JUST A NORMAL WEEKEND

Prescott, Arizona, is a magnet on hot summer weekends. This one is no exception as a big arts and crafts fair has set up for business on the Courthouse Square and thousands of visitors and probably even some locals have clustered there.

Residents of the baking hot desert cities to our south probably make up most of the visitors, enjoying somewhat cooler temperatures under the huge leafy trees on the plaza.

Local buskers show off their musical talents as they try to fill up an instrument case with donations.

Adding to the "state fair" atmosphere are the food booths, filling the air with savory aromas.

But it's not all burgers, barbecue and tamales. This year some newcomers have sprouted up to satisfy different tastes.

In the crowd of ballcaps and sun hats and sandals, some people are maintaining their individualism.

It's a fun day but all this walkin' and gawkin' makes a fellow tired.

I think I'll head for home and a nap.

Good idea?

HIPPITY-HOP-HOPPING

We had a couple of visitors to the yard this week. We had seen either them or others like them for weeks in the neighborhood but I put a little water in a dish and these two quickly discovered it.

We watched them for a long time and were amazed at how patient they are. While they did play a little, hopping around after each other, they often sat absolutely frozen for minute after minute, gauging their surroundings and listening for any possible danger.

The one in front seemed to be dominant and he eventually hopped around to the other side of the dish and positioned himself for a sip.

And finally, after endless minutes of his watchful state, he bent down and drank.

It must have pleased him as, when he finished, he scampered about, playing with his companion for awhile before I came outside to fill the dish and they both ran through the gate and away.

I suspect they'll be back.

FRIDAY FUNNIES

Here we go again. Pickin' on us older folks.

All right, folks, that's it. Have a fantastic and funny weekend and always keep laughing!

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Swimming, anyone?

Me (left) and my buddy, Jim, at Lake Carlyle, Saskatchewan, Canada, in the 1940's.

Forty some years later. A snorkeling trip with my buddy, Baseball Steve (not shown), off the coast near Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The dapper pilot's name is lost in the shrouds of memory.

FUN AT THE LIBRARY

In the lobby of the Prescott Valley Library is a wonderland of art objects. In previous posts, I've shown you the dragonfly and the bottlebrush tree. Today we wind it up with the true stars of the show.

If you use your imagination, you can almost see that big fish swimming under water.

But his neighbor, inching along, says there is no water.

Unless, of course, he's a sea snail, wearing his heart on his front.

TUESDAY TRAVELS

Home at last!

Right back where I began in 1940. Moved away in 1969. Returned (for a visit) in 1988.

And this retires the "shorts" pictures.

Oh, no! 

There's one more.

Next week. 

I know you can't wait.

BOTTLEBRUSH TREE

Actually someone (me?) was having a bit of fun with this art creation at the lobby of the library.

Here's what a real bottlebrush tree looks like.

It's beautiful in full bloom. But messy.

It molts, you see, and drops its blossoms all over your patio or yard. Cleaning it all up is a real chore.

Better the one at the library.