WELCOME HOME, SOLDIER

I've never seen anything like this.  A boxer dog sees his master, a soldier coming home after 8 months away.  The dog goes absolutely nuts.  Watch and enjoy.

AN ADDENDUM

Just to prove they actually got the license, here's the blushing smirking BRD at the license bureau.

And here's the happy couple.

But I think that's the closest they'll ever get to the altar!

ANOTHER MARRIAGE LICENSE!

Now, don't get excited.  There is no reason to send congratulations or gifts.  No date has been set, nor will one.  But the BRD and her Beau Jack picked up a marriage license yesterday.


(pause for effect)


Actually this has become a tradition for them.  This is the sixth consecutive year that the handsome swain has arrived in a chauffered limousine to pick up the BRD for the trip to the License Bureau.  Once the piece of paper has been acquired, they head off to champagne and lunch.  The license goes on the BRD's refrigerator door and stays there until next year.

Normally this event takes place on April 1st, for obvious reasons.  But since the Fool's Day falls on Sunday this year, the event had to be moved up.

Here then, properly limousined and champagned, are the Beau Jack and the Beautiful Rich Daughter.

They included some good friends in their celebration this year and all seemed to be having a great time.

Happy . . . whatever . . . and many more!

A NEW HOUSE OF WORSHIP

People driving on Winchester Drive approaching Addis Avenue in my town might wonder about that steeple protruding from the brush.

It's merely an optical illusion.  When one crosses the highway, it becomes apparent.  This is the huge new (still under construction) L.D.S. (Mormon) Church.

I wonder if Mitt is coming to town.

Correction: An earlier version of this post identified the building as a Mormon temple, whereas it is a church.  There is a distinct difference, according to my editor (SWMBO).  My apologies.

AH, YES, I REMEMBER IT WELL



ADVENTURERS

Last week I told you my nephew, Barry Taylor, and his wife, Amy, had come to Arizona for a five day backpacking trip into the remoter areas of the Grand Canyon.  What they didn't know when they left 80 degree weather in St. Paul, Minnesota, was that Arizona had been hit with a freakish early spring snowstorm.  But armed with reservations at the Canyon and the foolhardiness bravery of youth, they set out.





You will notice there is snow everywhere.  Quite a bit of snow covering a narrow trail leading to the depths.  No room for any false moves.

But as one descends into the Canyon the climate changes, the temperature rises and the snow melts.

I didn't say the footing got any safer or easier.  But these two have hiked in Bolivia.  They have hiked into canyons in Death Valley where there were no trails.  I asked how they didn't get lost.  Barry said "topo maps."  And they didn't get lost this time, in spite of this.

As one goes deeper, the walls open somewhat.

And then they were down at the bottom.

Barry and Amy might say "just another walk in the park."  But I'll bet they slept well in that 4-pound-tent.



Since I moved to Arizona 40 years ago I have thought of hiking the Canyon.  But I put it off too long and now I'll just have to live vicariously through the adventures of my nephew and niece.

CIRCULAR