Verna and Bob's Weblog

Fall Photos

We like to say when the autumnal equinox happens that we’re in “Second Spring.” The temperatures aren’t over 100 degrees like in the summertime, only reaching to 98 or 99. When the thermometer starts peaking at only in the 70’s, then Fall is finally here and second spring is over. That is likely to be around Halloween or after.

This time of year, we’re still seeing the Turkey Vultures (Buzzards to some) soaring overhead. I took this photo of a buzzard swooping low this morning.

Our “Devils Tongue” barrel cactus usually has its flower power in the fall. This is a close-up of one of the flowers surrounded by other flowers, flower buds and (below) cactus fruit ripening. Image courtesy of Cap’n Bob.

Click on either image to enlarge.

September 25, 2023 by Climate Critters Flowers Photography 0

RV Shakedown

We got the RV out to the fuel pit yesterday to get some diesel. It had been running low what with the weekly start-ups of the engine and monthly generator run. All went well, and everything seemed to be working during the short jaunt to get gas.

Before we head out on our next excursion, we’re going to have to get some new tires and a replacement for the main awning. We also should get it in for service for fluids, pressures and etc. New windshield wipers are a must as well as a checkup of any other essential items before a major travel segment.

We’re looking forward to being on the road maybe sometime in October, if not a sooner, longer shakedown cruise.

August 30, 2023 by Leisure Retirement Vacation

The Big “O”

The old and tired saying comes to mind: If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself. However, despite our reckless self-deprecation in our earlier years, we have managed to turn all the bad habits into less-worse habits and persevered this far down the road to eternity. We remain in good health and visit the specialists of the few ailments (now in remission) who monitor those functions and all gauges are in the green.

Our festivities for the day will consist of Steaks on the Barbie with a nice salad provided by Verna. There might even be a couple of adult beverages consumed as the day goes on.

We may get some rain and a possible Thunderstorm later today. As I look back on the years, I can remember quite a few times we had lightning shows in mid to late July. That would be nice if we have some of that today – we could use the cooler weather, but not so much the inevitable humidity that comes with it.

Here’s to another trip around Old Sol.

July 22, 2023 by Climate Family Retirement

Seventeenth Blogiversary

Well, I think we will not make a big deal out of the fact that VERNABOB.COM has actually been in existence for over 20 years, as that’s not germane to the blogosphere because it was not a blogging platform originally; that came a few years later. However, we CAN celebrate the seventeenth anniversary of posting as a weblog today, July 17, 2023.

We’re still not up to blogging daily, but we will recognize significant events and life happenings from time to time. Here is a photo from our first month as bloggers – Verna and Bob at Grand Canyon in 2006. Click to enlarge.

Oh Look! A Gila Woodpecker!

July 17, 2023 by Blogosphere

Happy Independence Day!

Best wishes for a Happy 4th of July Holiday! We’re going to be celebrating by going off our diets a bit and splurge with some goodies on the grill, despite the forecast high temperature of about 108°F. That’s cooled down from the weekend’s highs of 112°F.

Clickable Image: US and AZ Flags flying above our little abode.

We’re keeping a positive attitude for our Country’s Freedom and Prosperity given some recent positive-for-freedom decisions by the Supreme Court of the U. S. There are also some promising decisions in Inferior Federal Courts that deal with the restoration of our Second Amendment Rights. Really, these are God given rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the U. S. We might point out that recent news coverage of Bruen and other Second Amendment Cases declare that these rulings are “expanding” our rights, when, in fact, these decisions are merely restoring those original rights according to the original text of the founding documents and historical tradition.

We continue to pray for our Nation on this 247th Anniversary of it’s founding. May God’s blessings fall on our Country and all the inhabitants therein. So, we hope everyone has a safe and sane Independence Day Holiday. Keep cool and God Bless.

July 4, 2023 by Holidays

Red Bird of Paradise
Flowers Now Opening

Now that the 2023 Red Bird of Paradise Flowers are opening, the butterflies seem to know that they are available for nectar browsing.

These flowers dominate the courtyard in the summertime. This is one of the first to appear this year.

The “Red Bird of Paradise” a.k.a. “Pride of Barbados” shrubs are ready to “take over” in the courtyard now. More about these from Desert Tropicals:

The Red Bird of Paradise is a relatively frost sensitive Caesalpinia, and it is generally better to trim it close to ground in winter. This keeps it more compact without seeming to delay it in spring. The canes tend to freeze in all but the warmest areas, and even if they don’t, the new growth in April is somewhat ungainly. For this reason many gardeners cut the bush to the ground at the end of November, and it will grow back green and compact in mid spring.

June 3, 2023 by Arizona Critters Flowers Home & Garden

Avalon 1998

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