2019

As we gather around a warm fire, it's time for another new year and contemplation of what 2019 will bring.

But first, let's take a look back at how 2018 ended.

Snow!

It snowed for hours beginning about 9:30 in the morning and covered everything around the Catalyst's lair.

Early on I had taken the bird bath, frozen solid, and placed it against the tree where it and its pedestal were soon buried in soft but heavy snow.

The colorful whirligig was snowed to a stop.

The smiling sun faces began to take on a worried look as the snow kept falling.

And the poor rock turtle eventually was left with only his beak peeking out.

It's a chilly 10 degrees F. as I'm writing this and supposed to top out at only 34 today so much of the snow will remain.

But the Weather Gods tell me the high by Friday will be in the mid to upper 50's.

So this somewhat rare snowfall will soon melt and drain away.

It's pretty while it lasts and fortunately I have a full larder and nowhere to go.

Happy New Year, everyone.

WEATHER UPDATE

This is just to prove that the Weather Gods aren't as smart as they think they are.

Our forecast this morning said we'd have snow this afternoon.

It's 10:20 a.m. here now and this is what I see outside.

The back yard with the mural and the frozen-solid-birdbath leaning against the tree.

Yesterday when I thawed it out and filled it with water I nearly instantly had visits from a Mockingbird, several Collared Doves, a Finch, and a Bluejay.

But they seem to have taken today off or have found water elsewhere.

The patio furniture is also taking the day/season off.

Meanwhile the snow is falling continuously and, at times, the flakes are getting bigger.

My New Year's Eve will be spent in my nice warm home.

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.