my time opening the box, pulling the wrapped case out of it, and setting it on the floor.  I took a few minutes to look over the paperwork, and then...

This is the first that I've seen this model in the Builder's Edition in person.  The photos don't do it justice - it has a beautiful Wild Honey Burst on the top, with flamed maple on the back and sides...

The arm bevel and cutaway bevel are some masterful woodworking...

This is my first wood (non-carbon fiber) acoustic guitar in a lot of years.  The fact that this Builder's Edition has all these nice bevels and rounded edges like carbon fiber is the main reason I went with this guitar.  Plus, the Taylor neck and playability... it is set up perfect, right out of the box.  I wasn't sure I was going to like the "Silent Satin" finish (not glossy) on this, but it looks and feels great.

Of course, the big thing: how does it sound?  In a word: lovely.  It has that 12-string "jangle" to it and a rich, warm tone.  It is not a loud guitar, as you'd expect from this smaller body size (Grand Concert).

I tuned it up...

... in the living room; played a bit on it...

Eyes, ears, and fingers satisfied, I took it into the music room and plugged it in - the Taylor ES2 pickup is very nice.  This is going to be a great addition.  Speaking of playing, the neck on a 12-string is wider by necessity than a 6-string; it takes a bit of adjusting to get your fretting hand to press correctly to get a clear tone out of each string.  I only played for an hour or so - my fingertip calluses were soft from being in the shower.  I am going to have to toughen up my fingers to do justice to this sweet guitar.

After 10 years of playing carbon fiber guitars, I really didn't think I would get another wood guitar.  As I mentioned, this one has all the nice ergonomic features that you don't normally find on wood guitars, and I still have some other nice Taylor wood guitars, so it wasn't a leap of faith for the tone, playability, and build quality on this one.  It does feel a bit "delicate" compared to my carbon fiber guitars, but it should share the wall space and playing time nicely with the guitars I already have.

Years ago, after trying a Taylor maple guitar, I said that is one wood I didn't care for - a bit too bright for my tastes.  Andy Powers, the guitar designer at Taylor, has given the 600 Series (maple back and sides) guitars a new voice a few years ago.  A change in the bracing (wood you don't see inside the guitar) has given Taylors with V-bracing nice projection, sustain, and warmth.  This 652 shows that off nicely.  It has a compensated saddle to give it good intonation (how it holds tune up the neck).  Plus, it really is a beautiful guitar.

Rollercoaster...

 

If you said, "Ohio Players, 1975," break out your disco ball.  If you said, "The Jonas Brothers, 2019," get off my lawn, ya whippersnapper.  Either one, and you get 25 bonus points.

Tracking, as in: following along on a package's progress to get to you, can be a rollercoaster ride.  There has been some guitar shopping in our house last week.  Not all me.  I am still thinking a nice 12-string will round out the guitar selection.  Joan searched the internet.

If you remember, I almost bought one last summer while we were in Rapid City.  "Almost," because I picked the one I wanted.  When the salesman went to get the case for it, Joan noticed a flaw in the finish... it turned out to be a crack in the top of the guitar.  The store owner said that one would have to go back to the factory, so that nixed the sale.  It was the best sounding of the nice selection in that guitar store, so I put the 12-string search on the back burner.

There was a real nice X7 12-string on Emerald's site, but I waited too long.  I looked at that guitar for a couple days... and then it was gone.  Joan asked, "What would your ideal 12-string be like?"  As I described what I'd like in terms of size and features, carbon fiber wasn't one of the "wants."  I guess I thought that was a given.  Taylor makes a Builder's Edition 12-string that is the right size, right scale, right neck width, reverse strung (fundamental string on top), a gorgeous arm bevel, champfered edges (rounded, not sharp), and a beautiful Wild Honey Burst top.  Emerald could make something similar, but it would be a custom order and would take months to get.  Emerald does make some guitars for stock, but there's no telling when another X7 12-string model might show up on their site.  We started looking around at the Taylor 652ce Wild Honey Burst Builder's Edition.  It is a beautiful guitar, and is an upscale version of what I almost bought last summer.

"Um... I'll think about it."  While I thought about a used one in excellent condition on Reverb, someone else bought it.  This model Taylor is in demand and not readily available.  Musician's Friend sent me an e-mail with a nice discount on "anything" (as a "welcome back" since I haven't ordered anything from them in a while)... and that meaning anything that isn't specifically excluded... Taylor guitars are included in that exclusion (oxymoron?)... but, if you call and talk to one of their sales staff, they may override that exclusion.  They didn't have one in stock, and the sales guy I talked to said, "It might be next year before we can get another one."  I called Guitar Center - they are owned by the same company, and they showed "1 in stock."  It was in Manhattan, NY.  They would honor the Musician's Friend discount offer.

Starting to get a feel for the "rollercoaster" here?

I pulled the trigger on that NY guitar.  I was told it would ship Monday (May 2nd), and I should receive it on Thursday (May 5th).  It didn't get in UPS's possession until late Monday and there was an alert from them that there would be "a delay due to conditions."  What conditions?  There is no big snow storm in New York.  The expected delivery changed to Friday, May 6th.  The guitar left NY on Tuesday and went to Chicago... which is kind of out of the way to get to Texas... but: shipping hubs, yadda, yadda.  It sat in Chi-town until Thursday; obviously, it isn't going to get here on Friday... they changed the expected delivery date to Monday (May 9th).

Rollercoaster.

And nothing I can do about it.  On Friday, tracking showed it in San Antonio, TX - it is moving the right direction.  Still set for a Monday delivery.  This morning, when I checked the tracking before I went for my bicycle ride at 7:00, it is in Brownsville, TX, "preparing for delivery" today.  Not the same thing as "Out for Delivery" (those 3 little words I love to read).  When I got back from my bike ride, Joan said, "Don't count on it - I will be surprised if it actually gets on a truck for delivery today."

Rollercoaster.  And, as of 10:00 am, it is still "preparing for delivery," but not necessarily on a truck heading out.

This has been a long ride.

A file photo, not the actual guitar (but it should look very similar)...

As of 10:08, Joan got an e-mail with those 3 magic words.  Delivery expected between 1:00 and 5:00, today.  We'll see.  Joan is still waiting on a closet rod for the cargo trailer that was in Houston on May 4th, and then "disappeared."  I think she tells me stuff like that just to make sure my blood pressure doesn't get too low.  ;-)

Hooligan...

 

Definition: hooligan - a rowdy person who causes trouble for others.  A slightly old-fashioned word for a trouble-maker.

While I didn't cause any trouble for others, I felt like a hooligan this morning.  Why is that, Jim?  Thanks for asking.  Joan made a run to H.E.B. this morning - I got in my usual bicycle ride, took Rufus for a walk, then geared up to get out on the scoots.  First order of business once on the CTX: I took off the top case and strapped a gas can to the rack.  The bridge was out when I was heading off the island to get gas - when it came in, I passed Joan coming on as I was heading off.  I topped off my bike (68 mpg) and the 2-gallon gas can... the weather weasels and newscasters are saying there may be "rolling brown-outs" for electric service due to the extreme hot weather the next 4 or 5 days.  If we lose power and need to run an air conditioner, I need gas for the generator.  Just being prepared.

Here on the coast, the high today is supposed to be in the low 80s... 10 to 15º higher in the Valley.  Hot enough for long enough to put a strain on the electrical grid.  If there are issues in the Valley, our service here at the coast will be interrupted, as well.

I dropped the gas off at home, put the top case back on my bike, and headed out for a ride.  No, I was not a hooligan, and no one caused me any issues.  In fact, the traffic was light.  When I got home with my bike, I took Joan's for a ride; we've been home 12 days, I like to keep the bikes "exercised" (and I set the clock on hers, as well - I have to get the owners manual out each time to do that - the information panel on her bike allows for a lot of different settings).

Her Xmax feels SO different from my CTX.  I used to feel the same way when going from my Vespa to her Yamaha.  My CTX is bigger in every dimension except seat height; and because of that, I feel like I am sitting in my bike, and on hers.  But, the Xmax is light and nimble compared to the CTX... it's that aspect of it that makes me feel like a hooligan... like I should be darting in and out of traffic and being a trouble-maker.  That is not my nature, though... like, Rufus, I am a good boy.  Well, most of the time.

Some observations on riding both bikes:

With the wind down a bit today, I took both bikes out for some riding.  Interesting contrast when riding them one after the other.  Joan's Xmax feels like I'm sitting on it, the CTX feels more like I'm sitting in it.  The 100 pound weight difference is noticeable.  The DCT pulls immediately as you twist the throttle at a stop, where the CVT on the Xmax takes a beat for it to grab.

I did take one section of the ride on the CTX to use it in only Manual mode.  For those who feel "it isn't riding if you aren't doing the shifting," this should cover that.  I may be inclined to give that a try on some of the twisty roads this summer, but both Sport mode and Drive mode do a fine job, with Sport mode holding onto the gear until a higher RPM.  In all these decades of riding, I think I have gotten pretty competent on a bike... I should have learned something along the way.  That said, this DCT pulls away from a stop better than I could; every time.  And the shifts, no matter the mode, are fast and smooth.

And speaking of RPM, the Xmax redlines around 9,000 RPM, the CTX at 6,400.  Both bikes are smooth.  That still fascinates me: Yamaha can make a high revving single cylinder bike feel so smooth and linear with the power delivery.  The CTX motor, with the parallel twin and staggered counterbalanced power pulses, give it some "character," without much vibration.  At "only" 51 hp, some reviewers have knocked on the CTX's performance; where the scooter folks like the power of the Xmax.  At 28 hp/400 pounds on the Xmax vs 51hp/500 pounds on the CTX, you have a hp to weight ratio of .07 vs .10.  We are each satisfied with our bikes.  I have probably said this before, but the CTX with DCT has a lot for a scooter fan to appreciate.  Well, maybe closer to a Burgman 650 (the CTX weighs 100 pounds less).

The 100 pound weight difference is noticeable. The DCT on the CTX pulls immediately as you twist the throttle at a stop, where the CVT on the Xmax takes a beat for it to grab.

I did take one section of the ride on the CTX to use it in only Manual mode. For those who feel "it isn't riding if you aren't doing the shifting," this should cover that. I will give that a try on some of the twisty roads this summer, but both Sport mode and Drive mode do a fine job, with Sport mode holding onto the gear until a higher RPM. In all these decades of riding, I think I have gotten pretty competent on a bike... I should have learned something along the way. That said, this DCT pulls away from a stop better than I could; every time. And the shifts, no matter the mode, are fast and smooth.

And speaking of RPM, the Xmax redlines around 9,000 RPM, the CTX at 6,400. Both bikes are smooth. That still fascinates me: Yamaha can make a high revving single cylinder bike feel so smooth and linear with the power delivery. The CTX motor, with the parallel twin and staggered counterbalanced power pulses, give it some "character," without much vibration. At "only" 51 hp, some reviewers have knocked on the CTX's performance; where the scooter folks like the power of the Xmax. At 28 hp/400 pounds on the Xmax vs 51hp/500 pounds on the CTX, you have a hp to weight ratio of .07 vs .10. We are each satisfied with our bikes. I have probably said this before, but the CTX with DCT has a lot for a scooter fan to appreciate.  Well, maybe the fans of a maxi-scooter like the Burgman 650 or the BMW c650gt.

With the wind down a bit today, I took both bikes out for some riding.  Interesting contrast when riding them one after the other.  Joan's Xmax feels like I'm sitting on it, the CTX feels more like I'm sitting in it.  The 100 pound weight difference is noticeable.  The DCT pulls immediately as you twist the throttle at a stop, where the CVT on the Xmax takes a beat for it to grab.

I did take one section of the ride on the CTX to use it in only Manual mode.  For those who feel "it isn't riding if you aren't doing the shifting," this should cover that.  I may be inclined to give that a try on some of the twisty roads this summer, but both Sport mode and Drive mode do a fine job, with Sport mode holding onto the gear until a higher RPM.  In all these decades of riding, I think I have gotten pretty competent on a bike... I should have learned something along the way.  That said, this DCT pulls away from a stop better than I could; every time.  And the shifts, no matter the mode, are fast and smooth.

And speaking of RPM, the Xmax redlines around 9,000 RPM, the CTX at 6,400.  Both bikes are smooth.  That still fascinates me: Yamaha can make a high revving single cylinder bike feel so smooth and linear with the power delivery.  The CTX motor, with the parallel twin and staggered counterbalanced power pulses, give it some "character," without much vibration.  At "only" 51 hp, some reviewers have knocked on the CTX's performance; where the scooter folks like the power of the Xmax.  At 28 hp/400 pounds on the Xmax vs 51hp/500 pounds on the CTX, you have a hp to weight ratio of .07 vs .10.  We are each satisfied with our bikes.  I have probably said this before, but the CTX with DCT has a lot for a scooter fan to appreciate.  Well, maybe closer to a Burgman 650 (the CTX weighs 100 pounds less).

I did enjoy riding both bikes.  When I got back from my rides, the temperature outside was 82º... with a "feels like" temperature of 97º... did I mention: humid?

First day since we've been home where the wind allowed us to put down our sun screens on the deck.  We strap them up when we aren't here.  When home, we have the option of having them up or down... when the wind is strong, we roll them up.  Nice to have them down, since it cuts the sunlight on our deck by about 80%.  This time of year, the sun is mostly overhead, but it makes a difference when the sun gets low in the western sky.  Mid-afternoon here, the humidity is down (?) to 79%.