Wondering Why

 For the last month, I've been receiving tens of thousands of visitors each day. That's way more than in the past, and makes me wonder why. Has Blogger stopped screening visits? Has my blog become more popular? More Bots? I'm thinking it's more Bots. I may be wrong, but I doubt it. 

Getting Some Things Done

I've been putting it off for a week, but my car was reminding me the oil needs to be changed...so I did. My age tells me the cost is way too high. My observations tell me it's the same wherever you go. So it is, and I have around 7000 miles until I get bent over a barrel have it done again. I guess I could do it myself, but after the time I got a cramp in my leg under a car, couldn't get out from under it fast enough, and realized my shade tree methods are for younger folks, I'll probably not do that again.

The mower cut indicated the blades needed to be changed. As usual, the fine sand under the grass has sandblasted a substantial part of the blades. The difference in weight would have been a good reference for the damage, if the appearance was not known. 

I used my line trimmer to trim some grass around the pond I've neglected since right before my surgery. It took way longer than usual, but I did get to try some new string I bought, which has impressed me. Where the other brand was stout, the new string is just as stout and more durable. I bought it on Amazon, since the local hardware store didn't have the size I needed. They lost that part of my business, and in the real world, that doesn't make a difference.

The hurricane with the strange name is forecast to come ashore around Destin, Florida around sunset today. I feel for those that will have to deal with the aftermath, but know that area of the coast has substantially improved building codes to deal with winds and surge. The damage will happen, but will not be as substantial as in the past. Still, it's a hurricane, and even if someone only leaves for a day, they'll not have to endure the maddening howl, horizontal rain, high water, and fright. I'll say a prayer for those in its path. 

The madness of modern politics is in full swing. The mud slinging is constant, the outright lies deplorable, and the fact the hype will continue after the election doesn't help. I'd rather not watch, and sit on the porch with a cup of coffee instead. The cooler weather makes such things more pleasant, and the evenings are great for doing just about nothing.

Interesting Conversation With a Friend

 I have a friend who raises cattle. He's well aware of the market, how they're processed, and what most affects the price of beef. He told me the current high beef prices are due to a lack of cattle. Between the droughts, and wildfires, the number of cattle to be sold is substantially less, therefore the demand guarantees what is available will cost more. It's that simple, and to increase the supply is a long term event, since calves don't just pop out ready to butcher on demand. Of course, there is imported beef, but that beef requires assurance it meets USDA guidelines, and passes quarantine...if tariffs don't prevent there being any cost savings at the consumer level. 

Will beef supplies increase? Who knows. Range land has been decimated, many ranchers just don't have the money to keep trying, and their efforts will require years to build large herds for sale. We'll see, but the only thing I can do is to only buy what I can afford, and that is much less than in the past. I like beef, but not so much to spend too much of my income to have some.

Observations August 22, 2026

Some local communities are trying to deal with budget shortfalls, and old infrastructure. Of course, some much needed park improvements are underway, and the expensive trees they planted might not ever reach the point they destroy the roads adjacent to where they were planted. The lack of enough area under the canopies, and the lack of water are helping the brutal heat kill the trees. The leaders will vote on raising taxes. I have a feeling the votes will all be "yes", and the can will be kicked down the road with dead trees in the median.

Yesterday, my thermometer showed we reached 106F for a short period of time. NOAA data was probably around 101F for the day, but my readings are usually higher. Regardless, my A/C runs until late to compensate, and it's been like that for a week. Every day I've seen triple digit heat, and there's no real relief for the next few days. It's turning into a recipe for burn bans, which usually aren't placed until after some Bozo lights a brush fire, goes for lunch, and returns to find they've lit a few hundred acres into an inferno. With the woods turning into dry tinder, it's almost guaranteed to happen. 

I've had many things to write about, but when I stop to think about doing so, I realize it's reiterating thoughts from over a decade in the past. It's a shame the problems facing the United States are continuous, easily fixed, and will continue to after my time here is over. I feel for those just starting to face the world as an adult. Too many are woefully ignorant, easily fooled, and will vote themselves into tyranny. I hope I'm wrong, but there are too many indications that show I'm not. 

One thing is for sure: As long as I'm able to enjoy the quiet of the morning, sip coffee on the porch, and admire God's grandeur, I will do so. It's a blessing some may not understand, but for me, it's a time to reflect, and count my blessings.  

Sort of an Anniversary

 Fifteen years ago, and over three million visits later, I started this blog. A lot has happened since then: My mother, and three siblings of four died; I was divorced, and remarried; I've had seven skin cancers removed; I've moved; I've retired; had two colonoscopies; carpal tunnel release on both wrists, and an ugly lipoma removed from my forehead. During that time, many have commented, and shown me there are still some good people out there. That, and that bots can fill visit counts by over 10,000 in a matter of hours. So, as long as I can, I will continue. Thoughts cross my mind constantly, and this is where they can escape. You have been warned.

Reflecting Pool Thoughts

Apparently, the large reflecting pool in the capitol was probably a mistake from the beginning. From what I've read, it's leaked from the beginning, when it was completed  in the 20's. It's been through a few renovations, and all (from what I know about concrete retaining structures) were more of trying to make chicken salad from chicken shit. 

Concrete leaks, and any attempts to refurbish concrete that has been saturated for a long time is a process that can't be accomplished in a short period of time. With a constant infiltration by ground water, the process is even more onerous. Considering the size of the pool, the cost of lasting repairs, and the constant filtration required to keep it clear, from the beginning, it was a blunder, along with a huge waste of tax dollars. To make things worse, regardless of what happens between those that hate Trump, and the Trump Administration, it will continue to be a blunder. Even if it was filled in, and grass planted, it would still be a costly piece of real estate requiring costly maintenance.

I don't know why this pissing contest has struck a nerve with me. Maybe it's the fact the national debt is something more than a small worry, and pissing off money on egos is something that doesn't make sense to me. 

Some Thoughts Today

It's reported the U.S. will soon have a peace agreement with the lying, devious, untrustworthy leaders in Iran. It will be best it's signed on toilet paper so it is put to good use. 

A local contractor hooked up a sanitary sewer force main to a potable water main. Needless to say, it had a shitty outcome, and I envision some law suits in the near future. 

A nephew is having a rough time dealing with an alcoholic ex-wife. The custody of the children is the big problem. Her current shenanigans will probably lead to her losing anything but visitation with a hired licensed specialist that answers to the court. It's time. She's a miserable mother, and even has been kicked out of her favorite watering hole due to her drunk, out of control behavior. 

The reflecting pool is a big new item. My suggestion is they stock it with bass, have fishing fees, and pay for some of what I consider frivolous expenditures. 

I had a piece break on the belt tensioner on the mower. It took a few days for the replacement piece to arrive, and the grass didn't wait. All I have left is weed-whacking. I'll do that when the temperature drops to about 85, and take advantage of the evening light. 

Weather wizards are forecasting a possibility of heavy rain early next week. Depending on where a front finally stalls, we may get more than enough, or little at all. I'll take the little at all. We're pretty good on rain, and more will turn the yard boggy again. 

My dog has developed a schedule that doesn't quite fit my schedule, but he will stand on my chest to guarantee it's time for me to take him to do his business at his preferred time each morning. I can't fault him. He's very good about doing his business outside, and I would never make him wait. After he's through, he will eat his breakfast, and take a nap.

That's all for now. I have things to do, including some yard work. I'll be tired, but the exercise is good for my old bones. 

Increasing the Air Volume

A few months ago, I wrote about working on sister-in-law's heater.  Earlier in the week, with a cool Spring day as an advantage. I tackled my air handler, which services the heater and air conditioner. 

Removing the blower was fairly easy, except for one very hard to reach sheet metal screw. Replacing it was much easier, since I had a better idea on how to get to that area. After removal, I brought it outside, turned it to where I could reach the blades, and went to work. 

Squirrel cage blowers are a fantastic way to move air. They are not fantastic when it's time to clean the blades. I used a small screwdriver to break the clinging, packed dust, removed what remained with an old toothbrush, and vacuumed everything else. After I was finished, and reinstalled it, I checked the operation. I was amazed at how much more air was being moved. That, and how more quick the unit cycled. 

I probably saved a few hundred bucks by doing it myself, but for those that can clean the blower themself, or have the money, I recommend doing so. It has to be more efficient, which translates into reduced costs, and lengthens the life of the system. The accumulated dust can cause the blower to become unbalanced and shorten the life of the bearing. Now is the time, before the heat is oppressive.

Dark Skies Tonight

I dragged out the tripod, and binoculars, to see if I could still see the comet. I could, and with it higher above the horizon, and without too much sky glow, it was more spectacular, in my opinion. 

It's about apparent magnitude of 7, so without really dark skies, naked eye observation is out of the question With binoculars, the comet is a dull point of light, and the tail is about 1 degree in apparent length. (for reference, the full moon is 1/2 degree across) It might be more, but only a time lapse photo would show how spectacular it is to observe.

I miss the clear, dark skies where I once lived. Over time, with people moving closer, TxDot building some tall light towers, and an increase in population in the local small community, once skies good for observing the heavens became mediocre, at best. 

The sky is much darker where I now live, but unless I take out my pellet rifle, and spend some time taking care of some security lights, I have to tolerate the effect it has with astronomy. I don't like it, but that's how things are. It's not the best, but tolerable.

Extremes

 According to the experts, we're still in a drought. "Abnormally dry" is the description, and looking at the local ponds, it's an accurate description. The feet of water lost during the long dry spell is still apparent, and only a few inches has been added over the last few month. That's supposed to change over the next few days. 

We're forecast to have between four and ten inches of rain, with higher amounts in certain areas. With the ground finally reaching a point of near saturation, that much water will overwhelm outfalls. How much depends on how often the heaviest of rain falls. If there is sufficient time between the heaviest of showers, the runoff might have time to subside. If not, the water will inundate the surrounding areas and flooding will occur. Due to the timing, much of that may impact rush hour, and certain schools may find they need to close early to keep students from being stranded. 

We'll see how this turns out, but it's necessary to make a Sunday trip to the grocery store. Too much rain will flood the road to my house, and it can take days for it to subside. That, and it's looking like we'll have rain for at least five days. Shopping in the rain sucks, and just going to the store is guaranteed to expose the most ignorant of drivers. 

It's Amazing

 Everything wrong is finally arbitrated at the Supreme Court. When you look at some of the justices, realize they're as ignorant as a bag full of hammers, and realize they vote on something that is ruled by something they've never read, it's apparent the creek is full, and the paddle is missing.

Globalization and Small Towns

After years of observation, I've found small town elected officials can be just as incompetent, and corrupt, as those in large cities. Also, bureaucracy rears its ugly head in the smallest of administrations. When you add confiscatory taxing, things only get worse, but at least in small towns, those willing to cross the citizens have more of chance of finding those citizens waiting for them after work. Their power is limited to who they're willing to meet in the street.

What does this have to do with Globalization? If small towns, large towns, state and the Federal government are rife with incompetence, bureaucracy and corruption, it's insane to believe a global community will be better.