Vocalmentation.

I really enjoy music featuring vocals that are treated as simply another instrument. I might have inherited this trait from Grandma Country, who never really cared for lyrics in her music. She was big on piano-based pieces of the time. I take a modern twist on this approach; I’ve always enjoyed electronic instrumental pieces that include vocals that are just vocalizations. Texture in music is very important to me. Vocals as part of the texture is very pleasing to my senses.

Apple Music has a “Feel Good” channel, and these tracks came up during my morning walk. They definitely made me feel good.

“City Bumps” by Candrian

 

“11:11” by Akriza

 

“Achiote” by Geometrae, Skysia, Equanimous

31 December 2024 by Music. 0

RIP Linda Lavin.

Linda Lavin passed away yesterday. She was 87 years old. Best known for the leading role in TV’s “Alice”, she was a multi-faceted performer, acting, singing, and dancing in television shows, movies, and both on and off Broadway.

Here’s my favorite version of the at least 13 different incarnations of Linda singing the opening theme song to “Alice”. This particular version is from season two.

As a road geek, I can identify the exact spot Alice and Tommy drive under the “Phoenix” sign, it was actually filmed on Interstate 19 northbound here in Tucson.

30 December 2024 by Ponderings and Musings 0

Video: Adventures in 2024.

In the spirit of all things New Year, I put together a recap video of some of my hiking and storm chasing adventures in 2024. I enjoyed going through some of my older video to see how much my style has changed since I started the YouTube channel earlier this year.

This video includes some footage from the Eldorado, Oklahoma tornado back in May.

29 December 2024 by Video. 0

Caturday.

Truman has a new litter box. A gift from the family, his new litter box clears itself and lets me know (via WiFi) when it needs attention.

Truman adapted to this new device quickly. He seems content.

28 December 2024 by He's A Feline. Ponderings and Musings 0

Inspiration.

The Internet is really gummed up with a lot of crap. Seek out those that inspire you.

I haven’t watched “Shark Tank” in a few years, but I have always admired the tenacity and down to earth nature of Barbara Corcoran. I watched this interview this evening; in her mid 70s she’s still keeping it quite real.

I enjoy her for that.

27 December 2024 by Ponderings and Musings 0

Road Trip.

Earl and I decided to go for a road trip today. I am using my last vacation day of 2024 and it seemed like a great opportunity to get out there and do something.

We drove across the bottom of New Mexico along Interstate 10. If you haven’t done this before you should do it once in your life to say you’ve done it.

There’s often a lot of dust.

And it’s very flat.

We ended up in El Paso, Texas for the night. We just had a drink and some grub at a place called the Hoppy Monk.

27 December 2024 by Ponderings and Musings 0

Half.

As of today I have been married to the love of my life for half of my life. I consider this quite an accomplishment in many ways, and that old adage is completely true, “time flies when you’re having fun”.

Life with my husband changes and weaves as the years go by, but we live with no regrets, on our terms, and full of love. Earl is my best friend.

28 years ago today we exchanged rings and shared our vows to spend the rest of our lives together.

It has been amazing.

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26 December 2024 by Ponderings and Musings 0

Christmas.

It has been a low key, enjoyable Christmas. Earl has a new iPad Mini for his online enjoyment.

The house was feeling festive.

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The unseasonably warmer weather has continued in Southern Arizona, so we were able to enjoy Christmas dinner outside.

I am filled with gratitude for the life I have. Today was a good day to just “be”.

25 December 2024 by Ponderings and Musings 0

Christmas Morning.

I snapped from photos last night before going to bed. I slept well, and now it is Christmas morning. The house is still quiet, aside from a certain ginger cat expressing his displeasure of me not being awake for the sunrise.

I ended up being awake for the sunrise.

In a little while some family activity will begin and our Christmas will be in full swing.

I am looking forward to a lovely day.

25 December 2024 by Ponderings and Musings 0

Christmas Eve.

Earl has been busy in the kitchen working on Christmas Eve snacks. We keep it informal at the Desert Compound. I have to keep reminding myself it’s Christmas Eve; the sun is shining brightly with the promise of a beautiful sunset and the temperatures are still well within the 70s on the Fahrenheit scale.

I talked to family back east a little while ago. I’ll be giving them a call again tomorrow.

I’m enjoying sitting on the gazebo writing this blog entry, with a small glass of white wine to sip while composing the bits and bytes. I’m feeling particularly reflective and pensive today. Today was a normal workday for me, but since the team is awesome, I gave them all a head start on their Christmas celebration.

This holiday season has felt like one of the more lower key holidays of my adult life. I’m feeling merry, just not as loudly so.

24 December 2024 by Ponderings and Musings 0

About Me.

Just a guy with a husband. We’ve been together 28 years and he still makes me see fireworks on a daily basis. Hiker. Storm Chaser. Private Pilot. Tech Guy. Hackerish.

Weird? Eccentric!

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