Golden-fronted woodpecker

Another lifer on my day to celebrate life!

 

Sunrise & a new day in Texas

After buying and installing two new SOBatteries into my truck (scroll down for that adventure) the next morning I took her for a spin. The charging gauge was pulsing a bit so when I got home I Googled some possibilities and discovered many owners of my kind of Ford had experienced drained batteries from a faulty voltage regulator. I called the recommended local AutoZone and they can test the regulator, part cost $25, and maybe even get help installing if needed.

Sunrise

So I’m up earlier than usual to get this done. Sure hope it’s the last of the electrical problems. What the hell else could there be?!

I plan to leave South Texas in three days, Monday morning, and begin the long journey back to my winter Arizona home. Then in a few weeks head back to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for the summer.

PS: It’s my birthday tomorrow so feel free to send lots of Happys my way.

SWF – Soft sunset

From where I sit the morning colors are really much better with more clouds to reflect the rising sun. But I’m lazy in the mornings. By afternoon, most of the clouds have drifted away and the evening light is soft.

To view more, and maybe brighter skies, go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.

The latest in weight lifting OR Electrical short fries batteries

At least I think that’s probably what happened. You’ll remember the truck troubles I had in Alpine, Texas from a shorted battery cable. Seems the saga continues. I’m guessing there was just enough battery power to start the truck daily and the alternator did the rest to get me here. But after sitting leveled to live in the camper for 11 days without starting (I know, my bad, been busy with Mom) this morning my poor girl had no spark, not even an interior light. In fact the battery charger wouldn’t even try. So I called Good Sam, we should be on a first name basis soon, and asked for a jump. Big truck from Joe’s Wrecking Service arrived in 20 mins. But after 20 mins of charging, my girl still wouldn’t start. I had options. But Joe wasn’t one of them as he’d been called Only for a jump. So I dug out my limited tools, wrench and socket set, and got the battery cables off. Then lifted the batteries out of the truck. No easy feat considering I’m 5’5” (and shrinking) and weigh about 120 pounds. Then I waited for Mom to get back from errands and lifted the batteries into her trunk. Went to Wally’s  where I got a cart, lifted the batteries out of the trunk and wheeled my way to automotive. Unfortunately they didn’t have the batteries I needed. So I wheeled them back out and lifted them back into the trunk. And off we went to PepBoys. I googled for a map and Mom took off her own way and we got there. This time I went into the store and asked for someone to lift the batteries out of the trunk, and the new ones back in. These Bosch batteries better last forever as they were priced like diamonds. Mom got us home where I, once again, lifted the batteries out of the trunk. Then onto the top of the grill, and into the appropriate space. Twice I moved those SOBatteries, as the first time I put them in backwards. Hey, I’m Not a mechanic. This is certainly not the kind of weight lifting I practice regularly. After reattaching the battery cables, she started right up and purrs like a kitten. Well not really, it’s really a noisy diesel. I did earn a shower and excellent spaghetti dinner at Mom’s.  Taking muscle relaxers and going to bed. This is the edited version of the story.

The Great Kiskadee

No, I haven’t been to the circus or a magic show…

… although this little squweetie tried to disappear.

I keep seeing new birds.

This Great Kiskadee is the fourth lifer in Mom’s home town.

Sorry for the blur through the screen door.

Chachalaca

No, it’s not the latest dance craze or even a new kind of fancy beverage…

…but another new lifer for me.

Four of these chachalacas strolled into my camp then one by one jumped into what I think is a fig tree.

Go ahead, say it out loud, chachalaca, chachlaca, chachalaca. That’s what they sound like.

Sorry the photos are a bit fuzzy, I chose the best out of 25. I really need to learn to hold still while I’m excited about seeing wildlife. Plus my usual landscapes don’t move around so much.

MWT – Super Moon/Mom

As close to horizon as I got

As most of you know I’m visiting my Mom in South Texas, a place I’d rather not be yet with a person I love dearly.

I’ve been bitching about the awful weather here which I suppose many enjoy. Yet coming from the dryness of Arizona to this has proven to be a major adjustment. Thus the head cold I suppose.

Sunday: 88 F and 76% humidity San Benito, Texas vs 59 F and 27% humidity even with a possible 80% chance of showers on the way home in Yarnell, Arizona.

Everything just seems moist, clothes, bedding, me.

Other than that, life is good!

To tour more of the world, or to share your own, go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.