Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Dish, Dust, and a DANDY!

Spotted a couple Dish trucks parked along Cole Circle so decided to investigate.



Yahoo!  They're working on setting up the fiber optic connections for us.  I'm sure the screen tent was a necessity for our afternoon intense sunshine.


Thanks guys.  Keep working!  We're anxious for results.


Later that afternoon my cell phone was dinging as Avis Gray sent photos of another approaching dust storm.  Her backyard provides a great view as the clouds roll across that open field by the pickleball courts.



Just a typical monsoon dust storm.  They live a short life (thank goodness).  

Our upcoming weather report looks quite pleasant without anything over 110. 


And now for the grand daddy of photos!  
Lillie Corbitt found this critter (these critterS) in one of the maintenance offices.

If you're squeamish about bugs,.......don't look below.
If you're fascinated with nature..............scroll down for a seldom seen photo.










Mama Scorpion protectively carries her babies on her back till they're old enough to fend for themselves.  I looked up some info on the web:

Arizona bark scorpions have a gestation period of several months, are born live, and are gently guided onto their mother's back. The female usually gives birth to anywhere from 25 to 35 young. These remain with their mother until their first molt, which can be up to 3 weeks after birth. Arizona bark scorpions may live up to 6 years.
The bark scorpion is particularly well adapted to the desert: layers of fat on its exoskeleton make it resistant to water loss. Nevertheless, bark scorpions hide during the heat of the day, typically under rocks, wood piles, or tree bark. Bark scorpions do not burrow, and are commonly found in homes, requiring only 1/16 of an inch for entry.
The popularity of irrigated lawns, and other systems which increase environmental humidity in residential areas, has led to a massive increase in the number of these animals in some areas.

Bark scorpions, like most other scorpions, are incredibly resilient. During US nuclear testing, scorpions, along with cockroaches and lizards, were found near ground zero with no recorded adverse effects.  Bark scorpions can easily find a crack or crevice to invade a home, as they can fit through any space thicker than a credit card. Glue boards are a good way to trap scorpions in the home. The best place to stick a glue board is along walls near points of entry to the home, such as doors or windows.

Basic first aid measures can be used to help remediate scorpion stings:
  • Clean sting site with soap and water
  • Apply a cool compress (cool cloth)
  • Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for local pain and swelling
Since the amount of venom a scorpion injects varies, Arizona poison control centers suggest immediate medical attention only in the event of extreme pain or stings involving weaker individuals.

******************************
Here is a photo of a house we watch and they keep gluepads by each door.  I bet they're glad they did this summer!