extended absorption followup / random pics

I last watered the batteries on Sept 18th and noticed no appreciable increase in water consumption.  I watered the batts again yesterday, and after six weeks water consumption was normal once again.  And this is after being in full sun in the interim. I am ready to recommend the eternal absorption approach a success for

downtown Roseville, CA

Roseville is one town over from Rocklin, and is indistinguishable to this outsider except for the civic branding.  I’m at the Monk’s Celler on the downtown having some duckfat-fried french fries (epic for $4), a farmhouse ale / saison (ok for a $4 snifter (happy hour) , but short on