"It ain't over til it's over'

Amazon's October Prime Deals are over, but that didn't stop a lot of people from buying things they needed. I honestly thought about purchasing a Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 because I am going to need another one soon (I backup my computer several times a month, rather than weekly like some people do). Now that it's a day after the deals are over, the 15% discount I saw yesterday (making the drive $109.99 instead of $129.99), may "force" me to wait until Black Friday deals as I'm hoping it stays at this price point until then and there will be a better discount for Thanksgiving. I don't need it that badly at the moment to buy it now. Although, it is sitting in my cart; I'm hoping the conspiracy hack of "Amazon sees you keep stuff in your cart and will offer you a discount for purchasing it if you wait long enough" will work. I can't confirm that it does, but I've heard stories about it. So if it's true, I'll find out in my own account (and report back). 

I went to the gym last night, as I didn't have opportunity in the day time. It's so much more quiet after 6pm there because it's my community's gym and we don't have that many machines to begin with. Therefore, I got to watch whatever I wanted while working out. 

During the day, especially this past week, I've been watching one "A Nightmare on Elm St" movie a day. I hate to admit it, but I've never seen any of the films. I know the character references, but of all the horror movies I've watched in my lifetime, this is one of the series I've not started. For two hours a day, over the past six days, I've been seeing Freddy Krueger ruin people's dreams. 

Side note, I've not seen the "Halloween", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and Friday the 13th movies either (even though I probably see the latter since I was born on Friday the 13th). I'm bad; don't judge. I've seen other horror and thriller movies; just not these specifics. Again, at least I know references. 

For as dated as these movies feel (hello: it's the 1980s: clothes, hair, posters on the walls), the graphics still hold up. Sure, some of the scenes look so fake and so old (not as crisp as what we're used to right now), but overall, if you said they were filmed over 30 years ago, I'd say "maybe 20 but nothing later". They honestly look like they're more recent movies, or else there's some serious upscaling to be able to see them on a high definition television. 

Meanwhile, I have one movie left in the collection to watch - Wes Craven's New Nightmare, which technically isn't part of the series, but an adjacent film. I think the film after that is Freddy vs. Jason, which is oddly enough, something I saw in the cinema. I happened to be working that day and snuck in after work. I had nothing else to do - didn't need to be home right away, so I stayed and watched a movie.

Yes, I know it's strange I saw Freddy vs. Jason after just saying I've not seen the original movies, but again, I didn't want to go home as I didn't have anything else to do that day. Why not make the best of your workplace and stay for a show? I had done that frequently when I worked at the cinema - either paying for one show, and staying for a double header (I did that one day with Harry Potter and something else). Or I stayed after work and watched something that suited my fancy (like the 2003 Hulk). I don't recommend doing this at all. We're in different times and you're apt to get arrested now. I'm lucky I didn't and I understand what I did was wrong. I've atoned for those endeavors and they are water under the bridge now. 

Anyway, having worked out last night and seeing another movie, I was able to see the moon hiding behind the clouds while leaving the gym. They're not the best photos of the moon (I took them on my iPhone 11), but the foreground of the playground is pretty cool. 

I didn't feel like getting my Canon out when I got home. I was tired, sweaty and it's buggy out. I would have had to grab my zoom lens, camera, tripod and set everything up in the street to get a picture over my end of the houses. I often feel ridiculous doing this, especially at night, because my neighbors can be judgey. And you don't know what animals are lurking around - I once came home late from work, on a trash night, and got within a foot of a trash panda. This was when we first moved here, so I haven't seen the raccoon since. 

It's just as well because those things are spicy little buggers. 

I remember working at a hotel in Naples, and there was always one hanging out at the back dumpsters, looking for scraps. The smokers bench was 10 feet from the dumpster, and when it was break time, I'd go outside with my co workers so they could smoke. I wanted the fresh air (or lack there of since I was sitting with smokers) and they wanted their nicotine. The times we were working at night, we'd watch the raccoon go all in on the dumpster and every once in a while turn to us, as if to check us out and see what we were doing and if we were going to bother it. 

Needless to say, I've had my fair share of wild animal run ins locally. Which isn't to be confused with the New England wildlife I used to see - we would get ducks in our yard after bad rain (because we ended up with a lake in the grass), foxes, every so often deer, and once I saw a beaver run through the yards. I think it was a beaver; it was grey with a wide brown tail. I tried getting a picture of it, but failed. 

So last night's moon pictures are as good as I can do with my phone and being lazy. I know it could have been better and I could have gotten more photos, but I wanted to go inside and get ready for bed. 

Today I plan on doing some errands and when I go back to the gym, I can hopefully see the Nightmare movie with no issues.

Until I can sort everything out... stay safe. 

Cheers;

See also:

* Title of blog comes from the 1991 Lenny Kravitz song, "It Ain't Over Til It's Over", which is track 4 from "Mama Said".

* A Nightmare on Elm St via Amazon

* Halloween movie via Amazon

* The Texas Chainsaw Massacre via Amazon

* Friday the 13th via Amazon

I hate fighting screens in order to take photos

Every time there is something of interest outside and I don't have a great way to photograph the thing, I always have to fight a window screen in order to get proof that it happened. 

Case in point: when I am trying to capture various wildlife outside of my condo, whether it's a bird, snake or rabbit in the back yard; or, as in the newest incident, it's a small turtle outside my bedroom window, eating the semi dying plants.

Yes, I happened to look out my window yesterday and saw what I think is a "Florida Cooter Turtle" (hehe.. I said "cooter"). According to the Internet and various searching, the thing I saw online, really looks like that's what has been seeing around the community. Last time I took photos of a turtle, it may ve been a Cooter as well. Just well mossed over. 

One of the websites I found information on, is Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. I'm still a little confused, but it really looks like this is what I've been seeing. If anyone knows how to read the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), I found information there as well. There are so many other sites, I'm sure this yellow striped reptile is correct. 

Using my handy dandy (but currently offered either as a bundle from a third party or certified refurbished on Amazon) Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Camera with Canon EF 75-300mm zoom lens, I was able to take some shots of the turtle while he escaped the heat and ate some food. 

Again, they're not the best because I was trying to capture him through my window and not have to go outside and disturb him. Plus, if I was on the walkway, I'd be photographing him from behind, so all you would see would be his butt. 

I don't think anyone wants to see that. 

Plus, had I walked out and over to him, he would have shelled up and I wouldn't have gotten his face, neck or legs in the photo. I would only have gotten the shell. 

I could have popped out my screen and taken the photos, but I honestly didn't want to disturb him. He was minding his own business and although I know how to push the screen back in (from the outside. Luckily we're on the first floor), I don't like doing that. 

It took me one time to realize the screen was already not sitting correctly when I tried fixing it and it fell out. Panic set in and I was able to put it back.

Therefore, it's not the greatest ideas to keep attempting to take it out, especially when it's not really warranted (examples would be if we were on the second floor and needing to close our shutters due to a hurricane).

As this would be one of the times I didn't want to tempt the fates in trying to get it back in, I really didn't want to have to go out and walk in the path of the turtle, which in turn would be interrupting his snack time. It would then defeat the purpose of not having gone out to begin with. 

It's a vicious cycle, for what benefit?

Not mine, not his, not yours. Just have some respect and courtesy. I am sure he didn't mind the photo op as he ate, but at what point do you call it a day and let him alone?

After about 40 pictures and two attempts at making a video. I wasn't using a tripod or stabilizer, so the camera kept shaking as I was trying to take the video. Which is why I'm only mentioning it and not uploading it. They're both only 30 seconds or so, but shaky as hell. The lens is too heavy to hold up and not have any movement. 

There's a reason I don't do video work professionally, and also without backup. 

Too many years of creating motion pictures and the visuals come out looking like I had a seizure because I didn't use any type of tripod on the camera. 

Video is one of those beasts where you can't be thinking that you're still when you're not. You're bound to have the shakes at some point. 

Anyway, I hope the turtle comes back. If he does, I'll try to get a photo or two (or 20) outside. Maybe those will be better. 

Until then, keep munching away on the flora and fauna.

Cheers;

Fan light | Posing | Seafood Day! | "Has it been that long?"

Went to visit Chester and his parents last weekend and there's a new light over the dining room table. It's not a formal dining area, as the table seats four and it's immediately off the kitchen island. It's a nook area, so it's not meant for large groups. It's big enough to sit comfortable and be able to quickly get up and get plates washed when done eating. 

The fan and light that is now over the table is different than what I've seen in various rooms. The fan is super quiet and gives off just enough wind that you know it's on, but it doesn't freeze you. The light bars are circular and it looks like a drawn out atom. However, upon trying to image search a photo, the common answer is it's more like Saturn in its design than an atom. Which makes a little more sense once you compare the two. The fan inside would be the planet and the main center light ring would be the ring around the planet. The other rings are bonus lights.

For reference, Amazon has a similar one in brushed nickel from a company called Fanimation and it's called "Fanimation Obvi 3 Blade Ceiling Fan 19.96 Inches Tall and 22 Inches Wide with Brushed Nickel Finish and Clear Blades". It's not "cheap", as it's listing for $649.99. There's a black version as well, with the same price point. 

Overall, it's sleek and a conversation starter because it's not an every day, "normal" ceiling light you see. It's unobtrusive in a way, so you barely notice it unless you're directly under it while the fan is going. You can feel the blades going, but they're not that powerful where everything is moving or it's too noisy. However, it gives enough light, that the table was very well lit as we ate. It didn't matter if it was breakfast or dinner, we could all see everything as we sat at the table. 

Yay for new things?

As it was a weekend of a fur baby, he not only got a new toy, he got a haircut. 

Chester doesn't sit still for one minute, so trying to take photos of him, I get very interesting side eyes and poses. On one of the nights, I happened to get a video of him slowly moving his head towards me to give me the stink eye but when he realized I was filming, he quickly moved his head back. It was all in the matter of 5 seconds, and really not a long enough clip to post on Youtube and link here. It was a funny thing because he was sitting down, waiting for me to throw a toy down the hall for him. 

Other photos I was able to get are below, and like always, I did some minor editing and they were taken on an iPhone 11. 

The photos of him on the bed is part of his night time ritual. First he knows what time it is (8pm) and starts clawing and barking at everyone, as if to say "time for bed!!!". If there is company over, he's told "it's too early; go play". So he plays for a little while and by 8:30, he's trying to go to bed again. If a movie or show is on and is over at 9, he's told to continue playing. By nine, he's had enough and the whining happens. So now everyone is sick of him scratching and complaining, so it's off to bed. 

Obviously, Chester runs the house. 

Once everyone is off to do their own nightly routine, the first thing that happens for the dog, is he gets lifted onto the bed (because he sleeps with his parents). From there, he looks for a sock (or two) on the bed, which may have "accidently" been left. 

As Chester loves stealing sneakers / shoes and socks, there's always one he magically finds under the covers. It's like a final game at night, and once he finds it, it's like his binky; he never lets go of it. 

The other photos of him are his foofy haircut and an expression of a demands man. He wants to play and he wants a toy and he wants it all now, instead of having his picture taken. 

It's always a long, draining weekend because Chester likes to annoy everyone if he's not the center of attention. He does have his moments when he's calm and hanging out with everyone, but sometimes he gets the spurts of wanting to do things. 

The life of having a pet... never ending!?

When I went to the library the other day, for a pickup, there was some setup on the information counter about the day. Every day is a different theme. The librarians research what day it is and offer books to read about that particular thing. 

For example, I went in last year on September 17, and it is not only my friend Cat's birthday, but it's also Cassandra Peterson's birthday. If you don't recognize the name, maybe you'll recognize her "alter ego": Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. When I saw all the books at the desk, along with the placard, I texted Cat and said "you share a birthday with a famous goth girl". Cat liked hearing that. She thought it was cool. 

This year I didn't go in on that day, so I don't know what they put up. But I was in on the 25th, and the sign said "It's National Lobster Day" with some shellfish books around it.

The books looked good; if we ate more shellfish, I would totally think about purchasing them on Amazon to have on the cookbook shelf. 

The pages I took photos from, were out of the "Lobster: 75 Recipes Celebrating the World's Favorite Seafood" book by Dana Moos. Only because the publication company is from Maine ("Down East Books") and it talks about everything relating to Maine lobster, including other ways you can add seafood to your diet. I wanted my mom to see what was out at the library that day. 

I had to giggle at the publication company name because not a lot of people will get the underlying reference of "Down East" unless they're from (coastal) New England (primarily Maine) or have been around long enough to understand where the term comes from. As I've lived the first part of my life in Massachusetts, traveling to coastal areas, I enjoyed seeing a company call themselves out for what they do and where they're located. It's a nice opportunity to "keep things local". 

Off topic for a second but relating to Maine: there is a podcast I listen to, where it takes place in the home state of Stephen King. It's from Realm and called "Undertow", which every season is a standalone series, even though there's a small connection early on. It's got so many other seasons and spin offs, it's hard to tell what's airing now, especially since it's been a while since I listened to it. I have a lot of shows to catch up on. But with the Amazon link, try to sort from "oldest to newest" and you'll get the first few seasons. If you listen in other podcatchers, do the same there. You'll not regret it if you're a horror fan. 

There's also QCODE & Endeavor Content's "Blackout" which takes place in New Hampshire and is voiced by Rami Malek.

Anyway, back to the book.

One of the things it talks about is the ratio of meat to pounds (yield) - "One 1¼ to 1½ pound lobster = 4 ounces or ½ cup". No wonder they seem small. They may be meaty, but once you start chopping them up, they're not as plentiful as you think. That's why there's always something to go with them. 

Noted: I put my name on the photos simply because I took the photo. I do not own the copyright to the text on the pages. Just that I took the photo. 

The other book takes place in the Seattle Washington area: "Shellfish: Recipes with the Fresh Taste of the Sea (A Seafood Cookbook)" by Cynthia Nims. The publication company is, rather fittingly, "Sasquatch Books". I didn't get any pages from that book photographed as I was more interested in the lobster one. I don't think I looked through it enough to want to do anything with it. I don't know enough about the Pacific North West to make any viable comment on how good or bad their seafood is. 

This weekend marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Ian. A lot of places are still suffering the consequences of that storm and when we got Helene and Milton last year, it pushed back a lot of the rebuild. South Seas resort on Captiva is finally reopen and is doing a triathlon thing this morning. Or they were, because at the time of this writing, it should be over. The resort finally opened last month, I think, after being completely destroyed since 2022. 

Not to jinx anything, but we haven't gotten a blink of a storm this season so far, so everyone may be a little on high alert, especially while the rebuilding from Ian is still happening. Too many people are reporting they're still living in shambles because it's so hard to find work, get work, obtain materials for their homes and businesses. Fort Myers Beach is not even a quarter built back up. I'm told they're still looking messy. They can't win out there. But with tourists and snowbirds coming quickly, something has to be done. At least Margaritaville is there (I haven't seen it)?

I can't say much about what's going on with everything and the storm. I haven't traveled anywhere to see what places look like. I see the news talk about it and it was mentioned this morning we're three years into it. The area I am in looks okay to a point, but there are some spots that are still desolated. The mobile home parks are somewhat flattened and RVs are in the spots where the homes were. It's harder for those people to get their lives back, than it is for someone in a regular house. The insurance is bad for everyone, and if you own a double wide (or any other mobile home), no one is quick to insure you because of what you're in and what the storms are. It's rough and people are actively trying. 

I don't know what else to comment about with it because I am not actively in it. So rather than try to make something up or report on old news, I'll end it here. 

Plus, it's late enough in the morning where it's time to go do some errands. 

Until something else piques my way into here, take care and stay cool (it's still lower 90s here).

Cheers;

Bird watching, watching the birds

This morning when I was making my smoothie and coffee (aka my breakfast), the birds outside were having such a conversation, I swear there was a party going on in the bushes. Yet it was only 8 in the morning, so something was popping out there. 

I was able to see a mockingbird hopping around on the wall that separates the back of my community and the main road of the city, so I watched him to see what he was doing. Once I got my breakfast put together, I got my camera and decided to watch a little longer. 

The mockingbird paced the wall for a couple minutes and then flew to the tree outside the kitchen window. It was then I got to take a couple photos of him, including when he turned around and I got his tail (end). I wanted to say to him, "nice bum; where ya from?" but I didn't have a female bird to push his way. 

I know these particular flying creatures are fighters - they're not afraid to attack you, so I didn't want to get involved. As much as there was a closed window between us, you never know with them. 

During mating season, these birds are vicious. They will attack you if you get too close to their nesting area / territory. The males make a home in various plant life in order to try to woo the females into having babies with them (like any other sentient being does). If there are nests that are too close to each other, the birds will fight one another, essentially a "get off my lawn" / "find your own area" moment. Humans are not immune to being abused; I've been touched a few times by these things, as my mother and most of our neighbors have as well. My mother refers to this time "Alfred Hitchock's The Birds in real life". 

Last season, it became a game among the neighbors to see who had yet been body hit by a flying monster. None of us got scraped / cut; we just got a smack somewhere and the bird flew off. If we didn't move quickly enough, the bird came back to hit us again. I started calling one "Sid Vicious" because his home was close to my driveway. He'd be on the ready to pounce on anyone, hence "vicious". There was another bird two driveways over that Sid would fight with. 

It's strange to watch them go at it because they get so tangled up with each other, they literally are tumbling in the air as they're mid flight. They end up on the ground, even rolling on the sidewalk until they become airborne again.  

Anyway, history of the mockingbird over. The one I saw today in the backyard:

I didn't do any formal editing (in Photoshop), outside of auto tune (tone, color, contrast, sharpen) and adding my name. Like I said, there was a window between us, so I know the color is off (our windows have a slight tint to them) and I'm still not on a calibrated system. The camera used was a Canon EOS Rebel T7i (currently refurbished on Amazon) and a Canon 75-300mm lens (currently refurbished on Amazon). Both are old models at this point and since they still work, I'm in no hurry to get upgrades unless I decide to get a better zoom.. and have a great paying job I need it for.  

While I was looking around to see the sources of the squawking, I saw a red bellied woodpecker. I haven't seen any type of woodpecker in ages, so this was really cool. However, I did have to change my spot in the house to capture a few photos, so they're a bit grainy and not so good. I had to shoot through the lanai screens on top of through the lanai doors. He had moved around the tree he was pecking at, so in order to stay with him, I had to move. Hence the weirdness of the photos (color - background washed out, he's a bit out of focus, totally zoomed in with the lens).

For all the pictures, I used the "flash off" setting because I didn't want to start messing with anything else. Who knows when I'd be able to see these guys again? I do tend to leave my camera in the "flash off" setting as it is, because most of the shots I take are indoors / of people. 

Just for sake of seeing how far the reach is, I got some other, bigger bird, across the street. The red tail hawks / hawk sized birds usually hang out on the lamp posts most of the day. Usually they snag a fish or two from the man made lakes and ponds, and use the lights as a dinner table. It's probably a nice little hibachi style heat and eat for them. Sushi, anyone?

I didn't see any other bird flapping around, so I don't know where the other noise was coming from. I guess they were all hidden in the trees and bushes and didn't want to come out and get their picture taken. 

It should be noted, that my mother thinks the mockingbird is really a blue jay, so any bird people want to correct me on this, please do. I honestly am second guessing what I took now.

Until we get things sorted and I see more wildlife, take care of yourselves. Be nice to and respect each other.

Cheers;

See also

* Link for "Monitor Calibration tool" via Amazon

* "Nice bum where ya from" framed poster via Amazon (in various sizes)

* "Nice bum where you from" pickup line shirts, pop socket, bag, phone case via Amazon

* Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" movie and links to other items of interest via Amazon