Cap'n Bob & the Damsel

September 2011

More Xeriscape

Last week when we visited the Glendale Xeriscape Garden, I took this picture of a giant saguaro surrounded by a yucca (left), ocotillo (right) with an evergreen elm tree in the background. All of these are examples of low-water consumption vegetation.

The holes in the saguaro are usually burrowed out by flickers or woodpeckers but can be occupied by cactus wrens, elf owls and a variety of other desert birds. We really are enjoying learning about our desert environment. Click on the image to enlarge.

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09 Sep 2011 by Arizona Home & Garden Photography

The UV Flashlights Are Here

scorpion-light.jpgWhen I checked the PO Box today, I discovered that the Scorpion UV flashlights had arrived. We drove home and I opened up the package to find these little, but powerful, units.

The light is powered by three AAA batteries. There are 32 UV LEDs that produce a very bright reflection when directed toward items that fluoresce in UV light. I found a few things in the office that lit up nicely under the UV light.

Image: one of the new UV Flashlights. Click to enlarge.

We’re anxious for nightfall so we can take the UV lights outside and see if there are any fluorescent critters around, or, maybe some fluorescent minerals around the area. It will be interesting to see what glows in the dark.

08 Sep 2011 by Retirement Something Shiny Technobabble

Printer Attack Dog

Cabela has developed a dislike for the printer in the office. She completely ignored the printer until over the past couple of months. Now, when we print something out, she will charge the printer and try to stop it from making all those whirring and clicking noises. She can be sound asleep on the love seat in the great room and will suddenly bolt into the office and snap at the printer at the first whirrs and clicks. Click on the image to enlarge.

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07 Sep 2011 by Critters Humor Photography

A Musical Mesquite Tree

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I have been adding wind chimes and other garden decorations to our mesquite tree that is next to the RV driveway. When the wind blows, the chimes begin their musical serenade. Click on the image to enlarge.

06 Sep 2011 by Arizona Home & Garden

Labor Day

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As a president, Barack Obama has been a force for mediocrity. He has banked more on the hopeless interventions of government than on the exceptionalism of the people. His greatest weakness as a president is a limp confidence in his countrymen. He is afraid to ask difficult things of them.

— Hoover Institution’s Shelby Steele

05 Sep 2011 by Beltway Kabuki Money and Business Whacko Politics

One Year Ago

We traveled from California to our new Arizona home-in-progress on Labor Day weekend, 2010. Damsel took this picture of the house while the framing was in progress.

What a difference a year makes. Mouse over the picture to see our house as it appears today. We are truly blessed and fortunate to have been able to build our dream house.

04 Sep 2011 by Arizona Photography Retirement

Flashlight Update

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After we ordered the Smith & Wesson tactical flashlights (right), Cheaper than Dirt offered their “Guard Dog” 240 lumen tacticals (left) for $19.95. Of course, we had to order them as well. Click on the image to enlarge.

And, after Crotalus suggested UV illumination for lighting up scorpions after dark, we ordered a couple of Scorpion Master 32 LED Ultraviolet Flashlights.

I do believe that we will eventually get a couple of the tactical SureFire flashlights as well. We will outfit ourselves as necessary for our personal defense.

03 Sep 2011 by Retirement Something Shiny Technobabble

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