THROWBACK THURSDAY

Mid 1980's - Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico - on the north shore of Lake Chapala.

This was my best friend during my Mexico days (well, next to SWMBO) - Walter Nixon.

Native of Harlingen, Texas - long time resident of New York City.

Proudly wearing his Garrison Keillor-approved Powdermilk Biscuits t-shirt, Walter was attending the annual chili festival.

And no, I don't think it was Pepsi he was drinking from those cups.

For those longtime readers of this blog you may remember that Walter was the father of reknowned Broadway, television and movie actress Cynthia Nixon.

He was very proud of her.

SNOW DAY

These pictures, as well as the new header photo, were all taken on Monday, when it snowed much of the day here in the central highlands of Arizona.

The snow is gone now as temperatures have risen once again but it made a nice contrast with the fallen red leaves from our maple tree while it lasted.

Last year I think we had maybe one or two snow days all winter.

This year, with el niño lurking off the Pacific Coast, we've been promised more.

We shall see.

TUESDAY TRAVELS

London Bridge (reconstructed) at Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Catalyst, my late uncle Zenas Howland Taylor, SWMBO.

Probably sometime in the 1970's. (Check the dandy 35 mm camera around my touristy neck.)

AND THEN IT WAS WINTER

Views around my yard this morning upon rising.

But now the sun is beaming brightly and the snow won't be here long.

This time.

CHANGING COLORS, FALLING LEAVES

Autumn is a time of beautiful color in the trees as they change hues with the colder temperatures.

Lori Down the Street took this photo of the red maple in front of our house a few days ago.

Curiously it was on the same day that I had stepped out to photograph it.

I like the contrast with the golden leaves of the tree next door.

Meantime the tree just outside my den window has lost a good portion of its leaves already. Soon they will all be gone until spring.

The Weather Gods tell us a cold front is headed our way tonight and tomorrow and there is even a possibility of a bit of snow.

But don't tell SWMBO's Christmas Cactus about that.

It is blooming.

Just like the local merchandisers, it seems to be pushing the season.

But we are thankful for its beauty.

With its many buds, it may just stick around for Ye Olde Noel.

I'LL HAVE MINE CHILLED

It was 32 degrees F. this morning when the finches began arriving at my freshly filled birdbath.

One or two even got into the bowl to take a quick spritz bath.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On a more serious note, what can one say about the horrific actions in Paris last night except to condemn them.

I was born in 1940 and grew up in the 1950's. In spite of the worry over "the bomb" and war in Korea, it was a much calmer time.

I did not agree with our "adventure" in Vietnam but even with all the lives lost in that misguided war, the 21st Century is turning out to be so terribly much worse.

The crazed terrorists who turned a beautiful city on end must be dealt with. Not the ones who committed the acts of carnage. They're apparently all dead, most by their own hands. But the ones who inspired them, in Syria or Iraq or wherever they are hiding.

In the meantime today I join citizens from all over the globe who shed a tear and join hands with our grieving friends in Paris.

FRIDAY (the 13th) FUNNIES

Oh, no, it's that day that triskaidekaphobians fear.

Yes, I will say it.

FRIDAY THE 13TH!

All right.

Got that out of the way.

Now, Onward!

That last one is more serious than usual for our Friday fun.

It may be a good one to end on.

Oh, yeah, you want the cat closer.

Well these cats want FISH!

Have a great weekend, everybody, and remember: always leave 'em laughin'!