TONIGHT I AM 'OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD'...THE HARRY POTTER WIZARD THAT IS:))

A YOUNG ROBIN DROOPS IT'S WINGS IN THIS AFTERNOON'S HEAT

Our front yard was awash in Moonlight this morning as I was out of bed early again & headed for my recliner.  Didn't fire up the laptop or my usual ambient music.  Didn't even turn a light on.  Just sat quietly in my chair with beams of gentle moonlight filtering through the Pine trees & alighting softly on our living room floor.  Sometimes, I wish quiet moments could last forever.

Like many other folks across the land right now we are spending our days in the safety, security & comfort of our A/C.  We are sooooo glad we made the decision 3 summers ago to put in central air.  I did slip out earlier in the day figuring on trimming some weeds but 10 minutes later had me back in my recliner enjoying the air conditioned cooling Arctic breezes from a fan near my chair.  I was soon considering the addition of a sweater.    
When I saw on the news awhile back that Slave Lake in Alberta was deluged with rain & saw the sudden flash flood that resulted I wondered if Ivan from ROADTRIP 2011 had been caught in that & had to break out his boat paddles.  I knew he had been in town schmoozing with Royalty's Will & Kate a few weeks earlier & we hadn't heard too much from him sense.  Figured he & Hailey had got themselves a little Star Struck maybe.  Ivan finally 'surfaced' in Blog Land Tuesday with his own photos of the flood that could very easily have turned his truck camper into a boat swamper!!

It was the pure magic of the first Harry Potter movie I saw years ago that brought me back to each movie thereafter.  However, the simplicity & charm of that first movie quickly gave way to a darker and murkier form of magic & madness.  By the time I saw the last Harry Potter movie in the series I had been left so far behind in the thickening plot twists that I had no idea of who was being most violent to whom. 

Tonight I shall don my round black Potter glasses once again & head off to the land of Muggles, Quiddich, Hogwarts & Half-Bloods.  I shall grip my theater seat tightly, expand my lungs deeply & oxygenate my brain thoroughly.   I shall focus my mind on the big screen before me in hopes of not being left in the wretched dust when I am once again swept up & whisked away to the land of magical mayhem & violence .  Wish me luck now.... lest I cast a spell upon you all.

My interest in Astronomy began in earnest while we lived in the old tumble down farm house back in the late 90's.  We had crystal clear night skies with hosts of shimmering diamonds overhead.   I found myself increasingly drawn to the infinite darkness that enveloped us each & every night of the year. 

Subscribed myself to a Canadian Astronomy magazine called, SKYNEWS.   This quickly led me to editor Terence Dickinson's book, NIGHTWATCH third edition. 

On many warm & not so warm nights, armed with my new book & it's open page star charts I headed out the door, across the driveway & into the field about 10 yards away.  There, I set up my tripod with a pair of 7x50 binoculars steadily affixed.  Seated in a lawn chair with Astronomy book on my lap & a dim red beamed flashlight to read by, I began pouring over the star charts trying to figure out what I was observing all laid out above me. 

Tomorrow night I will tell you about my early night sky discoveries & the beginnings of many pleasant nights under the stars with no one to ask for directions to where I was going.  I would have to find my own way to the far off Stars, Constellations & ever elusive traveling Planets.

The photo below actually shows a very typical boon docking set up for us in the desert.  I included this photo to show my binoculars set up on the left hand tripod for day or night viewing.  On the right tripod is my Stellarvue 80" Nighthawk Refractor telescope which I have 3 separate eye pieces for.  More about this telescope in a later post.  This is the same telescope/lens I use on either my Nikon D40 or my Nikon D90 cameras which turns that Telescope into an equivalent 700mm photo lens.  The way the telescope appears in the photo does not show either a camera or the eyepiece set up on the far end. 

Ok, time to saddle up my Quiddich broom & head off in search of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows..........the final movie.  But first..........

THE LAST PARAGRAPH:  Being I was in a big hurry to get the blog out early tonight I didn't come up with anything for the last paragraph except to say that the old nugget, 'Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained' has been rattling around in my head all day..........   

I TOOK THIS MOON SHOT WITH THAT 700mm TELESCOPE LENS ATTACHED TO MY NIKON D90 ON DECEMBER 21ST 2010 NEAR ELFRIDA, ARIZONA...ONLY CONTROL I HAVE ON THIS MANUAL

GROANER'S CORNER:(( 

I halve a spelling checker,
It came with my pea see.
It plainly marks four my revue
Mistakes I dew knot sea.

Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar write
It shows me strait aweigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the era rite
Its rarely ever wrong.

I've scent this massage threw it,
And I'm shore your pleased too no
Its letter prefect in every weigh;
My checker tolled me sew.

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EMAIL THE BAYFIELD BUNCH:))
stargeezerguy@gmail.com
OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/
The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right
now...... AL.

A 'SPUR OF THE MOMENT' GET TOGETHER IN ARIZONA'S KOFA MOUNTAINS...2010:))

Instead of the two Burrito Bums Jeeping off to town this morning we decided to take ourselves for a walk, just like we used to.  Had to carry little Cora for a ways because every time I set her down she wanted to turn back.  By the time we reached the trail into the Pine forest she was fine & raring to go & so was I.  We didn't get far!!  Entering the shaded pathway we were immediately set upon by biting Black Flies, irritating Gnats & miserable Mosquitoes.  We beat a hasty retreat & headed for home.  Cora spotted her little Pal Rocky outside playing as we were walking by our neighbor's house so she took off over to say 'Hello'.  We didn't realize our hello would also be a 'final farewell.'  Rocky is a 13 year old Dachshund who always  liked to come over to our place & see the guys.  He especially favored Max & they were big buddies.  Rocky's health has been failing & his Mom, Rita finally had to make that decision all we pet owners know & dread so much.  Cora & I said our goodbyes to Rocky & then had to leave because both Rita & I were crying & there was nothing more either of us could say.    Rocky headed off early this afternoon to catch up with his old Pals Max & Checkers.  Oh how I know & feel Rita's pain tonight.

It was the year 2010 February 13th in the Kofa Mountain Range of Arizona just south of Quartzsite that I had myself a rare brainwave.  From being in contact with fellow RV'ers through our blog, Facebook & emails it suddenly dawned on me one fine sunny warm morning there were 5 other RV couples in the general area we were.  Folks were located in Yuma, Quartzsite & Bouse, Arizona.  Another couple were just over the State line in Blyth, California.   In a Hermit's moment I decided to contact everyone & see if they all wanted to drop on over for a get together.   We were centrally located to everybody & just figured it might be kinda nice for folks to meet each other.  And, that is exactly what happened.   I encourage you to check out my blog for that days activities where I have lots of people photos posted.  You might see someone you know:)) A GET TOGETHER IN THE DESERT...2010 

With all the talk about this heat & humidity upon most of us now I decided to fire up our A/C.  It has only been used 2 or maybe 3 times in the past 5 years.  The 2 roof unit A/C's in the Motor Home that is.  I always forget about those big air suckers up there.  In the southwest areas we travel during the winter it is rare for us to ever need A/C.  The rear bedroom A/C fired up fine but the front living room unit seemed to have a problem with the motor only running for a few minutes & then shutting down.  Guess if I was looking at it as the proverbial water glass half full or empty I'd say, 'well at least one out of two works':))

Note to Dan in Santa Barbara California....Not sure if you have seen my Bayfield Photo Album but I have a bunch of Bayfield photos here at....... BAYFIELD ONTARIO, CANADA

Kelly informed me this morning that we finally hit the 300 mark on our Blog Followers list so a big Bayfield Bunch welcome goes out to Davender Gola as number 299 & William McKibbon for bringing us up to the 300 Followers mark.  Thanks guys:))

Check out GYPSY'S post today & especially her last paragraph where she describes her feelings about the RV lifestyle perfectly.  Hits the nail right on the head for many of us out here & I could not have said it better myself.  You go Girl:))

I'm still banging away at the blog site with my Kindergarten crayon set.  Got a little flak on the home front this morning about mixing pink & blue.  What does a fella know about pink & blue anyway eh!!  Been trying to get the size of the font in the right hand column shrunk down but for whatever reason that font size tool does not seem to be working over there.

I see this Google+ thingy is picking up speed as more requests are coming in from folks for me to join their Circles.  Once I take the time to get a handle on all this  Googleator stuff I may even have one of those darn Circles myself.  Imagine that, a Square Head with a Circle:))

THE LAST PARAGRAPH:  Years ago when I attended many AA meetings, one of the Slogans frequently used in the program was, Principles Before Personalities' & it is a tough one to follow.   It has various interpretations but basically means you do not have to attack a person personally just because you do not agree with their ideals, beliefs or policies.   I may not agree with a person's religion or political leanings or someone's choice of color for their car.  I may disagree with somebody's ideas on hunting or their choice of travel destination but it is the issues (Principles) that should be debated & not the individual (Personality) slandered. I have always remembered that & tried to keep it foremost in mind when composing my posts, responding to or leaving comments on other people's posts, forums, or social networks.

GROANER'S CORNER:((

Knock! Knock!

Who's There?

Amnesia.

Amnesia Who?

Oh, I see you have it too!

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EMAIL THE BAYFIELD BUNCH:))
stargeezerguy@gmail.com
OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/
The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right
now...... AL.

OH HOW I MISS THE BEST PALS I HAVEN'T MET YET.......

THE KOFA MOUNTAINS AS SEEN FROM SOUTH OF QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA WHERE WE WERE BOON DOCKED IN FEB 2010...A FEW DAYS LATER WE MOVED OVER THERE CLOSE TO THOSE MOUNTAINS 

Lawns are turning brown & our large lush ferns are browning & wilting in the heat.  How nice it was sitting in my recliner about 5 this morning listening to the sound of rain on our roof.  Had the patio door beside my chair open & could swear I heard the laughter & giggles of all our greenery outside rejoicing in the refreshingly welcome shower.  It was a nice positive way to start my day.  But, then the thought occurred to me.......hope I don't screw it up!!

BOON DOCKED IN THE KOFA MOUNTAINS...WE HAD TO PLOW A LITTLE MUD TO GET IN HERE THE DAY BEFORE:)) 
Reader's have suggested I maybe include some photography thoughts & tips along with maybe a bit of tech info on some of my photographs so I intend to do that.  Keep in mind I am not a professional photographer.  I'm just like everybody else out here in Blog Land with a camera & an interest in my surroundings.  I'm always happy to share my thoughts on photography though so I'll get started on that in a few days. 

BOON DOCKED ABOUT 6 MILES SOUTH OF QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA 
Another suggestion from Russ over at TRAVELS WITH THERAPY was maybe some interesting things about Astronomy.  This is a hobby of mine that has really fallen by the wayside over the past few years & that was very apparent to me one night a few weeks ago when I took a walk over to a clearing area nearby in the trees.  At one time not long ago I could zip around the night sky at any time of the year rattling off most of the constellations, current planets visible & some of the major stars.  I could point & show you where the center of our Universe is located as well which happens to be at the southern end of the Milky Way in the constellation, Sagittarius or as some might know it as, 'The Big Teapot.' It is tipped slightly to the West in the direction the large 'Scorpion' by the way.  Used to know the exact times & location of the space station going over as well.  Standing alone in the clearing I was hard pressed to remember the names of the July night's constellations I was looking up at.  I don't blame this on my memory as much as I blame it on me not repeatedly being outside under the night sky almost every night of the week refreshing & traveling my mind around from star to star, constellation to constellation & planet to planet like I used to do.  

MAX WAS MY BEST NUMBER 1 STARGAZING BUDDY FOR YEARS & YEARS & YEARS:)) 

As much as I like all our stately Pine trees around us now I sure do miss the open night skies we used to have at the 'old weenie roast ranch' years ago.  Max & I were out for our nightly walks for years & years, Spring, Summer, Winter & Fall.  There is something very special about the night sky that is very hard to explain & I do have some thoughts about all that but will save them for another time. 

BOON DOCKING IN THE DESERT......WE JUST  LOVE IT:))))))) 

One of the main attractions of the Southwest for me has always been the wide open spaces & unobstructed views of the night sky from horizon to horizon.  And, no light pollution in those big black inky New Mexico & Arizona desert skies either.  I am soooooo looking forward once again to heading back into the desert lands of peace & enchantment:))

CHECKERS IS HOLDING THE MAT DOWN FROM BLOWING AWAY
I read somebody's post or comment this morning touching on the subject of traveling with pets.  Of course this is a very dear subject to us.  Having Snow Birded with our 3 dogs for the past 5 years it is sure going to be different with only our little Motormouse this winter.  As most readers know, our two big guys passed away back in April.  As some folks know, it is no easy feat traveling in a small space with two adults & 3 dogs.  I won't go into all the pros & cons of traveling with pets but just want to say we miss our guys dearly & wished they were once again here & coming with us.  But, they are not & that brings up a decision for us.

 

A FIERY ARIZONA SUNRISE AS SEEN FROM SOUTH OF QUARTZSITE

We know our travels will be easier with just the little Motor to look after.  We know the hard work, time & energy that goes into finding & bringing home another great Pal for Cora, Kelly & myself.  We have not talked about it but it's on my mind every single day.  Yes, there is the extra work & inevitable inconveniences.  Yes, it is a huge commitment & responsibility but oh how I miss that love & devotion that only treasured best Pals can bring into one's life.  Oh how I miss the best Pals I have known & oh how I miss the best Pals I haven't met yet.

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!! 

Two new blog Followers to welcome tonight.  Levonne from  A CAMP HOST'S MEANDERINGS: AN RV ADVENTURE joins our site as blog Follower 297 & WESTIEWAGGIN' comes in as 298.  Thanks to both of you folks for tagging along with the Bayfield Bunch:))

THIS DAY WE WERE HUNTING CRYSTALS ON CRYSTAL HILL BETWEEN QUARTZSITE & THE KOFA MOUNTAINS 

LAST PARAGRAPH:))  Still plugging away on improving the blog site trying to make positive changes.  I know the simple solution is a white background with black printing, but....... These past 4 days have been a learning experience & I thank everyone for their support & input.  Received some great advice.  Going to try confining some of my comments & opinions to the 'last paragraph' slot of each post & see how that goes.  Hope to shorten up my posts as well by organizing what's on my mind better instead of dumping it all into one looooooooooong post every day.  Well, sounds good in theory anyway....And, tomorrow night we will have a photo look back at a rare happening as the Bayfield Bunch actually pulls together a bunch of fellow RV Bloggers for a great get together in the deserts of Arizona's Kofa Mountains.  Yes, you read that right so be sure to drop by because you are going to meet some of your fellow Blog Land Bloggers:))))

GROANER'S CORNER:((  Concerned about what will happen to cities if the polar ice caps melt? Don't be. New names have already been chosen.
-Atlantis City, New Jersey
-Pariscope, France
-Sail 'Em, Massachusetts
-Floodelphia, Pennsylvania
-Helsunki, Finland
-Sao Marco ... Paulo, Brazil

---------------------------------------------------------------
EMAIL THE BAYFIELD BUNCH:))
stargeezerguy@gmail.com
OUR PHOTO ALBUMS http://picasaweb.google.com/stargeezerguy/
The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right
now...... AL.