Science , Like Magic But For Real

Ha , It's Poetry In Motion    She Turned Her Tender Eyes To Me    As Deep As Any Ocean    As Sweet As Any Harmony    But She Blinded Me With Science    She Blinded Me  With Science    Failed Me In Biology  When I'm Dancing Close To Her   Blinding Me With Science   I Can Smell The Chemicals   Blinding Me With Science 

Thomas Dolby 

The Golden Age Of Wireless 1982 

YIKES:

For you long time followers , you know I mention every year that the Colorado River is in the worst shape possible. I mention every Autumn how we are living on borrowed time with our water usage. So I am not trying to brush the mane of a muddy horse but check these photos out and the calendar reads May. Shocking 

Above was snapped off on April the 13th. Not a Friday The 13th but a spooky A$$ day just the same. I rode my bike over the 5th Street Bridge and found myself facing East. Go East Young Man 

 

Hold on to your hats boys and girls , below here is a photo I captured today from the 5th Street bridge. And I broke Stephen Spielberg's number one rule in the above photo and leveled the horizon across the middle of the frame. oooooops

Above's angle is from the bike bridge next to the Los C put-in/take-out ramp. And notice all that toxic algae growing about. Apparently the fish are all turning belly up due to the lack of oxygen in the water. So Bald Eagle Population ? Birds of prey in general ? Local economy from boaters floating the river ? But these side streets with strips of lush green grass growing in the desert equal freedom and solitude. Praise Jesus  

This photo above dated January 21st , we hit 52F / 11C that day , notice the bank of ice to the right. Below was snapped off today. Pure Desperation 

And the same boat ramp from today May the 11th facing downstream. Will these waters survive all the way to Vegas? Must remember to wash the driveway this evening. MAGA 

Above from Mid February and below from Sunday. If we spun 180 , you would be standing on the tee pad for Hole #5 at Watson Island Disc Golf Course. The Dude & I are consistently throwing some plastic on Sundays since our March Madness vaca. Disc Is Free To Play 

The above photo was captured late February 2026 , one week before the official high water mark of the season was recorded. We normally peak Memorial Weekend for a reference. 25 years ago , we would peak shortly after the 4th of July. Our Mighty Colorado River now has the golden opportunity for turning itself into an Oxbow Lake. I cropped in afterwards because there is one starving Great Blue Heron on the hunt. Poor Bastard 

Above and below were photographed on Sunday along the fairway of Hole #10. I stepped down form the original bank to stand on the new bank to shoot this shot of the "river". Dire Straights 

Our tribe floated the Mighty Colorado River on May 23rd 2025 and the above photo showcases those happy characters from The Wizard of Oz with today's perspective just below. And back then I was teased about referring to the creek as The Mighty Colorado River. Shocking 

Our high desert's native vegetation is doing its best. The honey bees are really trying their best. Just Try 

BIKE NIGHT:

Friday Night Bike Nights are still the dangling carrot out there at the end of the week. The costumes have dropped off significantly but the number of rides has increased dramatically. That's Whippin 

Below's theme was recycling for that last Friday in April. A few of us went green but a majority of folks simply passed on the theme. No Worries 

The following week blew up with the Cowboys & Aliens theme. Not sure if we have ever topped the 200 count over the past five years. Maybe Yes. Maybe No. Our count for Cowboys and Aliens was tallied up at 183 riders. Check out this gathering below as we waited for the group to close in before turning onto Gunnison Ave. Almost 200 of us and pretty sure this particular ride would be the all-time largest number of attendees. Boom Shaka Laka Boom 

The Dude rolled with an Alien character and I posed as an outlaw all night. Spoke of my claim near Little Park Road and told folks that there would be trouble if you all start snooping around. Would randomly ride along someone and ask them when the next poker game starts. Rode up to other cowboy outfits and said ,"High Noon Tomorrow. You And Me." One small group of cowboys were riding along and as I slipped up splitting their group down the middle , "I hear the Wells Fargo Carriage rolls into town at 11am tomorrow." They didn't know what to think. But the gal in front of us looked back over her should and says," I heard they are carrying serious weight in gold!" She was my gal for the rest of the night. And I definitely let her carry around my Colt. I absolutely love playing dress up while role playing the night away. And check out this action!! Wearing Boots 

That pistol above , try an 1857 Navy Colt black powder packed six shooter. Sh*T you not. 1857 Colt and it's a heavy sum bitch. One of the neighbors is well aware we participate in Bike Night Shenanigans and when he heard the theme , wait here he says. Could believe it when he handed it over. And it fit perfectly into my holster. In my left holster , I pulled out my plastic fake pirate knife. The Neighbor Shook His Head 

I'm telling ya , this pistol totally made the costume!! I showed it off to everyone and even allowed a few folks to hold it. One gal , I kid you not , she asked me if it was loaded. I didn't have the heart to explain the working mechanics to her. "No" I assured with a smile as I handed it over. Classic 

RIDE & VIBES:

The weekend of all weekends out here in GJ. Unfortunately the city infected the event this year by inserting themselves into the mix. But I still maintained and made the best of it. Want an example?? 

All over AZ and New Mexico this "winter" , events were successfully held and attended within the mountain biking communities. The recipe is usually outlined like this. Friday offers up music , vendors , a Crit Race for the Pro Men and Women , and packet pick ups obviously. Before the Pro racers begin , there is a family friendly criterium ride to fire up the crowd while the Pro Women warm up for their 45min crit race. Costumes , tandem bikes , and kids all ride the one mile course ringing bells while firing up the crowd. Then , the Pro Ladies rip for 45 minutes and the Pro boys shred the criterium for 60 minutes. A Highlight For Many 

That is how it typically plays out. Not in GJ. The dipSh&ts out here decided to hold the Pro Women ( only 5 Pro Women in the field ) , then the Pro Men ( way down from normal numbers ) , then the awards  , and only then the family crit ride. So Lame

However , the evenings main attraction was The Lowdown Brass Band. This high energy Chi-Town based group flipping killed it. My first time catching these guys and they were off the hook. An amazing mix of Hip Hop , Jazz , And Funk with a hint for spiciness. Instrumental cover tunes with their own "rap" lyrics over the top. And they were able to teach the crowd a dance and was very well received. Excellent Performance  

Saturday morning showcased the kick off to the Fresh 15 miler , the Dirty 30 miler , and the Filthy 40 miler for those who just love to suffer. Fairly solid crowd representing GJ and a decent number of racers started off. Wouldn't say well attended by ether group but it is what it is. Only 65 completed in the forty and less than 200 in the 30. Past numbers showcased a cap for 300 in the 40 and cap 500 in the thirty. The women's Crit Race always featured 20+ girls getting after it. 

This Year , 5?? 

The other knock on the city was their decision to only have one musical stage instead of two. So after a performance , everyone stood around watching the change over , being subjected to the house music , listening to sound check , and observing the overall vibe dropping off rapidly. The two separate stages not only keeps the magic alive but offers the opportunity for beer sales as folks walk between the two stages. Why the city became involved , who knows. Dumb Phuc'ers 

But for me personally , I just make the best of the situation. I chat up all the vendors throughout the weekend. I cheer on clients and clap for the out of towners. My go to line for Friday when chatting with tourist , I ask them where they are from and where they are staying , no matter what hotel they mention , I replied with ," That's a great place and totally haunted." Yahooo0000000 

A new addition that was well attended was this motorcycle "cycle cross" event. All kinds of obstacles were laid out along the block between Rood Ave and Main Street. Riders in pairs raced the looped course three times and I couldn't tell you how many heats went off. And yes , tons of wild crashes. Had nothing to do with mountain biking but pretty cool just the same. Rowdy 

And then it was quickly back to the work week. Well , for some of us anyway. 

For All Of You Moms , Hopefully Yesterday Treated You Well As You Deserve Only The Best ,

Cheers 

Mixed Emotions 2026

When I Get Home , Baby    Gonna Light Your Fire      All Day I've Been Thinkin' About You , Babe    You're My One Desire      Gonna Wrap My Arms Around You     Hold You Close To Me    Oh , Babe I Wanna Taste Your Lips    I Wanna Be Your Fantasy , Yeah      Don't Know What I'd Do Without You , Babe       Don't Know Where I'd Be    You're Not Just Another Lover    No , You're Everything To Me    Every Time I'm With You , Baby    I Can't Believe It's True     When You're Layin' In My Arms    And You Do  The Things You Do     You Can See It In My Eyes   I Can Feel It In Your Touch    You Don't Have To Say A Thing     Just Let Me Show You How Much      I Love You     I Need Ya , Yeah      I Wanna Kiss You All Over   And Over Again    I Wanna Kiss You All Over    Till The Night Closes In    Stay With Me   Lay With Me    Hold Me    Love Me , Baby    Here With Me    Near With Me    Feeling You Close To Me , Baby 

Exlie

Mixed Emotions 1978 

DOGS:

Scored once again on the cool tribe of pets. And these three are a classic I tell ya. Three completely different personalities with nothing but love in their hearts. Yes Please 

However , this Ol Gal above is aging rapidly and it just chews on my heart strings like a dog's bowl of fresh grinding with added Yum Yum sprinkled on top. It's not just an age thing , it is pure unequivocally reality. Make It Count 

One sleeps on the couch , tucked away behind the comforts and protection of an arm pillow. So funny dogs are. Or at least can be. The other one never leaves my side. Humans know where the food is so must not leave humans side. And then there is this pose of Whatever. Yeah Right 

And then comes the guilt trip glance. This look below is exactly why I do not have a companion of my own. Many other reasons and factors for sure but it is that guilty expression that works me over to my core. No Mas

Good news here is that she ate dinner for me every night. Some breakfast mornings were a hard no thanx. But dinners are where it is at apparently. So That's Cool 

I laughed my caboose off for hours over this cartoon below. And we are so totally familiar with these songs. Cover tunes and parodies make my day. #2 brings a smile to my heart , #3 is a keeper , #5 rocks , #8 goes to the top three for sure , and #10 is a personal fav as I have performed that tune live and it will never be the same with the vision of Squirrels. Thank You Metzger 

DRIVING:

Teaching is still exceptional and these students are more impressive with every drive. Yes , there is the 'must check my phone after a two hour drive' mentality but they have been respectful about it. Easy Peasy 

In order to help these students understand traffic situations , I make it a point to not take away their power. For instance , if they fail to check their mirrors after a turn or the safe completion of navigating through an intersection , I will simply ask them to tell me what street we are on. Then , when it is safe , I bring up the "Do you remember when we were driving on such in such street?" That is when I explain the why we do or what we could do or what the other driver did or why it is so import to check that mirror. So the setup is very important for the delivery to stick in their minds. Safety third with a grin. And yes , the forum these kids are using , apparently I am the sought after coach/instructor. A student , me playing dumb , informed of what has been said recently after they discovered that this is our last drive together. Their next two drives is with "Not The Old Guy" they responded. For me , teachable moments isn't that difficult. But the old guy's style clearly doesn't jive with the younger generation. Yikes 

My next step , I have enrolled in the Motorcycle Safety And Basic Rider Skills Course. Here in about two weeks , wish me luck , I will be tackling a two day class and educating myself from the perspective of a motorcycling operator. Do I want a motorbike?? No. Do I want to commuter on a motorbike?? No. Do I want to start riding a motorbike on the motorway?? Not At All 

BASH:

This years Palisade Bash was totally righteous and I almost missed out. Four separate local watering holes hosted bluegrass bands throughout the four day festival. I happily camped out at Talbot's Hard Cider venue and let me tell you about the highlight for me personally. Airshow is a professionally touring band from Nashville Tennessee and they are so not a bluegrass band. These four guys performed for a solid two hours and melted notes into a transcending psychedelic pot of goodness. Executing original tunes with a little tweak of giggles , like a song about a bullfrog on a lily pad as if Gary Larson was telling the story. When they first took to the stage , minimal attendees and yet Airshow still got after it as if it was packed house. Then , a bus on the circuit loop unloaded heaps of folks and the atmosphere shifted deep into the matrix. I believe , my own opinion here , everyone had their fill of bluegrass by Saturday evening and this performance filled our jonesing gap. Thank You Airshow 

So we all stumbled on the hill into downtown Palisade for the last two remaining bands on this Saturday night and wow was I ever in for a treat. Between the distillery and the brewery , all attendees poured out into the street between the two host establishments. The promoters were a little dubious that the cops were going to shut the whole thing down but everyone danced with their best foot forward. No Issues , No Tissues , And Loads of good ol down to earth dancing in the streets. Thank You Palisade 

REPAIRS:

Still working everyday but Sundays and I am definitely flirting with a big burnout stretch. It is my own doing so I should just buck up and carry on. But still , the candle is indistinguishably burning from both ends. After replacing a section of PVC Pipe in the pool room , I was treated to some happy on the knees tile work. Oh Joy 

Just because I know how to set tile , doesn't mean I really want to. Thankfully it was only repairing these four larger sized tiles and then grouting a few days later. Not a big job at all and I still took my time to finish it correctly. The birds chirping over my shoulder would have preferred I did it like this or you know what you should do comments floated into my earhole. Old Timers 

 

As a way of beautifying Crossroads , planted these barrels on Earth Day. Little did I know , this would be my viral CrackBook moment in time. A lovely woman casually asked for my photo and I didn't think anything of it. I dumped my Crackbook page when the Boy Dog passed , left a puppy photo of him while informing my "friends" and thanking everyone whom enjoyed our company , photos , and videos. Miss That Dog 

So I arrived the other day to water these plants , two separate members made me aware of this posting. The photo is silly and the LIKES are off the charts. Makes me shake my head as I upload Time Lapse video for 3 to 7 views but a goofy photo of my with plants is what viewers crave. Classic 

That swim kick board is a lifesaver for my knees I tell ya. What really giggles my happy belly was how many of the Silver Sneakers commented on how early I was planting and how a freeze will kill these plants. It blows me way as I would never drop a censorious comment over someones shoulders as a walk by party foul. But opinionated old people love projecting without even realizing what message they just sent. Fox News 

Having said that , there were numerous folks that lit up like a holidaze tree when they saw me planting away. For those few knuckleheads , many more thanked me with genuine gratitude and unselfish appreciation. Go Team Human 

My offering below to Mother Earth on Earth Day. Snapped off this photo and sent it out to my friends with the caption Happy Earth Day. Simply Sending Vibes  

At least there are a few of us still caring for Mother Earth. She Is Sick 

I Am So Ready For A Vacation ,

Cheers