Fallen Saguaro

The entrance to our park had a magnificent crested saguaro at the gate. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, it fell apart during the night...

Saguaros this size are over 100 years old

Fall Temperatures

It's finally beginning to cool down to the point that it is warmer inside the house than outside...

Rain

They were supposed to redo our street, so I parked my car where I could leave the park before it dried. However, a torrential rain brought everything to a halt.

Rainbow

Here's a rare sight in Southern Arizona...

Cactus Bloom

It seems like the wrong time of year for a cactus to bloom, but here it is...

It's amazing that such an ugly plant can produce such beautiful flowers

Naked Hiking

Fitness

I am beginning to suspect my girlfriend may be taking steroids...

Octogenarian

I turned the big "eight zero" today and am now officially an octogenarian. Given some of things I have done in the past, I am a little surprised I made it this long.

When I lived in Mexico, they toasted me on my birthday by saying "may you live to be as old as you look". I may just do that!

Ouch!

We are currently experiencing triple digit temperatures here in Southern Arizona. You quickly learn not to touch any metal in a car that has been sitting in the sun.

Power Outage

We lost power in the park yesterday and it still has not been restored. Apparently, lightning struck a transformer and they have to order some parts to fix it.

In order to keep the house cool, I am using a Honda generator to power a window AC and a evaporative cooler. Here's my Rube Goldberg cooling system (patent pending)...

More Toads

$240,000 Minimum Wage

I think I may become a goat herder...

New High

It's getting a little warm here in Southern Arizona...

 

Dust Storm

Yesterday's wind created a pretty good dust storm...

New Car Features

Vehicles today have so many cool features. I put my car in reverse, and it showed me a video of someone getting run over!

Warmer Weather

Hottest day of the year to date...

Arizona Sunset

Another beautiful sunset in Southern Arizona...

4% Humidity

The current humidity in Gold Canyon, AZ is 4% with a temperature of 102 F. Stepping outside is like stepping into a dry sauna. The good news is it does not take very long for things to dry out.

Even the critters are seeking shade...

Coyote Bait

I have found that my neighbor Glenn's shoe is a highly effective bait for my coyote trap. Apparently, they think something has died that they can scavenge...

Nonconformist

There's always one in the group that has to be different from the rest...

Summer Heat

New GPS

When I Was Growing Up

I suspect the kids today do not recognize the old test patterns before and after regular programming...

Long Tailed Lizard

Look at the length of this lizard's tail. What was Mother Nature thinking?

California Vs Texas

Major Felony

Bad Tasting Bug

Sad News

When I moved into the park 15 years ago, the first couple I met were my neighbors, Terry & Gail Averett. We became very good friends and shared some great times together. Unfortunately, Gail passed away yesterday after a long period of declining health. She was one of the nicest people I have ever met and will be missed. My condolences to Terry for his loss.

Hot & Dry

In case you were wondering what it is like living in the desert in the summer, the current temperature is 103 degrees F and the humidity is 7%. Here's a look at the ATV wash...

One Fat Toad

The Original ATV

Thinking of buying this to get me through the brutal winters here in southern Arizona...

Freshly Squeezed OJ

Why spend money on an expensive juicer...

Incredible Flexibility

Protecting Property

Now that all my neighbors have left for the summer, I have had to take additional safety measures to protect my property from roaming gangs of Guatemalans and their goats...

Surreal Images

I've created an online gallery featuring AI generated photos that you might enjoy. Here are a couple of examples...

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

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