MONSOON DANGER

Our monsoon season, which Arizonans long for as it brings cooling rain, also can bring danger.

Frequently, even if there is no rain, it can produce lightning.

And in the dry climate of my state that can start fires.

I spotted the smoke from this one on the other side of the Bradshaw Mountains from us yesterday evening.

It has been named the Cellar Fire and it began Sunday from a lightning strike.

It was a small 5 acre fire then but by yesterday it had grown to 8,000 acres.

So be careful out there, folks, it's fire season.

THE BULLY

We've had a new addition to our avian swarm in the last week or so.

SWMBO has confidently identified him as a Bronzed Cowbird.

He's been dominating the drinking/bathing containers, chasing off smaller birds and sometimes even the doves.

He has a fierce set of very large feet that serve him well.

The only other bird that will challenge him for a drink is a Mountain Bluejay.

He's perhaps a tad smaller but his screechy voice makes up for the size difference.

It's an interesting time here at the Catalyst's Bird Sanctuary.

SUNDAY DINNER

I was put in charge of the entree for yesterday's dinner.

I tried a new recipe - Chicken in a Lemon Butter Sauce.

The sauce included thyme and chives from our pot garden and accompanied by Judy's Pesto Pasta, with basil also from our garden, it was pretty darned good.

T'MAY-TOE, T'MAH-TOE

Some early progress in our (pot) tomato garden.

These (above) will eventually turn red.

These will eventually turn yellow.

Or so I'm told by The Master Gardener.

Oh and by the way, the Monsoon Rains began this weekend.

Just lightly, so far.

WARNING

If you live in Arizona you probably know it is wise to avoid the "Jumping Cholla".

That's a member of the cactus family whose parts are only lightly connected to the plant and if you come into contact with one, even lightly, it will attach itself to you.

This hiker has just learned that lesson as the police try to decide what to do next.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Just when you (Acosta, Epstein, Coates) thought today would be a bad day here comes Your Favorite Catalyst (Me) to brighten your day and your weekend.

Yes, laddies and lassies, it is time once again for Fun, Frolic and THE FRIDAY FUNNIES!

Okay, you sweet sixteens, sixties and seventies, I know it seems like a sesquicentenary sometimes, but stifle your superstitions and start (whether sleepwalking or staggering) sampling your surroundings of satisfaction.

In other words, have a great weekend!

And always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(oh, that's not what I expected . . . . and I'm not lyin'.)

ZOOLOGY 101

I photographed this image on my patio the other night.

It looked familiar to me but I couldn't pin down the name.

Some checking around the Great Google found the answer.

That's the loveable face of the Proboscis Monkey.

Scientists tell us the longer the nose the more attractive he is to the female of his species.

Oh, and the top picture?

That's our 3-wicked candle which is said to repel gnats and mosquitoes and other pests trying to interrupt the peacefulness of my cocktail hour.

And make me think of weird monkeys.

So ends my lecture today.

Class dismissed.