WHY I LIVE IN ARIZONA

I snapped this selfie yesterday on a trip to the grocery store.

The date was November 26, 2017 and even with a breeze it was a balmy t-shirt day here in the Arizona central highlands, elevation about 5,200 feet.

I grew up in Stanley, North Dakota, where the high temperature yesterday was 34 degrees.

'Nuff said.

OLD YELLOW

You've all seen the visiting cat that I call "Old Yellow".

As far as I know she's the only feline that comes to drink out of our bird bath.

I am constantly amazed by how she "rises to the occasion" and I can't stop photographing her.

The first time I saw her she was gingerly putting one paw on the edge of the bird bath to support herself while she drank.

But since then she has learned that she can sit on the plaster Blue Cat with her front paws on his head and reach the water.

SWMBO spread some red mulch around the bath and the Blue Cat last week to slightly improve the appearance of the area.

The birds seemed to be avoiding the area for a day or two, perhaps sensing some kind of danger from the new look, but they have since returned as before.

And Old Yellow doesn't seem bothered by it at all.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

Once again, the holiday season is upon us.

Oh, pardon me, I mean the Christmas season.

There have been some Yule shouters around these parts in recent years angry that the town fathers put up decorations and words saying "Happy Holidays!"

"It's Christmas, for cryin' out loud," these malcontents howled, "not 'the holidays'."

I'm not going to get into the midst of that argument, at least not today.

No, what I want to talk about is the Christmas tree, specifically the FLOCKED Christmas tree.

You remember them.

They looked like something from either Currier and Ives or a disco bar.

Puffy.

Apparently they were supposed to look like they were covered in snow.

I saw a headline in a newspaper the other day that said flocked Christmas trees are back.

Which reminded me of a late friend of mine, the irreverent Chuck Riley.

When I worked, ate and drank with him, Chuck was a disc jockey at WIBC radio in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was a short, rotund, irascible guy with a terrific voice and a marvelous laugh.

He later moved to Los Angeles and had a great career as a voice actor whom anybody who lived in the United States has probably heard.

His voice told us about hundreds of movies, in their promotional trailers . . such as those for "Titanic" and "The Godfather".

But back to Indianapolis and Christmas one year.

A year of flocked trees.

Chuck told his fellow radio workers one day that he had a Christmas tree up at his house, which surprised us a bit as Chuck wasn't known for being a sentimental, holiday-celebrating kind of guy.

"Yeah," said Chuck, "it's one of those flocked ones."

"We put it up yesterday.  We're not going to decorate it or anything."

"It's a little short.  And it's black!"

"What?" we all exclaimed.

Chuck went on, "Yeah, it's just over in the corner.  It looks like it's crouching."

Then came his roaring laughter.

Chuck died a little over 10 years ago at the age of 66.

But he left behind a ton of memories, including his black, flocked, crouching Christmas tree.

😁 THE FRIDAY FUNNIES 😁

Gentle Readers, I hope you noticed the two grinning emojis I added to the title today.

Here at Oddball we are nothing if not technologically correct.

I hope your T-day was as good as mine.

The BRD lived up to her family reputation and provided us with a great meal.

But now let's get on to the serious(?) business of the day.

Let's take a little journey on Noah's Ark today.

Two at a time, please.

And since we're in a Biblical mood . . .

Those wintertime colds can be a real bear.

Now, if you're really insistent on hitting the stores this weekend, do it with a smile on your face and patience in your heart.

Or shop online.

Whatever, always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

SOME MUSIC FOR COOKING

Don't be a cold fish . . . get yourself some Hot Tuna!

Thanksgiving Day

THE MENU

Judy and I have been invited to the BRD's and Beau Jack's home for a "non-traditional" Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.

After teasing me for several days Gayle has finally released the menu.

Phyllo Brie & Cranberry bites & Shrimp

Caesar Salad

Slow Cooked Braised Short Ribs

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Asparagus

Chocolate and Plain Cream Puff Pastries

Yes, there is no roast turkey and stuffing but doesn't that menu sound delicious?

I can't wait.

(Doesn't really look like I need it, does it?)