WE ARE FAM-I-LY!!!

Our grandson, Sgt. Russell "Rusty" Milburn paid a visit to Arizona this past weekend, accompanied by the love-of-his-life, Kayla.

Well!  That brought a gathering of the clan together.  Rusty's twin sister Christina (Christy).

And his older sister, Lesly.

And her son, the handsome and precocious Donovan.

Of course, the BRD was in attendance.  Actually she hosted most of the weekend at her lovely home.

She and SWMBO planned the entire event for days in advance.

The BRD's Beau Jack aided in the hosting and competing with Donovan at a yard game.

I think I have revealed in the past a fascination with women's painted toenails.  This weekend I was in, as they say, hog heaven!

Although we all had great conversations with our soon-to-be civilian and his lady, I noticed that they never strayed far from each other.

And one final shot of the young-uns as cars were about to take to the road for different directions.

It was a great weekend reunion and everyone left happy. 

FESTIVAL SEASON

Prescott is known for its summer festivals of arts and crafts and the season is underway.  A big festival was held on the Courthouse Square recently.

I liked what this young lady did with her cut-offs, adding a stylish fringe.

One of the sellers in the festival was an apparent expert in the art of Bonsai.

I'm not sure what these are but they are beautifully done.

One lady had a beautiful display of silk scarves.

This lady was dressed as artistically as her paintings!

And there was the garlic seller . . . in costume.  Check out the hat.

Nearby a yummy display of decorated apples.

And for the wine collectors, a novel wine rack carved out of stone.

Sellers I talked to said sales were pretty good and it looked like everyone was having a great time.

WET AND WILD

It's been a moist Wednesday, a bit of rain drizzling down.  It will be that way until Friday when our grandson arrives with his lady friend.  And a couple of granddaughters will join him here from different directions.  The weekend will be warm and dry and full of family fun.

VIEWS FROM ABOVE

This is Prescott's signature sight - Thumb Butte.

It doesn't look very much like a thumb from this direction but from the north the resemblance is better.

The much more impressive sight is to the north - Granite Mountain.

The next several photos were taken, as were the previous two, from atop Prescott's parking garage.  I think you can see why they're not included in brochures from the Chamber of Commerce.

The next one is kind of an exception to that rule when one crops out the wires and other stuff atop the building.  It's the rear of the Jersey Lilly (second floor) and the Palace Saloon (ground floor).  The owners have done their best to convey the western image.

But, looking toward the picturesque county courthouse, the view across rooftops returns to the ugly.

We just have to face facts.  While somewhat interesting, the views of rooftops just aren't very scenic.

MY BIRTHDAY GIRL

SWMBO had a birthday this week.  She is still as beautiful as ever.

Happy birthday, J.G.

TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIANS - COVER YOUR EYES!

Some of you observant types may have noticed that today is a day the superstitious fear - Friday the 13th.  I am not one to fear it and, therefore, bring greetings from two of my cats.

Which brings me to a story.  Once, long ago, we were giving a party.  An African-American co-worker arrived at the door and when I opened it to him, Primo - a former very black feline in our family - slipped out.  My co-worker, Ron, reacted with a shudder and asked "How can you have a black cat in your house?"

I said "Why not, I'm letting you in, aren't I?"

(Ba-da-boom!)

BIRD BRAINED

Call me what you will but I can't resist my avian friends.

These are bluejays.  Or mountain jays, to be specific.  They were either friendly or mating.  I'd suspect the latter since they don't often seem very friendly.

A bit later this big-breasted robin showed up.

He took an interest in the bird bath.

Apparently being accustomed to such appliances, he knew that fresh cold water wasn't just for drinking.

Having splashed most of the water out onto the ground, he turned and glared at me, as if to say "Hey, do I stare at you when you take a bath?"

SPEAKING OF BIRDS . .

. . . yesterday I wrote briefly about birds in the hand.

Today it is about one bird in not exactly the bush but in our as yet unbloomed Mimosa tree.

In this next view part of a twig makes it appear as if he has four eyes.  I assure you it is an optical illusion.

And then there's cookery.  Last night I cooked Chicken Saltimbocca.  For those not familiar with it, chicken breasts are flattened to a quarter of an inch or so, salted and peppered, layered with several small basil leaves, topped with prosciutto, lightly floured and sauteed in butter and olive oil.  When they are golden, a sauce is prepared consisting of white wine, lemon juice, chicken broth and a bit of flour for thickening.  Yum.

SWMBO fixed a pea risotto to accompany the chicken.  Delicious!  And, joy of joys, there was enough to have it again tonight!

Now, here's a puzzle for you.  Can you figure out what this is?  It is baked in a 12-inch (or so) black iron skillet.

The second photo should give it away. 

It is a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie! 

I swiped the recipe from Melissa at Alosha's Kitchen.  Hers looks better than mine because I think I baked mine a bit too long.  All I know is that the half I have left is hard as a rock.  But it is tasty!

Magpie 65

He gazes at the birds
In his hand.

He wonders.

What has nature wrought?

He thinks.

This is all that life means.

Birds . . .

In the hand.

Others.  At Magpie Tales

IN A HURRY

O.K.   But what's the rush?

MOTHER'S DAY 2011

My Mom

Hattie Loretta (Hylland) Taylor

1904-1953

A Western Mom

Instructions for all Moms

Here's hoping you all have a

Happy Mothers Day!

Patterns

THE LEADER OF THE PACK

I spotted this group of motorcycles this week and couldn't resist a photo.

Parked nearby all by itself was this lovely white Harley.

Of course, I couldn't be sure but the contrast to the bright colors of the other bikes could mean that this belonged to "The Leader of the Pack!"