We have had a few busy days and as a result have not posted anything. This weekend, we’re relaxing and don’t have much to say. In the meantime, enjoy this photo of a solar rainbow over the neighbor’s American Flag. Click on the image to enlarge.
Today’s Chore
This is the second time I have had to uncover the water meter and valve in the access box where the water main comes into the house. I am unable to diagnose nor explain why dirt, gravel and sand periodically have filled the access box. I would say some critter is doing it, but I find no evidence of burrowing or nesting. Moreover, I cannot see how a small critter is able to move the relatively heavy metal lid that covers the box.
I got the garden trowel and dug a bucket of dirt and stuff out of the box, just enough to uncover the meter and valve. I replaced the cover and put a large rock on top of it.
I took a before and after picture of the water meter and valve access box which are embedded into the two-frame slideshow above. Click to advance.
Who’s the Wacko?
I like Ramirez’ characterization of McCain as a chameleon – perpetually changing his colors . . .
As an Arizona resident, I am truly embarrassed by our senators – especially the senior senator, McCain.
Click on the image to (slightly) enlarge.
Summer Sunset
We just took the dogs out for their last evening walk. The sky was very colorful but I did not have my camera. Bob had his little pocket Canon A1400 and managed to get a pretty good shot of this nice summer sunset. Click on the image to enlarge.
Cabela’s Fifth Birthday
Cabela is officially five years old today. She is a royal blue miniature Pinscher. She was born on August 4, 2008 and weighs fifteen pounds. We adopted her from the Wickenburg Humane Society where she lived for a couple of weeks after being rescued while running around at the rodeo grounds.
Cabela loves to eat, play and sleep. She has been with our household for three years now, and seems to be happy and healthy. Sometimes she gets a little feisty, but that is her way of playing. She loves to chase her squeaky toys when the we throw them for her. She likes to play keep away with her toys. She will run around the coffee table and jump up on the sofa and love seat to keep the toys away from us if we chase her.
We lost our big girl, Bear, several weeks ago, but we still enjoy having Cabela and Beethoven as our household pets. They are both very smart, very demanding and always entertaining companions.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Red Bird of Paradise
The Red Bird of Paradise shrubs in my courtyard are all fully producing my favorite desert flower. Also known as The Pride of Barbados, these shrubs are common in most urban and semi urban desert areas in California and Arizona.
The shrubs in my courtyard seem to produce the flowers later in the season as compared to the Phoenix Metro area, so I am always glad when they start coming out. This is one of about twenty flower stalks currently in bloom here. Click on the image to enlarge.
Asian Lilies
The vase on the sofa table has these beautiful Asian lilies this weekend. I borrowed a couple of them and took them over to Mom at the ranch to brighten up her room. Click on the image to enlarge.