Poof! Overnight, the Ocotillo have bloomed and when the wind stirs the stems, the orangeish blooms wave. Exhibiting their spring finery, they seem to be saying "Hey,look.... I'm here."
http://aneyefortexas.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/the-splendid-ocotillo
I ordered 500 Ocotillo seeds as they're used as a type of hedge. I'll get some grown plants too but the 6 footers go anywhere from $20 to $125 so the hedge won't be complete in my lifetime.
Another first this month was the sighting of a javelina, mistakenly called a wild pig and a/k/a the collared peccary.
The one I saw was out for a stroll on Patton - a paved road. As I sped along at 65 mph, the little stinker got the lead out and gallumped across the road quite smartly. He looked pretty funny but I hear that they can be aggressive so I was glad I was in the car.
That was not the most exciting part of my day though. Chuck was going to be taking the RV out for repairs and I was concerned about a part of the road that would cause a side to side rocking. Out here, if you don't like something about a road, you go around and forge a new one....which I did. I was on my way to Big O tires as we found a nail in one tire and when I got there, they asked what the heck I'd been driving through!. Well hey, it was just a few Cholla Cacti that I drove over...requiring two new tires. Guess people forge these roads using something other than a low-slung Chrysler convertible. We've been looking for an old workhorse truck but until we do, the convertible will continue to take a beating. Like the RV, I'm glad the car was old to begin with.
Chuck now has our solar totally up to speed and is happy that we don't have to continually make runs into town for propane. We should start drilling our well tomorrow and will be overjoyed to discontinue water hauling...this will enable us to take long showers and be able to install a clothes washer! Wahoo!
Our other news has nothing to do with the desert. I was recently voted on as an Intern Board Member (no voting rights yet) for MUFON. I'm honored and excited. MUFON's new Headquarters is in northern Kentucky so I'll be flying there four times a year starting the end of this month.
While installing our new solar panels, Chuck started thinking about how to protect them from EMP (electromagnetic pulses). This led to the filing of a provisional patent which would have an amazing number of applications if his idea works as he thinks it will. So - now I'm involved in trying to find a company or companies to align with that would assist in testing, manufacturing and sales. The largest solar panel company in the world is right here in Tempe so we've contacted them and are holding our breath to see if they get back to us.
We feel, at 65 years +, that we're reinventing ourselves....using our minds and having fun. If only our bodies were going along with the program.....
We won't be doing anything special for Easter but will thinking about all of our friends and family.
Happy Easter -
Vicki and Chuck
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
March 6, 2012 Addendum
Per our realtor:
"It's very normal behavior for the Gila woodpecker. He's marking his territory by hammering on anything metal. It's even more entertaining when you are in a neighborhood and there's more than one hammering on the metal chimney caps.
Isn't nature wonderful at 5 am??" Elaine
Chuck says he doesn't think it's cute, entertaining or any of that crap that the Gila Woodpecker is marking his satellite dish!
"It's very normal behavior for the Gila woodpecker. He's marking his territory by hammering on anything metal. It's even more entertaining when you are in a neighborhood and there's more than one hammering on the metal chimney caps.
Isn't nature wonderful at 5 am??" Elaine
Chuck says he doesn't think it's cute, entertaining or any of that crap that the Gila Woodpecker is marking his satellite dish!
March 6, 2012
The Wacky Woodpecker
Every once in a while, in an early and otherwise totally silent morning, there’s a vibrating, staccato sound that is felt as much as heard in the “house.” It seems to come from over the bedroom area. Chuck, who always sleeps in, hears nothing and continues to snooze – he doesn’t have his “ears” in. If I didn’t know better, I’d wonder if I was picking up some kind of radio wave through my newly crowned and very pricey molar. Then, not knowing anything about pipes, I assume it has to be the pipes…but we’re not running any water. Could it be something the Feds are doing?
After considerable thought – having few other pressing issues out here in the desert - I come to the conclusion that it could be a woodpecker. And, yes, there it is on the internet. The Arizona Woodpecker….a brazen little guy with a bright red band on his head, the females more elusive and subtle in their attire. http://birdfotos.com/birdfoto/woodpecker/arizona.htm
This morning, armed with my camera, I was out with the dozen or so paint chips that we picked up at Home Depot yesterday. With my back to the sun, I hold the chips up so that I can compare the color on the chips with the desert vegetation. We want to pick a new color for the exterior of the “house” that will blend in with our surroundings – making us even less visible. This IS ISNAS you know (It’s Survival – Not A Spa). Using one of the very few skills I acquired in Art 101 at UWM, I squeeze my eyes shut…is it chip A or B, B or C? I’m amazed at how dark the green is that I eventually select…we thought it was going to be Behr Outback but it’s Crocodile instead!
In the midst of the great paint chip selection process, I hear that vibrating sound; now I have a chance to investigate further. And – it’s a dang woodpecker pecking on the TV antenna for all he’s worth. No wonder it’s vibrating. Really, does that behavior serve as a type of knife sharpener and he’s honing his beak or what? As I’m trying to capture him on film, he senses my interest and flies….to the satellite dish on top of the RV. More rat-a-tatting. This would not please Chuck. So now I have another question to ponder. Is this normal behavior or do we have a wacked out Arizona Woodpecker on the loose?
Every once in a while, in an early and otherwise totally silent morning, there’s a vibrating, staccato sound that is felt as much as heard in the “house.” It seems to come from over the bedroom area. Chuck, who always sleeps in, hears nothing and continues to snooze – he doesn’t have his “ears” in. If I didn’t know better, I’d wonder if I was picking up some kind of radio wave through my newly crowned and very pricey molar. Then, not knowing anything about pipes, I assume it has to be the pipes…but we’re not running any water. Could it be something the Feds are doing?
After considerable thought – having few other pressing issues out here in the desert - I come to the conclusion that it could be a woodpecker. And, yes, there it is on the internet. The Arizona Woodpecker….a brazen little guy with a bright red band on his head, the females more elusive and subtle in their attire. http://birdfotos.com/birdfoto/woodpecker/arizona.htm
This morning, armed with my camera, I was out with the dozen or so paint chips that we picked up at Home Depot yesterday. With my back to the sun, I hold the chips up so that I can compare the color on the chips with the desert vegetation. We want to pick a new color for the exterior of the “house” that will blend in with our surroundings – making us even less visible. This IS ISNAS you know (It’s Survival – Not A Spa). Using one of the very few skills I acquired in Art 101 at UWM, I squeeze my eyes shut…is it chip A or B, B or C? I’m amazed at how dark the green is that I eventually select…we thought it was going to be Behr Outback but it’s Crocodile instead!
In the midst of the great paint chip selection process, I hear that vibrating sound; now I have a chance to investigate further. And – it’s a dang woodpecker pecking on the TV antenna for all he’s worth. No wonder it’s vibrating. Really, does that behavior serve as a type of knife sharpener and he’s honing his beak or what? As I’m trying to capture him on film, he senses my interest and flies….to the satellite dish on top of the RV. More rat-a-tatting. This would not please Chuck. So now I have another question to ponder. Is this normal behavior or do we have a wacked out Arizona Woodpecker on the loose?
February 1, 2012
Solar flares. Michio Kaku. Mayan Predictions. Erich von Daniken. Magnetized car cases. Food as the most valuable commodity in a disaster. Global recession. Weather instability and massive animal die-offs. My Chuck, the electrical genius, aware and concerned about the power grid. These thoughts swirling around, seeping in over time.
And so, we begin our Arizona adventure. If the power grid were to go down, Phoenix, AZ has one of the most survivable climates. Chuck’s solution, go to Phoenix and set up an off-grid station – a place we could live on solar power doubling as our winter get away. It needs to be remote…and economical.
As we often do – we went to Craigslist – and found a remote, tiny 800 sq. ft. home powered by solar. Met the owner - a synthesized music artist – who lived there until he met his wife – through Craigslist! Per usual, there are issues. We worked it out so that we can rent for two months to see if we really want to pursue a purchase.
In the Southwest, water runs over the land leaving channels called washes. During heavy rains, areas without a sewer system flood and deepen the washes. In rural settings, you may come across a barrier that’s been swung across the road to prevent you from driving any further. In less populated areas, those who have to drive through a wash may leave additional, huge ruts. Sort of like “mudding” or “bajaing” as Nicky calls it. That would be where we are. Six miles off of paved road. Few street signs. Routes that have become impassable because of deepening washes. You’ll be driving along and all of a sudden realize that there is a deep wash in front of you that you’re probably not going to make…no, no, no….time to back up and go around. There are long trails established by the locals to avoid the washes – right across someone’s private property. No matter. If there’s no fence, feel free to go on through. If the property is totally abandoned, it may also become a dump for old tires, etc. On one occasion, Chuck told me to turn right; we hadn’t gone very far until it started to feel like we were driving in snow, slipping and sliding in addition to sinking! Turned out that we were driving right down a wash and were sinking in the sand (Note: “quick sand” when retelling). I had visions of spending the night stalked by snakes and coyotes but we were able to back out. We drove a route a couple of times, marking it with stakes, before attempting it with the RV – but got stuck in a wash anyway. Although the car wasn’t on it, the car dolly dragged the rear end down - effectively wedging us in. Chuck’s solution, put the jacks down to lift the back wheels and pile stones under the tires to lift us up. This worked - but not without a lot of damage to our newly dent-free RV.
Our neighbor on the other side of the mountain wandered out to see what the heck we were doing. Good things sometimes come out of a disaster and this was one of those times. Marsha, who has lived here for 23 years has been a lifeline…she’s amazing but the one thing I found most interesting about her is that there is a gila monster living under her porch! She has a tiny dog named Sweetie that they found wandering the desert. I’d be worried sick that Mr. Gila would use its venomous bite to bring Sweetie down but Marsha says Gila’s slow and doesn’t bother them. According to Wikipedia, if a gila gets you, you should submerge your hand in water but where you gonna find a horse trough here in the desert?
In addition to the gila, we’ve seen lizards and a large, as yet unidentified, beetle. From inside of the house, we watched a coyote – perhaps 25 feet away outside the fence. We’ve been told to watch for wandering cattle, deer and donkeys as well. Marsha mentioned that she had recently seen the tracks of a mountain lion. Now that caught my attention. I make Chuck accompany me on any night-time excursions between the house and the RV. We also brought the guns out. This IS the Wild West.
To our surprise, we’re beginning to actually enjoy watching the desert. Seguaros fascinate us since we learned that it can take up to 75 years before they start growing an arm. Marsha also pointed out the slight bulges that represent good rain years. Sunsets are stupendous.
On a day to day basis, it’s been a bit like camping. The solar panels weren’t functioning adequately in the beginning. When the sun went down, so did the power and it gets pretty cold at night. Chuck didn’t want to run the heater, but we did use a few amps on the electric blanket to make it tolerable. He’s improved the system and hooked up the propane generator now – so that’s all good.
Water remains an issue as there is no well. Folks without a well haul water from town in big 300 gallon containers. We got lucky as Marsha’s son is happy to do that for a modest sum. Still, we have to watch our use of water very carefully. Putting in a well would be the first priority. We’re also driving in to our nearest town – adorable Wickenburg – to do the laundry. Serious shopping “Costco” and Michaels (for beads) requires a trip to Surprise! We took out a mailbox. Apparently because of the Patriot Act, this required two forms of identification and a copy of our rental agreement. Hard to hide out these days.
Send mail. It’s post office box 2147, Wickenburg, AZ 85358.
Love,
Vicki and Chuck
And so, we begin our Arizona adventure. If the power grid were to go down, Phoenix, AZ has one of the most survivable climates. Chuck’s solution, go to Phoenix and set up an off-grid station – a place we could live on solar power doubling as our winter get away. It needs to be remote…and economical.
As we often do – we went to Craigslist – and found a remote, tiny 800 sq. ft. home powered by solar. Met the owner - a synthesized music artist – who lived there until he met his wife – through Craigslist! Per usual, there are issues. We worked it out so that we can rent for two months to see if we really want to pursue a purchase.
In the Southwest, water runs over the land leaving channels called washes. During heavy rains, areas without a sewer system flood and deepen the washes. In rural settings, you may come across a barrier that’s been swung across the road to prevent you from driving any further. In less populated areas, those who have to drive through a wash may leave additional, huge ruts. Sort of like “mudding” or “bajaing” as Nicky calls it. That would be where we are. Six miles off of paved road. Few street signs. Routes that have become impassable because of deepening washes. You’ll be driving along and all of a sudden realize that there is a deep wash in front of you that you’re probably not going to make…no, no, no….time to back up and go around. There are long trails established by the locals to avoid the washes – right across someone’s private property. No matter. If there’s no fence, feel free to go on through. If the property is totally abandoned, it may also become a dump for old tires, etc. On one occasion, Chuck told me to turn right; we hadn’t gone very far until it started to feel like we were driving in snow, slipping and sliding in addition to sinking! Turned out that we were driving right down a wash and were sinking in the sand (Note: “quick sand” when retelling). I had visions of spending the night stalked by snakes and coyotes but we were able to back out. We drove a route a couple of times, marking it with stakes, before attempting it with the RV – but got stuck in a wash anyway. Although the car wasn’t on it, the car dolly dragged the rear end down - effectively wedging us in. Chuck’s solution, put the jacks down to lift the back wheels and pile stones under the tires to lift us up. This worked - but not without a lot of damage to our newly dent-free RV.
Our neighbor on the other side of the mountain wandered out to see what the heck we were doing. Good things sometimes come out of a disaster and this was one of those times. Marsha, who has lived here for 23 years has been a lifeline…she’s amazing but the one thing I found most interesting about her is that there is a gila monster living under her porch! She has a tiny dog named Sweetie that they found wandering the desert. I’d be worried sick that Mr. Gila would use its venomous bite to bring Sweetie down but Marsha says Gila’s slow and doesn’t bother them. According to Wikipedia, if a gila gets you, you should submerge your hand in water but where you gonna find a horse trough here in the desert?
In addition to the gila, we’ve seen lizards and a large, as yet unidentified, beetle. From inside of the house, we watched a coyote – perhaps 25 feet away outside the fence. We’ve been told to watch for wandering cattle, deer and donkeys as well. Marsha mentioned that she had recently seen the tracks of a mountain lion. Now that caught my attention. I make Chuck accompany me on any night-time excursions between the house and the RV. We also brought the guns out. This IS the Wild West.
To our surprise, we’re beginning to actually enjoy watching the desert. Seguaros fascinate us since we learned that it can take up to 75 years before they start growing an arm. Marsha also pointed out the slight bulges that represent good rain years. Sunsets are stupendous.
On a day to day basis, it’s been a bit like camping. The solar panels weren’t functioning adequately in the beginning. When the sun went down, so did the power and it gets pretty cold at night. Chuck didn’t want to run the heater, but we did use a few amps on the electric blanket to make it tolerable. He’s improved the system and hooked up the propane generator now – so that’s all good.
Water remains an issue as there is no well. Folks without a well haul water from town in big 300 gallon containers. We got lucky as Marsha’s son is happy to do that for a modest sum. Still, we have to watch our use of water very carefully. Putting in a well would be the first priority. We’re also driving in to our nearest town – adorable Wickenburg – to do the laundry. Serious shopping “Costco” and Michaels (for beads) requires a trip to Surprise! We took out a mailbox. Apparently because of the Patriot Act, this required two forms of identification and a copy of our rental agreement. Hard to hide out these days.
Send mail. It’s post office box 2147, Wickenburg, AZ 85358.
Love,
Vicki and Chuck
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