BIRDS OF A FEATHER

This little birdie was enjoying the new Harbor Arbor the other day.

While this one was eyeing it carefully and with suspicion.

(Sorry. 2nd picture accidentally over-cropped in editing.)

SATURDAY IN SCOTLAND

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Well isn't this jolly?

Yeah, I know.

Phoenix set a new record for the date yesterday: 117 degrees!

I think it only got to 103 here in the Central Highlands.

And we still have August to live through.

Nevertheless, SWMBO decided to go out alone to a store for the first time since mid-March.

Actually she only went to the garden shop but she came home with a potted wisteria vine and a trunkload of other heavy stuff for me to cart around to the back yard.

More on that in the ensuing days.

But for now, let's look at your weekly dose of the bright side of life.

O.K. dat's enough uh-dat!

Have a spectacular, toasty, maybe watermelon-fueled weekend, everyone, and always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

HARVEST

Tomatoes and Shishito Peppers.

HE LIKES IT

Our rent-a-cat, Matty, came by yesterday to inspect the new Harbor Arbor.

As he joined the Blue Cat in a brief catnap, he seemed to be giving his approval.

HARBOR ARBOR

When we lost our backyard tree to high winds and Dutch Elm Disease our avian friends lost their perching site by the bird bath.

Though the birds (and the occasional cat) continued to visit the water site, the lack of foliage bothered SWMBO.

So we planted an artificial tree next to the bath.

Prescott Valley's frequent high winds soon began stripping he artificial leaves from the artificial tree.

So recently SWMBO began shopping for an arbor and she found one, bought it and it arrived a few days ago.

Yesterday evening, we "planted" it.

The boss topped it with some webbing and some of the leaves blown off that pitiful "tree".

And, like parents of the bride, we are pleased to announce that it was promptly visited by a house finch and a goldfinch.

This morning nearly as soon as I opened the window I spotted a bird at the top of the arbor surveying the scenery and shortly after another bird drinking down below.

I think Harbor Arbor is going to be a success.

STICKING POINT

Take a look at this!

That's a brightly flowering cactus on Beau Jack's patio.

Maybe I'll have to change his name to Cactus Jack!