MAG 67

Now, this is an interesting bunch.

First there’s that pompous poseur with his monocle, staring affectedly up towards the light.

The young lady, ignoring her platter of chicken . . or is that pigeon . . , follows his gaze. But not without some disinterest and boredom.

The paid lute player to her left is rapt in his music, or in the cash that he will earn for this gig.

There’s a waitress (or waiter, who can tell these days), dressed in typical New York goth black, trying to do her/his job.

And then there’s the guard, who’s doing what he should be doing: keeping his eye out for interlopers.

So, what does this painting tell us?

Well, I’ll tellya what I think. I think these are a bunch of outta work hacks who are trying to become art objects. But, y’know, I think they’re mostly extras who stumbled into this scene in the hopes of winning the artistic “American Idol” competition.

My vote? They haven’t got a chance.

Except for the guard. He’s got an interesting face and I think, if he can carry a tune, he might be okay to lead a rock band.

We’ll see.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOB

Bob Dylan is exactly one year and one month younger than I am. 

I still prefer his music from his beginnings.

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.