THE END . . AND THE BEGINNING

O.K. The football season is finally over.  But baseball's pitchers and catchers report in just 19 days!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, America's TRUE sport is not that far away. Let there be rejoicing in the land.  Arizona's Diamondbacks have a new team with some exciting new players, a new manager, a new general manager and new hope for the coming season.  I won't say "let's play two" but I will say "let's play ball!"

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today and predicted six more weeks of winter.  But that's in the east and the midwest.  Here in Arizona, down by the old ball park, it's a balmy 72 today, heading for the 80's by the end of the week.  It's SPRING time, folks.  Let's get out there and enjoy it.  And while you're at it, pick some fresh fruit for your table.

EL LUNA

Was the moon bright last night or not?  

Here are several pictures taken just before sundown.

RAINY ARIZONA

I was watching a Phoenix television station the other night and the anchorman said "Wouldn't you know it?  52 weeks of the year and the one where we have both the Phoenix Open and the Super Bowl in town and it rains!"

Of course, the football game is Sunday and is being played in a stadium with a retractable roof.  And it didn't rain hard yesterday and I watched some of the golf tournament and it looked like they played through it.

Still, here's how it looked through my window yesterday morning.

Not exactly the best day for shooting that new tourism video.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

So here it is once again, folks, the end of a week and the beginning of a weekend.  What better time to irritate your fellows around you by staring at a computer screen and chuckling, chortling, outright laughing to yourself.  Launch mirth!

Well not me but someone I know.

So?  The cat's not hysterically funny this week?  Everyone deserves a break.

But for the others . . thanks to my (heh-heh) contributors and have a splendid weekend, folks. And remember, keep laughing!

THROWBACK THURSDAY

I've had an interesting life (so far).

From this . . .

  . . . . to this

(top picture: Stanley, North Dakota, probably the 1940's. Left to right - Jerome Larson (Romey), Roger Abelson, Jim Burbidge, Jerry Eidem, Bruce Taylor (me), Bruce Davick)

(bottom picture: Casino Monte Carlo, Monaco, 1985.  Me in lower left.)

We (Our Gang) had a lot of fun in our "kid" days.  Possibly less fun at Monte Carlo.  I didn't break the bank and I didn't see James Bond.

A SLIGHT ALTERATION

Here we go again.

The beard I patiently waited to grow out for 6 weeks or so.  I was hoping for a true Santa Claus look and if I had waited longer that dishwater look on the sides might have become white.  Or at least whiter.

But I didn't.

This morning I got rid of those sides and went back to my goatee.  Fuller, now.

We'll see how long this lasts.

And before you all start on me, yes it does bring a smile to my face. 

(Sort of.)

MY FAITHFUL COMPANION

"With my back to the light, he'll never see me"

"With my special vision, I'm scanning the horizon"

"My radar detectors are on full alert"

"I should chase the invader but this blanket is so-o-o-o comfy"

"Oh, all right.  Just get me from my best side"