March 2012

The Spa is Operational

spa-open.jpgYesterday, we filled the spa and turned on the heater. I checked the PH balance this morning and the chemicals I added yesterday were right on (chlorine crystals and clarifier tablets).

The water isn’t as clear as we’ve seen it, but the clarity will improve as we use the spa this spring and maintain the proper chemical balance. It improved last summer and fall.

The water, however, was nice and warm at 100 °. The weather cooperated and this afternoon peaked at 80° (see inset time/temp) which is warm enough to use the spa without freezing your a$$ when getting out. Tomorrow is also forecast to be nice, so we may take another dip before the expected cool front moves through on Wednesday.

Today’s spa session was for about 15 minutes before we got out. Staying in too long isn’t recommended, so we’re taking it easy by limiting our relaxation. We ran the air bubbles for a few minutes which added to the relaxation.

Another grueling day of retirement. 😉 Image courtesy of my Canon SX110 IS robot. Click to enlarge.

Early Spring Activities

It’s not officially spring yet, but here in the high Sonaran desert, the weather patterns are close enough. I spent the morning pruning the citrus trees that were nearly destroyed by javelina last fall. Fortunately, it looks like there’s enough green wood left that the “orchard” consisting of one lemon tree and one orange tree may recover when spring and summer kick in.

We also cleaned out the spa and filled it up. Maybe by tomorrow, weather and tub temperature permitting, we may take a dip. 😀

Verna and I kicked off our spring barbecue season by putting an inch-and-a-half thick T-bone steak on the grill. Ten minutes per side over medium heat and this gorgeous choice steak was perfect. She got the tenderloin and I got the strip. Both were excellent when served with asparagus, savory roasted sweet potato chunks and sautéed mushrooms. Click on the image to enlarge.

giant-t-bone.jpg

Moon Over Wickenburg

moon-over-town.jpg

After dinner today, the five of us (Bob, me and the three dogs) took a walk up the road. The moon looked so nice in the blue sky over the hills above the wash. Click on the image to enlarge.

Historic Route 66 Neon Sign

I did not post about the little disaster with my last Route 66 neon sign. I put it in the garage where it glowed for several months before the 3M Command “Damage Free” hanging strips gave out, sending the little clock to it’s doom on the concrete floor below. I quietly swept up the mess and tossed it into the recycle bin.

Image: The new Route 66 neon sign hanging in the garage. Click on the image to turn the garage lights on or off.

The other day, we happened to pass a roadside vendor selling neon signs from a trailer decked out with dozens of beautiful neon signs. We were on other business then but resolved to stop by at another time. Well, yesterday, we made time and stopped at the brilliantly lit-up trailer. Before the dust settled from pulling in to the place, we purchased this glorious Historic Route Sixty-Six Neon Sign. It measures 24″ x 24″ and is absolutely beautiful.

Are We There Yet?

bay-bay.jpg

Hi – this is Beethoven (aka Bay Bay). I am still getting used to riding in the hoomins truck. I like to travel, but sometimes I get anxious to get out of the truck and explore outside. Sometimes, I just sleep and sometimes, I ask the Mama and the Daddy “Are we there yet?” Click on me to enlarge.