Sunset

Just wanted to share a gorgeous sunset.

Smartphone

After years of resisting, I finally caved and got a smart phone. My main resistance was the data plans that you are forced into. "A's" phone was finally dieing after just over 6 years and when we were looking there were not any "free" regular phones. You actually had to pay for them, but there were plenty of "free" smartphones, with a two year contract. Since "A" is not keen on the whole smartphone thing I stole her upgrade and gave her my phone, hehe.

I had a choice between an iPhone, Android phone or a Windows phone. I ruled out the Windows phone because they are too new. While I did like the Android phones, after talking with my brothers (who both have iPhones)  I decided on the iPhone because I already had a iPod touch (thanks K!!) and was familiar with the style. Also one of them also had several Androids and he favored the iPhone overAndroid.

I went to Best Buy to buy the phone. I knew that Verizon had the iPhone 4 for free and the iPhone 4S ($100) and the iPhone 5 ($200). If you know me, I sure am not going to pay for something if I can get something similar for free. The lady showed me a "open box" 4S that had been returned, it still has the factory warranty and was in new condition, that I could get for free. So of course I took that.

Removal of power poles

When we moved here we were told that there was an under grounding project that was a city/community project. Basically it entails under grounding all the utilities and then removing the power poles so that the views are unobstructed. We are pretty lucky in that we don't have transformers next to our house and we didn't really have any ugly views of power lines like some neighbors did. Although we did have a pole right next to our back wall that provided power to our house, it wasn't that bad.

Well four years after moving in they finally removed most of the poles this week. I say most because AT&T still has some wires on some poles and until they take care of them then the those poles will stay up.

We were told that they would use a large crane to remove the poles and the streets were going to be blocked off and could not park during certain times of the day, and what a crane it was. I guess it had to be to get over the houses and pluck the poles. I was a little concerned when the removed ours because of how they strapped it. It didn't really look that secure. But then again I could have used a new roof, but alas it didn't drop.

Neighbors house

Frost

The last few days we have been in a cold snap. This morning at 0730 I still had frost on my truck and I think by most people standards that is still pretty damn cold. Tonight is supposed to be even colder with the area issued a freeze warning. I am going to have to cover my lime and lemon bushes but the succulents will have to fend for themselves, I don't have that many sheets.

The weather dudes are saying that it could get down to the 20s(F)/-4(C) inland. I don't think we will have it that bad since I live on top of a canyon.