Surreal Images

I have been playing around with gemini.google.ai to see what I can create. Here are some of the more interesting images...

Click on images to enlarge

Dangerous Critter

As if scorpions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes and bobcats were not bad enough, I am now having to contend with this monster...

Summer Heat

It's beginning to look like we are going to have a hot summer here in southern Arizona. They are predicting a high temperature tomorrow of 314 degrees Kelvin...

Mystery Solved

Lately, I have been seeing and hearing more coyotes in the area. I have long suspected it is due to my neighbor, Glenn, leaving his shoes outside at night which makes the coyotes think there is something dead in the park. Finally, I have proof...

Click on image to enlarge

Summer Silence

Now that the "snowbirds" have returned home, the park has once again become eerily quiet. At night there is only the hum of air conditioners and the occasional heavy-duty truck out on the highway. I've been in cemeteries where there was more life. It's a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of the winter season.

Gambel's Quail Closeup

Customer No Service

Last week, my icemaker quit working. I called a repair company, and they scheduled a technician to come out Friday between 12-2 p.m. No one showed up, no one called. I called another company and they scheduled a technician to come out this morning at 9 a.m. Again, no one showed up, no one called. When I checked with the dispatcher, I was told that my address was too far out of town and they did not offer service in that area. Unfortunately, customer service is no longer what it used to be.

Evaporative Cooler

We have been experiencing above normal temperatures here in southern Arizona along with the usual low humidity. As a way to cool the home, lower the electric bill and raise the humidity to a healthier level, I have purchased a Uthfy Evaporative Air Cooler. It does not eliminate the need for AC, but it does help.

How Times Have Changed

Biblical Plague

Southern Arizona is currently experiencing a grasshopper swarm of biblical proportions which makes for an "all-you-can-eat" feast for birds, lizards and coyotes...

Growing Up In The 50s

Having grown up in the 1950s, I found this video to be one of the best in describing what it was like...

New Adventure RV

In case you were worrying about what to get me for my birthday...

Update: My friend, Keith, suggested this would be a better fit for my budget...

California Vs Texas

Experiences

I have done 30 of the 50 things on this list. How many have you done?

Culver's Walleye

I had the walleye for dinner and it was absolutely delicious! Too bad they only offer it for a few weeks before Easter...

Arizona Sunset

We do have some beautiful sunsets in Southern Arizona...

Kung Fu Fighting

Pack Rat

Pack rat gathering materials for its nest...

End Of January

In case you are wondering why I am in southern Arizona...

77 degrees and not a cloud in sight

Important Safety Message

For those times when my neighbor is late for "Happy Hour"...

Illogical Fuel Economy

All the vehicles I have owned up until my Lexus ES 300h lost fuel economy the faster I drove. Much to my surprise and delight, the ES 300h gets better gas mileage at 65 mph than 45 mph. Here's the explanation I found online: "The Lexus ES 300h often achieves better fuel efficiency around 60-65 mph than at lower, stop-and-go city speeds (45 mph) because its hybrid system operates at peak efficiency in a constant, moderate speed range. While lower speeds minimize wind resistance, the Atkinson cycle engine and hybrid battery system are optimized to run at maximum efficiency at steady, moderate highway speeds, reducing the need for constant, energy-intensive accelerating and regenerative braking cycles."

In stop-and-go driving around town, I get 45-47 mph in economy mode. I have yet to take a day long drive on an Interstate, but I am thinking it might get 50+ mph. In my opinion, it's better than an all electric vehicle and eliminates the "range anxiety" associated with them.

Too Close To Home

My theory is my neighbor, Glenn, leaves his shoes outside at night and the coyote thinks something has died in the park.

Cold Weather

I've been getting messages from friends up north complaining about the cold and snow, so I send them this photo...

Unfortunately, I cannot print their replies due to the highly inappropriate language!

Javelina Reds

Great People, Great Food

Our park had a gathering this afternoon where I got to enjoy some delicious home cooking...

Not bad weather for January