24 Volvo S60 T8 Recharge extended review

Simple in appearance, refined, excellent comfort, performance in a non-flashy way!

Some thoughts about the 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge. 

My vehicle arrived in Thunder Gray and I so like this colorway.  Reminds me of a Battleship Gray but modernized. 

Immediate thoughts are how simple and clean the vehicle looks, nothing ostentatious here.

My reviews focus on the practicality and ease of use.  The Volvo S60 Recharge immediately made me feel comfortable and connected.  The varying seating positions are a big help in this area. I prefer driving with a feeling of being elevated in the cockpit. The S60 quickly allowed me to get into a comfortable position that worked for a 6 hour round trip highway drive.  The seating surfaces are firm but comfortable for me.  Seating space in the rear is fine for most adults, however I wouldn't expect 6' plus passengers to enjoy the space for long-term rides.

The Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system works nicely, provides wonderful clarity and the speakers have a nice look to them.

The interior mimic the style of the exterior.  Attention to detail and functionality are at the forefront.  Steering wheel controls are easy to find and utilize.  Google Assistant, Maps and Play are built-in and function well. The large screen acts a simple command center in addition to steering wheel mounted controls.  Connecting via Bluetooth was simple.  My test vehicle needed an software update which also went very smoothly with simple, clear and concise instructions. 

Safety and technology are very good, providing various camera views, automatic braking, Lane monitoring assistance etc.

Suggested prices begin at $43,095 for the CORE, $46,045 for the PLUS and $50,845 ULTIMATE.

Performance was plentiful and more than most people will need for regular use. If you do need to move quickly this vehicle will do it with ease.

MPG 40

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KXPs8xy2CA2KEbbY8

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV extended review

Big and little at the same time! I'm a fan of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. 

The appearance of this vehicle is striking! Not because of boldness but the refined, confident, strong vibes it gives off. It is clearly a MAZDA! 

My test vehicle secured via DriveShop NYC arrived in the "pearl white" color. The CX-90 PHEV is a 7 passenger vehicle but handles and drives much smaller. 

At slow speeds it can feel tankish, however the performance is there to quickly move you along. Multiple driving modes (Sport, Normal, EV, Off-Road) are noticeable when engaged. The majority of the time was spent in normal mode and the functionality was fine. 

I enjoyed the seating surfaces, they were firm and comfortable. The rear "Captain chairs" were a big hit with the passengers. The drivers side is equipped with lumbar support and multifunctional/positional features. 

Lots of cup holders of various sizes suitable for beverage types for the 7 passengers. 

The CX-90 PHEV ergonomics make it easy for the driver to navigate the technology and preparing the vehicle for the road. 

The infotainment cluster is good, with lots of options. The connectivity with the Bluetooth was a bit wonky. Once connected there was a lengthy delay in making changes from station to station. Possibly a wifi issue but it happened on multiple occasions in different locations. 

I found the cameras to be very good and the birdseye/above the vehicle view is a fantastic addition especially when parallel parking. This along with the vehicles outward site lines, large windows and technology assists in making the CX-90 PHEV feel smaller, and the driver to feel safe and secure. 

The moon roof is a big hit for me. The functionality and operation were simple. The aerodynamics of the CX-90 PHEV are on display when the moon roof is is open. Hearing and communication with passengers was easy and comfortable.

On the road and at home charging options for EV's is growing.  EV's have some charging accessories included.  A large aftermarket network is available for those who do not want OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) products.  BE CAUTIOUS IN WHAT YOU CHOOSE.

Charging stations are being installed in various areas and more big box retailers are installing multiple units in parking lots.  Some lots are offering premium parking spaces for EV charging.  As the infrastructure continues to develop we will see more and more vehicles and charging stations to accommodate the progress.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FpKJe3LYJ4Ze2Qoz7

Like a page in a book...Bags for Books

Keep the theme Time, Talents, Treasures, in mind when thinking about me.

This term was shared to me many years ago and has become something I think about regularly. 

In short we all have time, talents and some form of treasures. I've come to understand that what works for me is to think about MY time, talents and treasures.  Which leads me to conduct myself in a certain manner.

Being in this state being often has seemingly impossible things happen to me on a regular basis.  So much so that I live expectantly, eager for what is happening next or soon trusting that the probability that it is going to be something awesome!

As I was about to leave the office HUB-13 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/t6cR4htj9CgrUSXQ9

Yolanda L. Robinson asked if I would join her on a ride to the office Wanda McNeill via the Mercer County Parks Commission.

During the ride Landy mentioned that she was securing bags to be filled with books that would be given to children for the holidays.  She went on to mention that Wanda Webster Stansbury had initiated her participation. 

Wanda Webster Stansbury and I have collaborated in the past on literacy efforts.  Via my relationship with www.MagazineLiteracy.org I was able to secure copies of Highlights Magazine for students at the Gregory School.  Followed by the Gregory Schools adoption of an LBOT - Library Boxes of Trenton.

http://trenton365.blogspot.com/2016/06/library-boxes-of-trenton-nj.html

I was then able to connect with Danielle Miller Winrow of Sprout U School of The Arts

https://www.sproutuschoolofthearts.org/

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NfHteXvVRxF5EPhg6

Trenton 365 Dr. Kevin Kita

I recently sat down with Dr. Kevin Kita.  We met via social media, then in person and my most recent visit to his office in Morrisville PA.

The reluctant to be called "Doctor" is a calming presence and one that I appreciate.  The estetics of his office, the location etc. work nicely together.

Prior to our in-person meeting we chatted on the phone and Dr. Kita shared about his practice, what it is and is not and his vision to share his gifts and talents.  When we met in person I did not receive any service but 

Horticulture Inquiry - Quercus acutissima

I'm a bit "country" meaning I really enjoy the outdoors and everything that comes with it.  Growing up in Ewing Township I spent most of my time outside playing in "The Hole" a location where the municipalities of Trenton and Ewing gathered soil that would be used to reinforce the banks of the Delaware River during a flood.  At least that is what I was told.

"The Hole" was bordered by a cemetery, a creek and two main arteries.  It was full of wildlife and native vegetation.  I remember eating blackberries, raspberries, crab apples and when things were good wild strawberries even though I was told they would make me sick.

"The Hole" was a meeting place and hangout location for my family, their friends and plenty of others.  In this space I learned to ride motorcycles, throw "dirt bombs" learned what bees liked sandy soil, flew kites and more.

So when the 2 trees outside of our 100+ year old row home in Trenton, New Jersey began to drop an over abundance of seeds/nuts, I perked up.

I put a few videos and some images out to my social media network to learn about these trees.  The trees are behaving as they normally do except this year there is large dropping a "bumper crop" in the street, on parked cars, the sidewalk and me while cleaning them up.  Within a 24 hour period I've picked up over 80lbs. of nuts, caps, leaves and debris from the crushed droppings.

The local family of squirrels are enjoying themselves however I am also worried that someone may try to capitalize on the "Act of God" and file a slip and fall claim.  I would hate to see these trees planted by the City of Trenton removed since they provide needed shade to the street as well as shelter for the native wildlife and quite frankly I think they are beautiful!

I posted videos and images to my Facebook Friends hoping to learn a few things, mainly if this was normal and if these nuts/seeds were edible.  A few minutes later the replies poured in!  I am thankful for the ability to quickly connect with people who have similar interests and much needed knowledge.

In addition to receiving replies from people who own Tree Service Companies, work for Tree Service Companies, Master Gardeners, a few jokes and more, it has been narrowed down to Quercus acutissima.



Thank you for all of the replies, now to see if I can eat these bad boys!

Timothy J. Mellor was first to nail it.  Thanks to the Master Gardeners of Mercer County NJ as well, Mary, Debbie, Dana and Barbara.

Center for Child and Family Achievement Trenton NJ

A few weeks ago I received a message from the WIMG 1300 AM & www.wimg1300.com Office Manager Vennie Stansbury.  She mentioned that a Trenton based non-profit was looking to share some information about programming and a pop up art event they were having as a fundraiser.

I was contacted by Executive Director and Founder Wanda W. Stansbury, no relation to Vennie and the process began.  We played a bit of phone tag and then Artist friend Tasha O'Neil sent a email and we scheduled a visit to the "Pop Up Art Gallery" in the Princeton Shopping Center on Harrison St. in Princeton Township NJ.

Upon visiting the Gallery I was glad to see so many Artist' who I consider friends with work hanging.  Clifford Ward who has a space at The Grounds for Sculpture, Kathleen Liao, Educator Mel Leipzig, Gyuri Hollosy also with space at GFS, Carmen Seldon and several others.  this exhibit also includes various artist friom the







http://www.ccfatrenton.org/

Old Speckled Hen Distinguished English Pale Ale

While traveling I like to partake in the local food and beverage scenes. 

Recently while in Caribbean I was introduced to Old Speckled Hen 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Speckled_Hen

Listen to Old Speckled Hen.m4a by Trenton365 on #SoundCloud

https://on.soundcloud.com/dLA8U