GINGERBREAD VILLAGE

The BRD, her Beau Jack, SWMBO and I had our Christmas day brunch/dinner at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center.  

Afterward, the wife and I toured the Gingerbread Village, an annual display of handcrafted dwellings made from gingerbread and candy.

The entries are judged.  This next one got a blue ribbon.

My favorite (I guess I'm still a kid at heart) part of the display is the electric train winding its way through the exhibit, including a tunnel.

There was even one entry based on the famous or infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Since the Resort is owned by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, I didn't see any Indian-fighters.  Or, in our PC age, would that be Native American-fighters?

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Here's to Christmases Past, including the one in 2014.  I hope you all had a festive and happy time.  Now let's get on to the business at hand.

On the other hand . .

And . .

It is then that I call in a true expert.

Now regular fans of Oddball's Friday Funnies know that I always conclude with the cats.  Not this week.  I thought this next one was so funny it had to be my ultimate this week.  Enjoy.

Like the lovely lady, keep laughing, folks, have a wonderful (if chilly) weekend and as always, thanks for the contributions.

THROWBACK THURSDAY & MERRY CHRISTMAS

THE HAT GANG

Some years back in Grand Junction, Colorado.  Waiting for a train back to Denver with good friends, Jeanne and Tim.

(Historical notes: my beard was reddish-brown, Tim's camera was a 35 millimeter SLR)

And, since today is December 25th, here's to one more opportunity to make you laugh.  Or irritate you.

FELIZ NAVIDAD

CHRISTMAS EVE

I took a spin into Prescott yesterday to see if Arizona's Christmas City was ready for the big day.  Looked to me like it was.

This is one of the historic old homes on Mount Vernon Street.

Two toy soldiers are standing guard at the front door.

A nearby street lamp was colorfully bowed.

The largest decorations adorn the walls of the newly refurbished Yavapai County Courthouse.  These candles undoubtedly give a warm light at night.

And a huge holiday wreath centers the west side of the building.

Meanwhile the gazebo on the Courthouse Square is heavily decorated and features who else?  Good old Saint Nick.

Even in the oddest places does one find a holiday decoration, like on the passenger seat of this gorgeous white BMW convertible.

So all appears to be in readiness.  Now if Santa Claus can just get Rudolph to cooperate.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

WINTER SOLSTICE

Our actual high temperature yesterday was 60.4 degrees F.

It's going to be frigid today, though.  The forecast high is only 52.

THE BEARD - 4TH PHOTO

It continues to struggle on.