THE END OF 2018

The year 2018 is already gone in parts of Australia.

Our turn is in sight.

Here in Arizona the last day of the year has dawned cloudy and dreary with a high temperature expected to be only 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

And snow is predicted to arrive here in the Central Highlands this afternoon.

Probably just a light covering though and it will likely be gone soon as the temperatures warm later in the week.

What can I say about 2018 but "meh".

Perhaps the New Year will be better.

Let's hope for it, Gentle Readers.

Happy New Year!

LIGHT

What was that explosively-bright light I spotted yesterday?

Was it a meteor?

A terrorist attack?

A blown transformer?

No, none of those.

Just a last blast from El Sol for a gloomy, cold winter day in Arizona.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Good day, Gentle Readers.

Now that I've warmed up your humor senses with that Amazon-chicken-egg post of yesterday, let us get on to the real business of the day.

The Friday Funnies!

Now, Gentle Readers, yes, now . . . hitch up your knickerbockers, kindle your spirits, keep kicking knuckleheaded kindergartners out of your way, prepare yourself for a kaleidoscope of kaffeeklatsches, pound the kettledrums in a kindly and not klutzy way . . . . . and have a great weekend!

And always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

MY LATEST ATTEMPT AT SOLVING AN OLD PROBLEM

SO LONG, JERRY

I just learned that a Valley of the Sun legend named Jerry Riopelle died in his sleep recently at the age of 77.

He was a guitar player and singer who played with many of the greats.

I first saw him at the Celebrity Theatre as an opening act for David Bromberg and his band.

His New Year's Eve concerts in Tempe became legendary.

Here is a clip that combines both Celebrity Theatre (which featured a revolving stage) and New Year's Eve in 1975.

During a crazy age Jerry was loved by his fans.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

To all of you Gentle Readers, lurkers and contributors of great humor to this blog throughout the many past days, I give you my most grateful thank you and my sincere and enthusiastic wish for a peaceful holiday season and a fulfilling 2019.

CHRISTMAS JOY

I come from a family of stoic males.

This is my father in Mesa, Arizona.

This is his brother in San Francisco.

This is my brother in Minot, North Dakota.

This is one of his sons in Washington state.

This is another of his sons on a visit to us in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

And this is me recently.

See what I mean?

There's a certain kind of "it's me against the world" attitude showing.

But in spite of all that stoicism in the Taylor family I remember Dad introducing our family to this Christmas song and playing it year after year.

It's become my tradition now so brace yourselves.

Dad's been gone a long time, now but I have a feeling he'd still get a kick out of that tune.