A QUIET DAY AT THE FARM

FOODIE ALERT

 We had a little gathering here last night.

L-o-n-g time friends Tom and Lana Cochrun were visiting from California.

Gayle, aka The BRD, joined us from Prescott.

And where are the pictures of this happy group?

In spite of the presence of two former video journalists and multiple cameras, not a single photo of the people survived.

Instead we have several photos of the food prepared and served by my beloved chef Judy, aka SWMBO, with her customary elan.

A variety of crackers, and salami-and-cream-cheese roll-ups.

Several varieties of olives, and baked bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese.

And the pièce de résistance, a huge platter containing sliced kiwi, watermelon, cantaloupe and red grapes adorned with mint leaves.

Oh, and how did I forget and miss photographing, two chicken liver and mushroom pâtés topped with chopped chives.*

For dessert, homemade lemon shortbread cookies and spiced pecans.

Also served were wines from California, Chili and France.

As Judy put it, "Just some picnic snacks."

As Tom, many years ago, called such a fête, "A Feast Among Friends."

It was all delicious, convivial AND we have left-overs!

(*Just to let you know, I have long resisted pâté or any liver dish. But these were scrumptious and I had three helpings!)

CLOUD CREATURES

 What do you see?

WATCHFUL

 A lookout.

STOICISM

 Sometimes the Catalyst smiles.

Sometimes he doesn't.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

 Wella, wella, wella, how's your week been so far?

It's been fairly busy here but nothing much to report.

I don't know about you but I'm ready for a weekend.

Not that every day isn't a weekend for someone of my advanced years.

But, you know, you have to keep up the tradition.

Now I know that some of you will groan in agony when I say this but I feel a bit ready for a whole day of pun-ishment.

So here goes.

Gadfrey, I can hear the moaning and groaning from here!

You really must try to be better sports about the whims of your wizard.

I'll leave you to work on that but in the meantime have a wise and weird and wonderful weekend!

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(...yup, like father, like pet...)

SYTTENDE MAI

 If you can't read the title of this post, I'll forgive you.

But for all of my fellow Norwegians who are celebrating their Constitution Day today we'll tell you that's Norwegian for May 17th.

Pretty big deal in the motherland.