GRAPHIC IMAGE (Dead Raccoon)

I apologize for the dodgy quality of the photo, but I've just spotted this raccoon near my house. It's clearly a victim of roadkill, which is incredibly ordinary.

This raccoon, however, is ridiculously large. I would wager that it weighs roughly 30-40 pounds (14-18kg).

This is only newsworthy to me because of the raccoon's size. Most raccoons we have around here are at most half the size of this specimen. The quality of the picture is so poor because that is the closest I could get without cutting out any part of the animal.

Poor guy, took it right on the chin, as dictates the stoic's manual.

My Local Pool...CLOSED

I was walking by the community swimming pool, and was surprised to see this.

I have NEVER seen a duck in my neighborhood before, so somebody must have planted these duck droppings in the swimming pool. I'm not sure why, but apparently the health officer happened to come out and find 'duck droppings' in an area with no ducks!

Or, some ducks sneaked in and laid their droppings in the pool. I don't really know - just thought it was funny.

The ducks are still at large...

Kid Gets Caught Shoplifting

Here in southern California, we (read: guys) like to shop at places known only as 'T-Shirt Stores', or 5 for 10, as they are colloquially known.

One can purchase 3 high-quality plain t-shirts for $10 plus sales tax at these stores, so it makes little sense to steal something from these generous proprietors.

However, somebody didn't tell the kid in the picture above how cheap the garments cost, as he took it upon himself to steal clothing under the watchful eye of CCTV.

Thankfully, this petty thief has been shamed by the owner in this series of video stills that resides next to the door.

Truck Tipped Over

So I just encountered this incredible sight as I was driving, and have genuinely never seen something like this whilst stopped right beside it.

The cop told me that the driver is okay and then offered me free pre-mixed cement.

Ever seen anything like this before?

Interesting Storefront Sign

I'm not sure I've ever seen such an odd location in my overly sensitized suburban town, so this is a massive treat for me.

I'll be back on Monday to begin my Asian-style pastoral training. Anybody want to come with?

Fishing Boats

Fishing is one of my favorite things to do. I do it whenever I can - it's quite relaxing and is actually moderately fun.

Do you guys/girls ever go fishing? I do see girls fishing from time to time, so it's not unheard of.

What's Your Favorite Fruit?

Mine is the strawberry. The sweetness and robustness of the flavor is just astonishing. The fact that it is produced in nature continues to amaze me.

So, what's your favorite fruit?

Clandestine Wal Mart Office

So, I thought I was entering Pacific Division R, but it turns out I was going to a top secret Wal Mart office. I won't betray the location of said office, but I certainly found it odd that they are so secretive about its whereabouts.

Why do you think they don't want anybody knowing where they are? Other tenants in the building don't even know it's a Wal Mart office - I asked two and they said it was a real estate company in there. Hmm. Very interesting.

Snail Without A Shell

Ever wondered what a snail looks like when he's outgrown his old shell and goes off to search for a new one? Well, wonder no more, as I have photos of such a snail on such a journey.

They really are fascinating creatures, the way in which they protect themselves is quite remarkable. It's really the first bullet-proof vest, if you think about it. They don armour that isn't part of their body in order to protect themselves.

I just find these simple creatures to be incredible.

Note: I found him on my trowel in the backyard, took him in the garage for some photos (he was a natural in front of the camera), and then brought him back to right where I found him. I even made a mark so I could return the trowel to the exact same place from which I took it. No snails harmed here; I love them far too much.

Awesome Tree House!

I would've loved to have had one of these when I was a kid. Too bad this was in a front yard, though. I'd have preferred it to be in the back.