Monday, February 23, 2026

Monday February 23, 2026 Birds+Beetles

 

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Monday February 23, 2026

It is hard to fathom that I actually return home in 15 days...  I guess having the IPTV with me for the sports and Olympics must have made the days go by much quicker.

Last evening I went outside and saw some Longhorn Beetles on the patio roof, near a fallen mango where a family of them were feeding and, I think, making babies.  I got the P1100 for a closer view and the results are below.  

I also caught Tom Thumb last night and today,... but today I caught him in a peaceful standoff with another rival.  It seems like they came to the understanding that there was enough nectar for them both to share and avoided stabbing each other.

Overall, I took about 250 photos... 

Last evening, I met Bernd again at the Mocca Cafe for a couple of beer and hamburgers.  It turns out they make pretty good burgers too! 

Then I ran into our "realtor" Diego and asked him to come by today to research these neighboring properties for sale.  He has not shown up yet.

We had a good rain last night so the water was turned off most of the day. 

Aunt Nativa just showed up at our door.  Her grandson, Victor Hugo, has been with his father in Spain for the past year so she is finally alone again.  And, I have to say, she looks years younger!  I asked her for her secret of youth and she just asked me for a beer....  Somehow, I don't believe that is the secret.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.  That was the day’s excitement.

Al

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© All my work is COPYRIGHT protected and may not be used in any way without purchase, or without my permission.  

If you want to borrow a picture to share with family and friends, Facebook or whatever, at least PLEASE give me credit for the photo.

NOTE  that you may click on any photo for an ENLARGED VIEW.


Longhorn Beetles






BIG thunderstorm last night

Kiskadee


Tom Thumb



Tom and a rival
















Gecko watching the action

 

 


Sunday, February 22, 2026

Sunday February 22, 2026 Disappointment

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Older Blog:  https://cuencaupdates.blogspot.com/ 

Please see my best artworks for sale at my websites:

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******

Sunday February 22, 2026

 I slipped out on the older electric moped for a while at sunset, hoping for some nice pics.  This is what I came back with....

Two Ibis







I see a fire-breathing dragon....



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning, The Swedish women's curling Team Hasselborg beat Swiss Team Tirinzoni for the Gold medal.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning, the final day of the 2026 Olympics had the final hockey game between arch-rivals Canada and the USA once again..... 

The game itself did not disappoint, with Canada really outplaying, outshooting, and dominating the America team.  Hot goalies and poor finishing on shooting chances had the game go to overtime 1-1, where the rules are 3 on 3 play until someone scores.  It usually happens quickly, and today was no exception...

A slight lapse in aggression by our third-best player, Nathan Mackinnon, made him the goat of the game, sadly not the GOAT.  He had a chance to control the puck in the corner and inexplicably slowed, allowing the Americans to pass in front to a wide-open Jack Hughes....  Game over...

I am so proud of both our hockey teams who both went to overtime, outplaying the opposition, but were denied the Win.  2 Silvers are not to be sneezed at...

I makes me absolutely ill that Donald Trump can now crow that the American women AND the American men have beaten Canada in our own game....

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR 

 

I will give the American team credit for a classy tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, killed in a car crash a while ago.

Now, I think I want to puke............. 

 

I hope you enjoy the pictures.  That was the day’s excitement.

Al

******

© All my work is COPYRIGHT protected and may not be used in any way without purchase, or without my permission.  

If you want to borrow a picture to share with family and friends, Facebook or whatever, at least PLEASE give me credit for the photo.

NOTE  that you may click on any photo for an ENLARGED VIEW.


 

Blanco and Mono are ready to watch.

So is Wayne Gretzky

and so is Serge Savard!

The puck drops, Canada gets first possession.

Not sure about these bad stats

A giveaway costs us first

A huge hit

He was lucky not to be hurt...

We tie the game

Near misses, time after time

Fans everywhere watching

Overtime winner by Jack Hughes.

Americans celebrate

We deserved to win..

Their goalie had horseshoes...

Sidney Crosby could not play

The goat of the game Mackinnon

Silver medals

Connor was Captain for the game

So proud of these guys

Captain Matthews beams

They were the lucky team today

Congrats

A classy move