SO HOT TODAY NOT EVEN THE SQUIRRELS WERE FLYING!!

Ever wished you could have some kind of 'Dream Recall' button implanted in your mind somewhere?  Something, that with the twitch of a nose, the raising of an eyebrow or the tweaking of an ear would instantly activate & play in it's entirety the dream you were just having.  So many times I am off with old or new & often deceased friends or family members on some great disjointed or bizarre adventure to familiar or strange places.   Not unlike a Harry Potter movie sometimes.  

Whether it be distant Galaxies, old home towns or darkened castles, the dreams are always there every night.  They are there during the day as well.  Dozing in my recliner brings them on too.  And oh, how disappointing it is to be pulled out of a good dream.  And to know you are being pulled out of the dream is the hard part as the subconscious mind struggles to remain where it is & the waking mind struggles to regain consciousness. 

Sometimes when I am becoming annoyingly aware of that transition from dark to light I consciously try to hold on to the dream, but it is a losing struggle & as the conscious world begins to take over, the dream suddenly fades into obscurity. 

Oh how many great adventures & memories are lost each night & how many old friends once again fade away, lost in the shadows of our minds, waiting for us to return once again in our dream state to seek them out & begin anew another journey, another adventure:))

By the time I am fully awake, only snippets of memory remain, if any at all.  This is the time I would like to twitch my nose, raise an eyebrow or tweak an ear to activate my implanted Dream Recall button & replay the adventures of where I have been & what I have seen.

ANY IDEA WHAT THIS LITTLE FELLOW IS JUDY?

And speaking of adventures.....Harry Potter certainly had himself knee deep in monstrous fire breathing dragons, magic wand duels & invisible cloaking devices Wednesday night.  Of course, & as usual, it was hard for me to know what all the plots & twists were all about again but that doesn't really matter.  It's the big visuals, big sound & big special effects that always attract me to those types of magical movies. 

I especially love Hogwarts, the ominous dark old castle with it's many foreboding long hallways & huge cobwebbed rooms of antiquity. 

Hogwarts is the ancient school of Wizardry where young boys & girls travel through a time portal to board the Hogwarts Express taking them to the school of Wizardry in hopes of studying the ways of magic, sorcery, & things beyond.  Love the concept, love J.K. Rowling's creative imagination & loved the whole movie series.   No, I did not read any of the books but know I would have really enjoyed them if I had. 

Didn't maybe understand all the little plots & twists along the way but I am glad to have been a part of the movie followers being whirled through time warps, transported in a flying car & the old Hogwart's Express train.  Happy to have been hurled over cliffs, chased my monstrous snakes & thoroughly zapped by lasers of fire & ice.  Thanks for having me along Harry, it has been an excitingly memorable journey these past 6 or 7 years.  I'm gonna miss ya guy:))              

IVAN has a great photo of a couple Wolves on the trail that is in competition for publication in Field & Stream Magazine.  It is a photo contest & you might want to slip over & cast a vote for Ivan's great very up close photo.  He's in the hospital now recovery from wolf bites....'NO, JUST KIDDING':))

There are probably as many Astronomy sites on the web as there are stars in the sky but a simple little site I have had on my desktop for years is EARTHSKY.   It tells me what Constellations & Planets are visible each night & was a big help years ago in sending me out each evening in search of what was currently in the night sky.  But, it was mainly the star chart page in my SKYNEWS magazine that blazed the trail into the night sky for me.

AND YEP, I EVEN HAVE A REVOLVING FIBER OPTIC LAMP IN MY ROOM TO REMIND ME OF THE NIGHT SKY WHEN I AM SLEEPING 

We all know where the Big Dipper is & it was from here using the Dipper as a focal point that I began looking for the same familiar star patterns in the sky that I was seeing on the pages of my Skynews magazine & in my larger NIGHTWATCH book with it's pages of star charts.  I first found the big W in the North sky which is the constellation Cassiopeia & soon I was on to the wonders of the Pleiades known sometimes as the Seven Sisters or Subaru.  Yes, it is this tight star cluster in the Autumn/Winter night which the Japanese Subaru automobile is named after.

I have decided as I go along with my Astronomy thoughts that I will not go into any great detail on Astronomy because all that is available on the internet.  What I will tell you is about some of my own favorite constellations, when & where they are & my thoughts & feelings about the night sky. 

In the meantime I leave you with this, which, when I first read it years ago was like a brilliant light bulb going off in my head.  It was not only a verification of my thoughts but it was a major piece of the puzzle in my struggles to understand, The Big Picture.'

ASTRONOMY vs ASTROLOGY

"Astronomy is a science that compels us to seek beyond ourselves and our small world, a science of discovery that enriches our lives by exercising our brain and our intellect. It empowers you to think clearly and rationally. It improves and sharpens critical thinking skills." It may even encourage you to free up your mind to think beyond conventional religious beliefs.

"Astrology disempowers you. By placing your future in the accidental configuration of planets and stars, you avoid taking responsibility for your actions, you fail to make decisions based on your own best self interest, and you give up the power to control your own destiny. Belief in astrology results in a degradation of critical thinking skills, which, combined with the loss of power to control your own destiny, can only serve to degrade your life, not enrich it."
"Be in charge of your life. Experience the mystery, awe, and excitement of observational astronomy.........

THE LAST PARAGRAPH(s):  A reader commented on my Wednesday night's post regarding me being off to the final Harry Potter movie & in part says, " I am not sure why, but I would have not thought that you would have been a Harry Potter fan" :) 

Inside the walls of this at times blustery old Cursmudgeon there still lies the excitable imagination of a small boy. A small boy still looking for the lost magic & mystic in life.  A small boy on the station platform wanting & waiting to be whisked away on the Hogwarts Express to a land of enchantment & wonder. 

Do we not all have a part of that small child in every one of us.  That yearning for those early childhood days of innocent fun & laughter before any of us knew anything about the realities & truths of the world we were all about to embark upon.  We were told fantasies, we were given books & we were made to believe.  It has taken me many, many years of searching to understand & undo some of those beliefs.  It will take me many more years to love & appreciate the fantasies.  Say, is that the train I hear approaching?  I sure hope so..................

HOLLYHOCK 

GROANER'S CORNER:((    Leaving Minnesota for Colorado, I decide to make a stop at one of those rest areas on the side of the road. I go in the washroom. The first stall was taken so I went in the second stall. I just sat down when I hear a voice from the next stall... - "Hi there, how is it going?" Okay, I am not the type to strike conversations with strangers in washrooms on the side of the road. I didn't know what to say so finally I say:

- "Not bad..."

Then the voice says:

- "So, what are you doing?"

I am starting to find that a bit weird, but I say:

- "Well, I'm going back to Colorado..."

Then I hear the person say all flustered:

- "Look I'll call you back, every time I ask you a question this idiot in the next stall keeps answering me."

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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.

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.

THE BIG ‘HOWDY DOODY’ WAVE:))

A FAMILY FISHING DAY
I figured this morning it might be a good idea for me & my keyboard to put a fair bit of distance between us for awhile. Saddled up my Motorcycle & headed for the hills. Well, for whatever little hills we have around here anyway.

Don't know why it is that I can't seem to remember to check my fuel gauge on the bike before heading out. Maybe it's because I don't have a fuel gauge. I always set the odometer to zero after fueling up & when the mileage gets up to a certain point I know my tank is getting empty. Last two times out I have blissfully been on my way to nowhere in particular when I remembered to check the mileage.  Both times I was nearly out of fuel. This morning, a quick calculation with my between the ears GPS system told me the closest fuel stop was all the way back to Bayfield from whence I had just come.  U-turn!!  Made it back to the gas station OK but it bugged me that my slow leisurely trip to nowhere had quickly led me back to somewhere.....the gas station!! I re-launched my journey & spent a few quiet hours wandering the back roads of our beautiful rural & agricultural countryside. I needed that.

Lots of bikes on the road this morning so that meant lots of waves. You may or may not have noticed that when motorcycles meet on the road a customary 'cool' wave is exchanged. Same thing with Jeep owners. There is quite a hierarchy of motorcycle waves of course & being new to the sport a bunch of years ago I had to learn the embarrassing way on how to 'properly' exchange that 'cool' hand gesture. Of course being as new as I was I always gave the oncoming biker a great big smiley Howdy Doody wave with my arm way up on in the air flappin like it was on the end of a puppet string. Kinda like, "hey there big Buddy biker guy, I got a big bike too, see." Took me awhile to realize the guys coming the other way were not responding with the big Howdy wave. They just seemed to casually slip there hand off the handlebar, drop their arm a bit & spread a couple fingers as they rolled on by. Well, at least some of them did. After seeing my big Howdy wave coming down the road most of them just put their heads down in disbelief & rolled on by.  Especially the Harley guys.  The few that did give me a glance probably figured I looked like Howdy Doody too.  Took me awhile to clue in on that but I think I got er down pat now. I hear the Harley driver's have a special wave but I don't know what it is. I do know what it isn't though. It's not the big Howdy wave that's for sure. And, do you know how I can tell a new biker coming the other way? Yep, I see that big Howdy Doody wave coming down the road about a mile away.......10-4:))

The summer months find most Snow Birds at home waiting patiently for their upcoming Autumn & Winter departure dates to warm sunny southern locales. Many of the Full Time folks hang out in the cooler climates of the Northern States or Canada. The folks over at TRAVELS WITH KEVIN & RUTH have been spending their time on the east coast of Canada & have just slipped down into the state of Maine. Most RV blogs I read center around Americas Southwest & Northwest States as well as the Southeast but not often do we hear from people traveling in the Northeast States or Eastern Canada.
Ever thought about cooling your Phannie? Well, the folks over at PHANNIE & MAY sure did & it took them a third A/C unit to do it too. When you get there, Mike will tell you how & why that happened:))


A bit of nervous excitement going on over at Merikay's place these days as her & hubby are looking at buying an RV. A couple days ago she wrote about the FEELINGS OF BEING BOTH SCARED & EXCITED. Oh how I remember those RV shopping days alright. Nothing like some good old nervous excitement to keep you awake half the night that's for sure. It's a big step, a lot of money & a huge decision with an unknown future.  Welcome to Planet Earth:))

And, it's not too late to climb aboard the MOHO YUKON EXPRESS with the gals heading north up the Alaska highway. Check out Sue's great header photo as she kicks her new Nikon D5100 into high gear:))

Not sure what to think about this new Google+ social network I am seeing popping up here & there. We are getting friend requests to join people's ‘circle of friends’ or something & I'm not sure what that is all about. I did have a look at the new Google site but had difficulty understanding the concept. What is it, what does it do? I need someone to give me the 'simple Seniors version’. Seems it might be along the lines of Facebook & Twitter. I'm no great fan of either one of those so am wondering if I really need another social friends network. I rarely use the two I have & it's a chore trying to be socially friendly when deluged with all those game requests, group joining's or sending flowers to a flock of lost Rhinosaucerus's up in Aklavik. Saw something about 'video chat' & that scared me a bit. I'm just not a 'chatter' whether it be on camera or off. I am going to hold on to the Google friends requests I have received until I somehow better understand just exactly what Google+ is & what it does.


I have received some excellent suggestions on how to improve our blog site so have been busy doing some slicing & dicing. I had a lot of stuff on our side bar that wasn't necessary & slowed down the site loading process so some of that is now gone. Next to go may be our Blog Followers list & if I can't figure out a way to condense our Blog Role on the right it may go as well as soon as I can figure out an alternative way to keep up on fellow RV'ers blogs. I don't mind adding people to the list but then I feel bad about having to take some folks off because of the list getting waaaaaaay too long. Google Reader has been suggested but I tried that once & couldn't seem to get a handle on it. I think I better have a look at that again.

Saw another slightly lighter 'Template' on the Travel section of Blogger's dashboard I kind of liked but have to admit I am a bit leery of changing templates. I'm not as fast on my feet around the computer anymore & I'm a bit concerned about loosing what I already have. I changed some of the text colors today (or at least I think I did….but maybe not) in hopes that may make the blog more easily readable. Changed the font style as well. Any feedback would be welcome. I’m publishing this post on the Win 7 laptop tonight so if it doesn’t look any different from before when I publish it then it’s back to the drawing board for Al in the morning.  By the way, just because I am a man doesn't make me too proud to ask for help & take suggestions you know. Well, except I might not ask for directions if I was lost.................:))


GROANER'S CORNER:(( Just a few signs you might be Trailer Trash......
-Your wife's hairdo was once ruined by a ceiling fan.
-You've been married three times and still have the same in-laws.
-You think loading a dishwasher means getting your wife drunk.
-You think Dom Perignon is a Mafia boss.
- If a tornado hits your home and causes $10,000 dollars worth of improvements.
--------------------------------------------------------------
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.

'JUST FOR TODAY'.....MY RESPONSE TO ANONYMOUS COMMENTERS:))

CANYON DE CHELLY'S SPIDER ROCK............ARIZONA:))
I have foregone a lot of photos tonight because this is a long post. 
It was obvious right from the time I climbed out of bed this morning that we were in for another hot one.  I knew the Bayfield Burrito Bums would have to be on the road early to run a few errands in Goderich so off me & the furry Kid went about 9. (yes, yes I know it's supposed to be 'the furry Kid & I')  Picked up some 15 amp fuses for the Motor Home, a power bar along with some groceries & a gas fill up led us right to McDonalds.  It was another lightning hit & run mission through the take-out line & we were soon southbound for home happily munching down our Burrito.  Well, little Cora was doing more happy munching than me of course, not being a big Burrito fan.

I am going to cut right to the chase tonight & address some of the issues over my last two blog posts.  Someone asked why I bothered to respond to Max's comment in regards to  'writing about myself so much.'  I felt Max did not have an accurate overview of my blog.   I tried to explain to him publicly that yes, there is a lot of me in the blog & here is why that is.  Other Blogger's will understand but for people not familiar with the Blogging concept I can see where wrong impressions can be gathered. 

In the same theme of not understanding the blog concept I soon received another Anonymous comment saying this,  "Have you ever heard the phrase ‘self praise is no praise’? You should try it sometime!  Thanks for the comment Mary.  It was the word 'Praise' that bothered me most about this one.  Praise is not one of the front line words in my vocabulary so to make sure I totally understood the meaning of the word I scrambled off to Google for an explanation.  I think to apply that Praise phrase to my Max explanation was incorrect, too heavy & over the top.  Mary, I just don't think you understood my explanation to Max.  Nothing to do with praise of myself as you & that phrase allude too.

The next comment I wish to address is this one....
Commenter says:  "It sounds to me like what you are saying is ‘I want to dish it out’ but ‘I can’t take it’. Very similar to ‘having my cake and eating it too’. Neither of these will work. If you can’t accept criticism, it’s pointless starting a new blog because the criticism’s will just be transferred here and as a previous commenter already stated you’ll be known as a hypocrite. Maybe you could just answer the question as to why you’re so angry?"    long time blog follower.
AL says:  Yes, long time blog follower, that is exactly what I was honest enough to say & I make no bones about my thin skin.  You are correct in what you say.  It is true that I can dish it out far better than I can take it.  No point in me trying to hide that.  If the truth be known I think most people are probably the same way but some hide it better while others wouldn't admit it if it fell on them.  You are right about it being pointless to start a second blog & put my name on it because the feedback would spill over into this blog.   That's why I have so far not done that or figured out a way to do that.  That frustration leads into the word 'anger.' you mentioned.  I won't pull any punches here either.  Dam right I'm angry, aren't you, aren't a whole lot of people on this planet right now.  If your not, you should be!!  I am not a member of the Ostrich society with my head stuck in the sand!!  To deny there is a lot of bad stuff going on in this world is a sure fire way to obtain a free Ostrich membership.  Dam right I'm angry when I see the gullibility, the deception, the lies, the thievery & sheer stupidity going on all around us daily.  It angers me what the religions of the world get away with, the treacherous governments of the world, the dictators, the greed, the senseless killings, the politics of starving countries, the totally out of control drug problems rampant everywhere, the ineptitude, the big company scams & on & on it goes.  The list is endless, unless of course one has their head stuck in the seemingly safe security of hard packed sand where their tiny world is wondrously wonderful, falsely secure & all ticky boo pretty & nice!!  What drug problem you ask....get your !!#%&*% head out of the sand!!!!  Dam right I'm angry & you should be too!!  Despite my anger I do thank you for your comment.  I feel it was justifiable constructive criticism.
I will attempt to address the following commenter's remarks paragraph by paragraph. 
Commenter says:  "I barely read your blog to be honest, and it is entirely as a result of the design. I would suggest going minimal. If you are using wordpress, there are many minimal themes. There is also themforest.net which has nice cheap themes that are simple to implement."
AL says:  I know you are trying to be helpful here but I am satisfied with my blog at it's current Blogger home.  If the design bothers you that much I suggest you NOT read it in it's present design form.'   You may already be doing that with that RSS stuff or whatever which I don't really understand.  I designed my blog with the tools available at Blogger.  Maybe not as professional looking as a well designed website but I put my blog site together with the following reasons in mind.  First, there is more to my blog site than just words.  My site is a combination of photography, writing & my creative interest in color & design. (as limited as it may be)  I did not want my blog looking like a standard newspaper article with black printing on a white background.  One of my hobbies is photography & one of the best backgrounds for digital photos is a black background.  Photos on a white background do not carry the same punch.  I enjoy writing so in order to write on a black background I had to chose a color & so on & so on.  You may notice my printing is a tad larger than other blogs too & that is to make it easier to read for older tired eyes.  A fellow Blogger once described my site as something that looked like a Kindergarten project.  So be it.   It's my blog & shows that I at least have a creative imagination.  I am comfortable with Google's Blogger format, know my way around the neighborhood & prefer to make whatever changes I am able to make within that format................................
Commenter says: "I think the point I am trying to make is that you mentioned you wanted to change up the blog as a way to make it more interesting to you. I disagree with that. The look and feel of a blog is not really relevant in comparison to other more important aspects of the blog."
AL says:  I could not disagree with you more!!  Of course the look & feel of a blog is relevant.  I do not understand where you are coming from with a statement like that.  What more important aspects of the blog?  It is all important to me.  All of it!!  The writing, the photography, the design & yes, the Kindergarten colors too:)) 
Commenter says:   "What will make the blog interesting, and keep you interested in writing is the actual writing, and has very little to do with the design."
AL says:  Again, couldn't disagree with you more.  It's the combination of my writing, photography & travel hobbies that pull it altogether & make it interesting for not only me but others as well.  I don't base that on my own theory, I base that on the thousands of favorable & positive comments from readers of my blog over the years. (no Mary, I am not Praising myself here)  My blog does not stand on it's writing alone, nor it's photography.  It is a combined effort with each complimenting the other.
Commenter says:   "It sounds to me like you know this deep down inside, as you mentioned that you wanted to start a second blog and say what you really want to say. I suggest you do so. I also suggest you don't start a second one. I few things can result... One would be that people will read the "dirty" blog, realize they don't agree with you, and stop reading both. Others will read the "dirty" blog, decide they do agree with you, find the "clean" one, determine that is disingenuous or at the very least, that you are playing both sides and stop reading. In the end, you will maintain two blogs, which is a pain in the butt, lose readers because they don't respect you etc."
AL says:  I agree with you here & feel that your insight is right.  Just want to clear up the word, 'dirty' though.  Nothing to do with sex.
Commenter says:   "So far, I have subscribed to 50 RSS feeds, and to be honest, I am pretty tired of looking at pictures of flowers all the time. There is a pretty heavy slant on those who are overly religious, overly republican, and in general, not much like me." 
AL says:  I am not understanding your 'heavy slant' reasoning.  Are you referring to me or the people on my blog roll as being over religious.  You may get that feeling from some folks but you will definitely not get that feeling from me.   Your reference to overly Republican falls totally on deaf ears here.  I am not politically oriented whatsoever & I simply throw a single blanket over all politicians.  Republicans Reshmublicans!!  Democrats Kabooblymats!!  Liberals Schamiberlas & Conservatives Gablurbatives!!  All the same type of people, all cut from the same cloth, same deceptions, same lies, same, same, same regardless of who is in power.  When oh when will people ever wake up to that.  Nothing like politics or greed for money to bring out the absolute worst in otherwise good people!!  I know these statements won't win me any friends but think about it people.  Just stop & think about it!! 
Commenter says:   "So if you come out of the closet so to speak, you end up building a framework of content on your site that leads others to like minded blogs. It is a win win and I hope you go for it."
AL says:  Well dear commenter you just may have successfully, but temporarily, hauled me out of the closet a bit here alright & whether it results in a solid framework or a shaky house of cards remains to be seen.  I've got my money on the card house for now.
Commenter says:  "You can't please all the people all the time, but you certainly can gain the respect of all the people all the time if you staunchly stick to your own idea of what you care about."
AL says:  Let's hope that is the case & I do thank you for your 'constructive criticism.'
And now, to the last commenter.  This is a tough one to respond too but I do believe it needs a response.
Commenter says:  "One change I recommend you make to improve your mood is to remove the continuing references to your past dogs. You loved them, now they are gone and you need to move on. When you burn your hand in the flames it will only get better when you stop putting your hand back in the flames. Putting the rest of us through it will not help your blog readership. I for one can't help but respond by thinking oh my god he's got his dogs pictures in here again.
AL says:  First, I asked for constructive criticism & this is what this commenter has given me.  The commenter is simply stating what he thinks.  However, I feel this comment is a good example of how NOT to write a comment unless you are an insensitive person who doesn't care about how another person feels because if you did care you would not write something like this in the manner it is written.  It reminds me of a time in school years ago when the assignment may have been, 'write a paragraph to someone who has lost a couple members of the family telling them why you don't like them occasionally talking about or showing photos of them.'   Had this commenter's paragraph been handed in I would hope the teacher would have handed it right back with the instructions to rewrite it showing some understanding, compassion & caring.  None of that came across in the commenter's comment except for three words......"You loved them."  The commenter got his/her point across alright but it was not done in the sensitive manner it could have been done. No, I am not angry, but I am disappointed & I suppose if I really thought about it more, maybe I would feel sorry for this person's lack of feelings & understanding regarding the loss of our two beloved dogs.  Will I post more photos of Max & Checkers?  Darn right I will & you can count on it:))
Now, to sum up................. 
Some may wonder why I would take the time to respond to the above 'Anonymous' commenter's.  Well, they took the time to respond to me asking for constructive criticism & I didn't feel their comments dropped below my line of 'Sarcastic, Rude, Condescending or Demeaning.'  They had some good suggestions along with what I think were some misconceptions about me or my blog.  All's I did was try to answer them in a mature way that reflects how I feel.  Despite my elusive hermit like ways I do care what people think & I do care about what people say.  No Mary, I am not Praising myself here, just telling you what I think & how I feel.
I know this post is way over budget again but I do have a few more things to say before wrapping this all up & moving on.  I think this has been an interesting & rippling couple of blog days here in the otherwise placid waters of Blog Land.  Judging from mine & other people's posts & comments I feel we have stirred things up a bit, broached some thought provoking issues & expressed some ideas & concerns.  A few other bloggers have expressed their feelings on all this & it was interesting to read the comments on their posts.   I feel Donna K from TRAVELS IN THERAPY sums up her post very nicely on behalf of many Blogging folks out here in RV Blog Land.
Still lots more to say about all this but let's save that for another day, another time:))
  
GROANER'S CORNER:((  A few Hippopotamus Truths.............
What do you call an insincere hippo?
A hippocrite.
How can you get a hippo to do whatever you want?
Try hipponotism.
How do hippos commute?
In a hippopotabus.
What did the hippo get when he started exercising every day?
Hippopotamuscles.
How do you vaccinate a hippo?
With a hippodermic needle.
Where should you bury a dead hippo?
In a hippocrypt.
What happens to hippos who get too cold?
They get hippothermia.
What do you call a hippo who thinks he's sick?
A hippochondriac.
Ok, ok, ok............that's enough of that!!
---------------------------------------------------------------
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.

WELL, I SURE DID GET AN EARFUL TODAY:))

DUE TO THE HOT HUMID WEATHER LATELY  EACH OF TONIGHT'S PHOTOS  HAS A SMATTERING OF COOL SNOW IN IT......PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THIS PAST MARCH WHEN WE VISITED CANYON DE CHELLY IN THE NORTHEAST AREA OF ARIZONA 

Ooooosh, it was another one of those stand still & sweat kind of days.  Humidity levels are up again & the main objective of the day was to stay cool.  We decided it was a good morning to slip down to the Ritz Villa care facility & visit my Uncle Harry this morning.  He is doing reasonably well despite his age but is still on medication for pain in his lower back.  His spirits were good & he was mentally alert.  I think Uncle Harry is going to live to be 110:))

 

Some of you folks spotted the error I made with that 5th wheel right away in Thursday night's post.  Yes, it was the front leveling jacks that I had not fully retracted.  Don't know why I didn't see & understand that danger at the time, but I didn't:((

Can you imagine the shock of opening up your mail & finding out the tags for your Motor Home had gone up 78% over the past year.  Yep, happened to the MTNAIRE TRAVLERS alright!!

 

Lizzie Jack comes in as our latest Blog Follower & we here at the Bayfield Bunch say, welcome to our travels LJ & nice to have you aboard.``

I appreciate & thank everyone for their comments on last night's post.  All comments are helpful in giving me new food for thought & direction & yes, I did pick up some ideas from the comments.  I am trying some new things with our blog roll idea on the side bar so you may notice things shifting around there over the next little while.  I have some things duplicated right now but I will get that straightened out & once I know what I'm doing I will let you know what I am doing.  The Shout Box will stay & I am still adamant about not cluttering our site up with advertising.  Someone commented about the blogs background color appearing different but I haven't made any changes & it still appears black to me here.   Somebody else mentioned about the Bad Nick link being broken so I hope I now have that fixed.  Somebody commented they didn't like Bad Nick but I will let Bad Nick deal with that one.  Remember, I am just trying to add some thought provoking alternative thinking here.  Like I've said before, I enjoy creative change & am always open to new ideas.  Sometimes I get things right & sometimes I do not.

Max in Virginia left me a comment that actually put a smile on my face this morning.  Max said. "One new idea might be to quit writing so much about yourself."  Well Max, I actually am inclined to agree with you.  However, the problem I have here is that I am one of the main characters in this cast of characters at the Bayfield Bunch.  I am the guy who writes my blog, so yes the opinions, ideas, thoughts, humor & everything else you see all comes from me.  I often use myself as a foil for humor.  Better that I talk about my own foibles, criticize my own mistakes & lament about my own current modes & moods than yours or somebody else's.

KELLY CHATTING IT UP WITH SOME OTHER FROSTY SIGHTSEERS

I don't know how many other blogs you read Max but if you have read my blog for any length of time you will see that I try to vary my content every day.  Rare for me to write a blog entirely about myself & you will not see a blog coming from my keyboard that details my every waking moment day after day after day.  What you will see is a blog with varying topics & subject matter not only from paragraph to paragraph many times but from day to day as well.  In fact, my posts have of a habit of jumping all over the place from one topic to another occasionally.  And yes, sometimes those topics include me.  On my site you will frequently find links to other Blogger's sites because of interesting things I think they have written.  You will find my thoughts & links to new Bloggers as I try to cast some exposure their way.  New Blog Followers are welcomed & old friends remembered.  When traveling I try to bring photographs & descriptive comments & feelings to readers about the beautiful & sometimes not so beautiful things & places we see.  And, to do all this every day Max ,requires a whole lot of me in the blog.

THE STONE WALL TO THE RIGHT OF CENTER IN THE TOP PHOTO IS THE WALL KELLY IS STANDING BESIDE IN THE BOTTOM PHOTO   

My blog is different than some in that I do not write my blog like a detached magazine article.  I write from a first person point of view & tell you what I think & how I feel about what I see.  Not just what I do!!  I know my blog at times may come across as me talking about myself, which is true, but it is my way of conveying my thoughts in a matter I feel comfortable with.  So, to sum things up Max, let me just say that I understand & agree to some degree with your comment & I can see your point of view.  Thanks for taking the time to say what you think.

As a last word on all this for today let me just say I intend on answering a few more Anonymous comments over the next few days.  This may come as a surprise to some readers but I did not take the 'Anonymous' comments about Thursday night's post in a negative way.  However, I do get very upset with rude, sarcastic, demeaning & condescending types of people & their comments who try intentionally & deliberately to be hurtful.  That happened last winter but I didn't take any of today's 'Anonymous' comments that way.  In fact I felt one was a good example of constructive criticism & the other one brought up some very good bones of contention.  One last Anonymous comment came in tonight that set me back in my chair a bit but I will have something to say about that one as well.  Sometimes constructive criticism, even though it is given with good intentions, can step right up & smack a feller right in the face.  In Thursday night's post I asked for ideas, suggestions & constructive criticism & today I got an earful & that is exactly what I was looking for.  I thank you all for your input.

GROANER'S CORNER:((  Evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers. However, all the league records were unfortunately destroyed in a fire. Thus we'll never know for whom the Tells bowled.

---------------------------------------------------------------
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.

INITIATING SOME BLOG CHANGES & LOOKING FOR NEW IDEAS:))

ALL TONIGHT'S PHOTOS ARE MEMORIES FROM OUR 5TH WHEEL DAYS WHEN WE FIRST ARRIVED IN COLUMBUS,NEW MEXICO BACK IN DECEMBER OF 2006 

For the first time this summer I have had to do some watering around the property.  Ferns were beginning to lilt & plants were getting droopy.  Planted two more Virginia Creepers, a climbing Hydrangea & another Trumpet Vine this morning.  I now have to keep my bedroom window closed up tight because I have a fear of those vines creeping in my window some night & carrying me off to far away places.

ROCK HOUND STATE PARK NM...OF COURSE KELLY WANTED TO PUSH THIS ROCK BACK TO THE CAMPSITE , LOAD IT ONTO THE TRUCK & BRING IT HOME WITH US FOR OUR FRONT YARD 

Nice to see JEAN & SKIP pop up on our Blog Roll this morning.  They are taking some time off from house renos & doing a bit of camping not far from home on Vancouver Island.  We met Jean & Skip in Borrego Springs California last winter.  A quiet couple with many of the same interests & thoughts about RVing & life that Kelly & I have.  Nice folks:))

With the words, "I'm a fiber fanatic that has fallen in love with RVing. My love is wet felting. Love to spin" Well, I had to go have myself a look see what a 'spinning, wet felting fiber fanatic was all about.  Or, was that a spinning fanatical fiber who felt wet?  Well anyway, better check her out for yourself at TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A RV LOVIN FIBER ARTIST.

IT'S ALRIGHT MAX, THIS RV LIFESTYLE IS GOING TO GET BETTER SOON....PROMISE.

I did try my luck with the Motor Homes leveling system & that troublesome rear jack again.  Three times I lowered the rear jacks & three times I had to jack the passenger side leveler back into place.  The tension on the two lifting springs seems the same as the jack on the other side.  Lubricating the cylinder hasn't helped.  I think we will just accept the fact it is unusable & work our way around that.  We carry leveling blocks that we can use for the passenger side rear if we have to.  If the coach was newer & we were Full Timers we would replace that leveler completely but at this stage of the game we will just deal with the problem as we go along.

THIS PHOTO IS SELF EXPLANATORY

I have been doing a lot of thinking about my blog lately.  Not only about it's content but it's appearance as well.  You may notice I have already begun to make changes to the site but I also realize I have to make other changes as well to stimulate my writing interest or just pack it all in & get on with other things.  The format has basically remained the same for years now & being a fellow of change I think I am way overdue for something creatively different.  A 'makeover' if you will.  My blog has always revolved around traveling & the RV Lifestyle & that will basically remain unchanged but I'm looking for a new direction.  Something different, something refreshing.  Same old, same old gets tiring & doesn't work for me after awhile & I have been in 'same old' mode for quite awhile now.  I need a challenge, some new ideas & suggestions.     So, I throw it out to my faithful readers or anyone else with an interest.  Any ideas on how I can make my blog not only more interesting for you but for me as well??  And, I cautiously say, constructive criticism is welcome too

THIS WAS OUR SET UP THE FIRST YEAR THE BAYFIELD BUNCH HIT THE ROAD & THOSE ARE THE GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS IN THE BACKGROUND SOUTH OF CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO...UNBEKNOWNST TO ME I HAD MADE A VERY SERIOUS 'BEGINNER'S ERROR' HERE THAT IS VISIBLE IN THIS PHOTO, CAN ANYONE SPOT IT.   I DROVE FROM CARLSBAD THROUGH EL PASO TEXAS, DEMMING & COLUMBUS NEW MEXICO, DOUGLAS, TOMBSTONE, PATAGONIA,  NOGALES & FINALLY TUCSON BEFORE AN  ALARMED GARAGE GUY AT BEAUDRY RV QUICKLY POINTED OUT MY MISTAKE.  WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE WE DID NOT SUFFER SOME MAJOR DAMAGE......OR WORSE!!!!

I have always had a lot of respect & admiration for people who are able to step up to the plate, say what they think & not worry about the repercussions from expressing their point of view.  Oh, how I wish I had the courage to do that.  I am talking about folks like Debra from FIND AN OUTLET, Mike from MOBILE KODGERS & Nick from BAD NICK.  I have recently added these 3 fellow Bloggers to a separate side bar which in fact is part of the changes I am working on.   These are 3 people I identify with & understand.  I appreciate their no nonsense, down to earth, logical & common sense approach to life.  I believe they see the world as I see it.  A world for what it is & not for what many would have some of us believe it is.   Nick's main blog is THE GYPSY JOURNAL - NICK'S BLOG.   But it is his aka Bad Nick blog concept that really perks my interest.  Many times I have thought of doing this myself & setting up a separate blog where I could truly lay out what I really think!!  But, it's this dam thin skinned personality of mine that holds me back.  I would just have to write it & post it with no feedback.  No feedback at all, good or bad.  I am influenced by feedback so my writing would just have to stand on it's own.  Just write how I feel, post it, let the chickens fly to the moon & move on to my next post.  Will I do this?  Not likely, but it sure has been heavy on my mind for quite awhile now........10-4!!  

AND THIS IS THE GANG I SHARED MY BED WITH EVERY NIGHT.....BUT I LOVED IT & WOULDN'T HAVE HAD IT ANY OTHER WAY...MY BEST PALS OF EVER:)) 

GROANER'S CORNER:((  The following conversation is long, practical, makes sense & if you make it to the end I think you will understood the meat of the matter.  The conversation takes place aboard an Alien spaceship & revolves around the decision whether to contact the people of Earth or not.  They have a perfectly logical conversation & arrive at a perfectly logical decision.  Well, in my books anyway.......... 

Imagine if you will ..the leader of the fifth invader force speaking to the commander in chief...

"They're made out of meat."

"Meat?"

"Meat. They're made out of meat."

"Meat?"

"There's no doubt about it. We picked several from different parts of the planet, took them aboard our recon vessels, probed them all the way through. They're completely meat."

"That's impossible. What about the radio signals? The messages to the stars?"

"They use the radio waves to talk, but the signals don't come from them. The signals come from machines."

"So who made the machines? That's who we want to contact."

"They made the machines. That's what I'm trying to tell you. Meat made the machines."

"That's ridiculous. How can meat make a machine? You're asking me to believe in sentient meat."

"I'm not asking you, I'm telling you. These creatures are the only sentient race in the sector and they're made out of meat."

"Maybe they're like the Orfolei. You know, a carbon-based intelligence that goes through a meat stage."

"Nope. They're born meat and they die meat. We studied them for several of their life spans, which didn't take too long. Do you have any idea the life span of meat?"

"Spare me. Okay, maybe they're only part meat. You know, like the Weddilei. A meat head with an electron plasma brain inside."

"Nope. We thought of that, since they do have meat heads like the Weddilei. But I told you, we probed them. They're meat all the way through."

"No brain?"

"Oh, there is a brain all right. It's just that the brain is made out of meat!"

"So... what does the thinking?"

"You're not understanding, are you? The brain does the thinking. The meat."

"Thinking meat! You're asking me to believe in thinking meat!"

"Yes, thinking meat! Conscious meat! Loving meat. Dreaming meat. The meat is the whole deal! Are you getting the picture?"

"Omigod. You're serious then. They're made out of meat."

"Finally, Yes. They are indeed made out meat. And they've been trying to get in touch with us for almost a hundred of their years."

"So what does the meat have in mind?"

"First it wants to talk to us. Then I imagine it wants to explore the universe, contact other sentients, swap ideas and information. The usual."

"We're supposed to talk to meat?"

"That's the idea. That's the message they're sending out by radio. 'Hello. Anyone out there? Anyone home?' That sort of thing."

"They actually do talk, then. They use words, ideas, concepts?"

"Oh, yes. Except they do it with meat."

"I thought you just told me they used radio."

"They do, but what do you think is on the radio? Meat sounds. You know how when you slap or flap meat it makes a noise? They talk by flapping their meat at each other. They can even whistle by squirting air through their meat."

"Omigod. Whistling meat. This is altogether too much. So what do you advise?"

"Officially or unofficially?"

"Both."

"Officially, we are required to contact, welcome, and log in any and all sentient races or multibeings in the quadrant, without prejudice, fear, or favor.

Unofficially, I advise that we erase the records and forget the whole thing."

"I was hoping you would say that."

"It seems harsh, but there is a limit. Do we really want to make contact with meat?"

"I agree one hundred percent. What's there to say?" `Hello, meat. How's it going?' But will this work? How many planets are we dealing with here?"

"Just one. They can travel to other planets in special meat containers, but they can't live on them. And being meat, they only travel through space. Which limits them to the speed of light and makes the possibility of their ever making contact pretty slim. Infinitesimal, in fact."

"So we just pretend there's no one home in the universe."

"That's it."

"Cruel. But you said it yourself, who wants to meet meat? And the ones who have been aboard our vessels, the ones you have probed? You're sure they won't remember?"

"They'll be considered crackpots if they do. We went into their heads and smoothed out their meat so that we're just a dream to them."

"A dream to meat! How strangely appropriate, that we should be meat's dream."

"And we can mark this sector unoccupied."

"Good. Agreed, officially and unofficially. Case closed. Any others? Anyone interesting on that side of the galaxy?"

"Yes, a rather shy but sweet hydrogen core cluster intelligence in a class nine star in the G445 zone. Was in contact two galactic rotations ago, wants to be friendly again."

"They always come around."

"And why not? Imagine how unbearable & how unutterably cold the universe would be if we were all alone."

---------------------------------------------------------------
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.