FRIDAY FUNNIES

It's all about cats this week.  For those of you who don't like cats, take heed.  I read this past week that people who have a pet cat are less likely to suffer from heart problems and more likely to heal quickly from strokes or heart surgeries.

But wait!  This is supposed to be funny.  Unlike me, cats remember to stretch when they first arise from the arms of Morpheus.

Cats tend to disobey stereotypes and make friends with odd creatures.

Apparently there is a legitimate reason for that old hipster expression "You are one cool cat."

And for all of you who liked the "toner" picture from last week, here's another group showing the varying colors of cats.

That's one of those "awwwww" pictures.

Have a fun weekend, folks!

NEVER ASK

SWMBO came into my den this morning and said she was going into town for some shopping.  She said she'd probably be gone for quite awhile.  I (stupidly) asked if there was anything I could do for her while she was gone.

She dramatically said "Since you asked . . . could you vacuum the carpets and the floors?"

"Oh, sure", said I.

She left.  I vacuumed the whole house.  While doing so I had encountered some empty boxes and I knew there were some others in the garage so I went out with my trusty box cutter and demolished them. I filled one garbage bag with paper that had been used for packing.  I filled another bag with even more paper and the remains of a few boxes.  Then I filled a third bag with the rest of the cut-up cardboard.

Then, noticing that some of that damned insulated stuff, kind of like styrofoam popcorn, had littered the floor, I swept the garage and put it in the third garbage bag.  Then I moved a few full boxes around and generally neatened the garage up.  (If you could see our garage right now you'd know "neatened", as used in the previous sentence is a relative term.)

At the end of all this, I was totally bushed.  The Ibuprofen and the muscle relaxant I had taken had met their match.

During all of this, except the stuff in the garage, my trusty superintendent Blackwell had been wandering around keeping an eye on me.  Actually he just fixed me with this wondering stare, as if to say "Is this guy nuts?"

(The picture of Blackwell has been tweaked for a project the BRD is working on.  Gives him sort of a ghostly stare, doesn't it?)

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

As we continue to assimilate to our new home little problems arise. Yesterday it was time to hook up the washer and dryer.  I did the washing machine fairly easily but SWMBO said she'd take care of the dryer.  In Phoenix I had a devil of a time getting the vent tube connected.  So she went behind the machine to work on it and she said "you had better go into the other room until I get this done."  So she went at it and from time to time, I would hear a muffled string of profanity and then a loud scream.  Alarmed by the latter I stepped in and inquired if she was okay.  "YES!", she yelled, "Just leave me alone with this damned thing!"

I did.

Finally she gave up.  The vent tubing is round and the outlet to the outdoors is oval.  Plus the tubing seemed to be the same diameter as the dryer evacuation vent.  She commanded me to check at a hardware store for a piece of tubing just a half inch larger.  And if I could find something to deal with that circular vs. oval problem that would be good too.

At the hardware store I was quickly told that all tubing is the same size.  But they did have a converter thing that was oval on one end and circular on the other.  I bought it.  SWMBO went at it again. More screaming ensued.  She finally got the converter piece attached to the wall outlet and the tubing onto the other end of it.  Massive amounts of duct tape made it seemingly secure.  But she was having trouble getting the other end of the tubing onto the dryer.  And besides, it seemed too long to coil up neatly behind the dryer.  I finally told her to get out and I'd fix it.  That involved moving the washer so I could get behind it, jamming the tubing down and cramming the dryer up against it.  It ain't neat but I think it will work.

So, on to other problems.

We subscribe to DIRECTV and moved our equipment up here from Phoenix and one of the company's technicians installed it the day after we moved in.  But we are in a smaller house than the one in which we lived in Phoenix.  So instead of hooking up four television sets, we only needed three.  Yesterday I called the company's office and after about 40 minutes on the phone got the fourth connector taken off our account.  This morning we had no television on any of the sets.  So I called them back and spent another 20-30 minutes on the phone with them and everything is back to working.  Of course, DIRECTV is in a contract dispute with The Weather Channel and it doesn't appear right now.  But I suspect that will be taken care of in time.

Anyway to know what the weather is doing, all I have to do is step outside and look at the sky.  Today it's a bit gray.

It even looks like it could rain but there's none in the forecast.

By the way, once the sun is back out and the weather warms a bit I suspect this is where we'll be spending much of our time.

Our covered back patio, just large enough for a table, four chairs and a barbecue grill.  I predict they will all be used in time.

Finally, it is time once again for some remarkable music.  I am indebted to my friend and former colleague, Big Jeff, for making me aware of this man.  Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian virtuoso of the style of guitar playing known as finger-picking.  This is a great example of his talent. Enjoy.

PROGRESS REPORT

We continue to unpack and to place our "stuff" around the house. It's coming together and today I took a car's trunkload of flattened cardboard boxes to a recycling plant.  It felt good and I can now walk somewhat freely through our garage.  

Meantime.  

(Spoiler alert: I'm going to talk a bit about sports so those of you who can't stand it can just scroll ahead.  Or wade through it.  You might enjoy this.)

Yesterday was a big football day here and throughout the land. Peyton Manning led the Denver Broncos over the New England Patriots to the AFC Championship and a berth in the Super Bowl. Manning has been saddled with criticism for years that he is the best quarterback in the game with only one Super Bowl ring.  Now, he'll have a chance to win his second and I suspect he and his Broncos will be at least the sentimental favorite.

But they'll have to take on the Seattle Seahawks who came from behind in the 4th quarter to defeat the San Francisco 49'ers for the NFC Championship.  The focus, unfortunately, in that game came down to Seattle's mouthy cornerback Richard Sherman.  He'll have the Super Bowl to prove his claim that he's the best player on the field.

Meantime, I was informed today of a strange coincidence.

An old friend in Denver to whom I sent this photo said the real question may be whether anyone in either state will remember the game.  And the beat goes on.

Probably a lot of people, no matter where they live nor what vice they favor, may be feeling a bit like this today.

Now to end this on a happy note, I am indebted to the fantastic Tess Kincaid, poet extraordinaire, for showing me this absolutely wonderful music video earlier today.  Robert Plant, he of Led Zeppelin, shows he can sing sweetly when he's paired with the lovely Alison Krauss.  Expand the picture and turn up your volume.  I swear it won't hurt.

A NEW VIEW

We have moved to the Stoneridge development of Prescott Valley. This is our new view to the northeast.

Those are Arizona's Black Hills, with Woodchute and Mingus Mountains being the highest points, on the left.  I took the photo last night as the sun was beginning to set.  There's a lot of open space between us and the town of Prescott Valley, which you can see down there in the distance.  If you click on the photo, it will enlarge to give you a better idea of the view.

Right now...it's back to football.  At halftime, Denver is leading New England 13 to 3.

I BET YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T COMING BACK

But then how could I after making such fast cyber-friends with all of you?

Our move is complete.  Well, that means we're in our new home in northern-ish Arizona.  We still have much of our life packed in boxes scattered through the house and garage but we're slowly getting it together.

The weather was perfect for the move and the high temperature here is in the lower 60's day after day.  I can live with a winter like this. But having lived here before I know about February and early March snowstorms so I'm prepared.

But wait!  It's Friday!  That means the Friday Funnies!  This may be how Judy (SWMBO) feels.  Or it may be how I feel.

This next one is for the people we left behind in mega-Phoenix and for others who live in large cities with traffic jams.

Just so I don't get in trouble I need to tell you that those were both courtesy of the New Yorker magazine, which has the absolutely best cartoons and you should run right out and buy a copy or a subscription.

The next one was titled "Running Low on Toner".  Think about it.

And finally, how could I overlook the travails of New Jersey's Governor Chris Christie.

(This was sent to me by diehard Republican Beau Jack!)

I think I like it even better than the one of a Christie-like figure sitting on a stool facing into the corner with a bright orange traffic cone on his head.

I'm glad to be back.  Have a wonderfully frolicsome weekend, folks!

TWO DAYS TO GO

Our stay in Phoenix will come to an end in less than two days now. We move on Wednesday, just shy of 10 months after we moved here from Prescott Valley.  Now we will return there, though to a different home. People have asked why.  There are reasons.  We found the cost of living here much higher than we had expected and much higher than in Prescott Valley.  And the BRD lives in Prescott . . . just about 10 miles from PV . . . and was disturbed to see us move away.  She had, after all, left her 20-year adopted home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to move out here to be nearer to us some 13 years ago.  So, late learners that we are, we decided to return to her new environs, where she is settled and happy.  Now (perhaps) she will be even happier.  I think we will. And Phoenix, with its museums and concerts and restaurants will only be 100 miles from our new home . . about an hour and a half distant on relatively high speed highways.

So there you have it.  Plus, on our last visit to Prescott a week or so ago, we tried a tiny new restaurant . . Prescott Lobster & Seafood . . and found their Connecticut Lobster Roll sandwiches exquisite.  Not to mention the gelato that finished our lunches.  It's a great addition to the local dining scene and we hope they will enjoy success and a long life in the city.  We know we will be back.

Oh, and by the way, if any Mainers (residents of the state of Maine) are reading this . . they have Moxie!

This is reputed to be a special soft drink with health-giving qualities. We didn't try it on our visit but we will in the future.  And I just like the name.

So tired as we are right now and will be even more in 48 hours, we're looking forward to our new adventures in our old/new home.

We have done this before.  Too many times to count anymore.  But after all.  We've got moxie!

FRIDAY FUNNIES

You wouldn't think I would have enough time to scrounge up a bunch of funnies but I guess the people I steal from my friendly contributors have been more active this week.  So without further ado . . .

Then there are my buddies, the cats.

Speaking of "old", I've always been of the persuasion that the older one gets, the wiser one becomes.  There's proof of that belief all around us. For example . . .

Enjoy your weekend, folks!

THE NO-POST POST

Since you got two last night, you don't get one today.

But never fear!  Tomorrow is Friday and you know what that brings?

The Friday Funnies!

ADDENDUM

Just after I published my last post, SWMBO came in and said "Look on the table."

Blackwell says "Don't even THINK about leaving me behind!"

THE MOVING BLUES

As you all know by now, we're moving.  Again.  The last time we moved I swore it would be the last time.  That was 10 months ago. 

As everyone knows moving is one of those experiences one should never repeat.  I have moved somewhere around 30 times in my life. My brother has lived at the same address for probably 40 years.  Or more. So which one of us is the smart one?

Of course, it's really not all that bad.  We have hired a crew to come on moving day and fill the truck for us.  The BRD has volunteered to drive it to our next home, about 100 miles away.  And another crew has been hired to unload it.  So all we have to do is pack up all our life's possessions.  Not bad, right?

Dream on.

The constant packing is a chore.  And as we fill box after box, we begin to ponder the all important question.  Did we rent a big-enough truck? Or will it look like . . .

But I'm not worried.  Not really.  It will all be fine and will work itself out.

I grant you.  Sometimes my patience wears thin and I raise my voice. But then I'm reminded of this and I calm down fast.

Only a week to go, folks.

A BORROWED BLOG POST

We are moving.  In one week.  I'll bet you know what that means. Among other things it means my blogging will be sparse.  But I have friends.  And they send me things.  My dear Lori sent me a bunch of WOW photographs today.  I picked out a few to show you.

Like the tenacity of the humble tulip.

Or of those insane people who climb mountains.

Even more insane, in my view, are these people out for a casual bicycle ride.

Along with a strange mind, that trip requires absolute nerve and steady hands.

Then there's this picture of Manhattan.

And the amazing power and wonder of nature.

And, impressively, over my state's very own Grand Canyon.

Lastly (you already know I love cats) this amazing picture.  "Baby turn my brown eyes blue."

Thank you, Lori.  Luvya!

ONE MORE TIME

A good friend of mine, Alaska Jerry, posted a terrific picture on Facebook today.  I thought I'd share it with you.

With the death of Phil Everly making news yesterday, this really does have a special impact for me.  And just to remind you how good the music of "way-back-then" was take a look and listen to these remarkable harmonies from Phil and Don Everly in concert.

Never a note off, these two guys were simply sensational.

(And their pants fit!)

SO LONG, PHIL

When I was a teenager, these guys made a difference.

The Everly Brothers

Phil is gone now.  Don lives on.

FRIDAY FUNNIES

May your next two minutes be frolicsome and fun!

MY BUDDY

Show me the Lord of the Manor, settled into a recliner in front of a television showing the latest football game . . . and I'll show you a huge black cat that leaps up (sometimes unexpectedly) into his lap, kneads until he's quite sure it's comfortable and then lies down for a nap. That's my Blackwell.

"And yes, I know I'm handsome."

OLIO

"Olio" is a crossword puzzle word that means a mixture, or medley or hodgepodge.  Actually I prefer "hodgepodge".  At any rate, that's what you're getting to mark the beginning of a new year.

Last night's New Year's Eve feast was baked potatoes, my semi-famous Pepper Steaks, a nice mixed salad prepared by SWMBO, and a baguette, all complimented by a tasty bottle of red.  

Strangely, the only photo of the meal is this one of the somewhat depleted red wine.

SWMBO was busy with the slow cooker this week.

Ham and beans!  Yum!

And her delicious corn bread to accompany them.

Oh, by the way, she has it in her mind to hire some off-duty firefighters to load our truck when we move.  I can't imagine why.

I thought you might like to see some products of our back yard.

Well I really need to get away from this computer and watch some football.  

Ouch!  Okay, help my wife with some packing.