THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Today, December 21st, 2018, marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of light of the year.

On the other hand, to those of you in Oz and other parts of the world south of the Equator, it's the Summer Solstice, the longest day of light of the year.

Confused yet?

Let me add to your puzzlement.

While the coasts of the United States of America, both east and west, are struggling with rain and storms, here in the Medium High Country of Beautiful Arizona it was 68 degrees yesterday and the sun shone brightly all day .

Winter?

Pfaaff, I say.

Now let's see, there was something else.

Oh, yes, THE FRIDAY FUNNIES.

Well I guess that mess of mirth put you all in the holiday spirit.

Now, meander merrily along into a mouthwateringly avoidance of malnourishment, whether in a mountainous region or the margins of your mighty land, seeking munificent and magnanimous gifts under the tree.

In other words, Gentle Readers, have a great weekend and a Merry Xmas.

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(oops, there they go . . . .)

THE ARTISTIC FAMILY

You've read my posts about SWMBO, aka Judy, and her work on the mural she painted on an old fence in our back yard.

And you may recall that I said the artistic talent runs deep in her family.

Two daughters and a son all have incredible artistic veins in their bodies.

The latest evidence?

The BRD's latest totem, a ceramic display that she created in her home workshop.

The photos show the two sides of the totem.

I think this piece is absolutely beautiful.

I hope you like it too.

(BTW, for those of you who may not have been paying attention, the BRD stands for Beautiful Rich Daughter.

Her real name is Gayle.)

FROGGIE WENT A-COURTIN'

SANTA CLAUS CONFUSION

I was looking through my picture file and ran across a strange collection of photos.

Of a Santa impersonator (yours truly).

I couldn't make up my mind which picture to use.

So, could you give me a little help here?

Here are your choices.

Mad Santa

Sad Santa

Bad Santa

and Silly Santa

So?

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

All right, all right, Gentle Readers, un-bate your breath, I'm here.

I forgot for awhile that it was Friday and then I had some business to take care of but now I am back in the virtual saddle, ready to satisfy your yearnings for a chuckle, a tee-hee, a guffaw.

Yes, my friends, it is time once again for the Friday Funnies.

To begin . . .

As you can see I am absolutely overcome with the Christmas spirit(s).

Remember this: it is that time of year when we pack on the pounds.  

So prepare with professionalism, preserve your preadolescence, avoid prohibitionists, and pontificate no phurther (sorry, I cheated with that last one.)

In short, Gentle Readers, have a marvelous weekend!

And always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

THINKING AHEAD

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE OF THERESA MAY

A MODERN CHRISTMAS SONG

BOO-GIE WOO-GIE!

In Germany one elderly couple, Nellia and Dietmar Ehrentraut, haven't let advancing age slow them down.

Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS MUSIC (sorta)

I don't know but somehow . . . in the age of Trump . . . this lovely Christmas carol just seems appropriate for the season. 

What do you think?

Merry Christmas, y'all!

MEMORIES

⇓

  

 ⇓ 

⇓

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers!

Y'know earlier this week I mentioned that I start every day with a cup, or two, or three, of coffee.

That got a somewhat mixed response but I insist I have a reason for my practice.

And also . . .

On another subject, I read on the Interwebs this week that the happiest times in Washington these days are when there's a funeral.

But moving right along, the holiday season is underway in earnest.

And also here in Arizona.

(ba-da-bing-tssss!)

But seriously (not really), I hope you're enjoying the festive season.

Turning back to the news of the week, we're back on Mars with another camera and got an astounding scientific image!

Also in recent news the government in my neighboring city of Prescott has made it illegal to use a smart phone while driving.

I just wonder how that will be enforced.

Okay, okay, I hear you, enough!

I'm a little late this morning so I'll lower the level of alliteration and levity and wish you a lovely and lucky weekend, whether lounging and loafing with your lovebug or lapping up liquor or other liquids.

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

COFFEE TIME

It's how I start my day.

Every day.

6:30 a.m. today.

I slept in.

AND OTHER HOLIDAYS

I should have mentioned in my outpouring of emotion about the Christmas season yesterday that there is another holiday occurring right now.

Hanukkah began last night.

And IT lasts for 8 whole days and nights!

CHRISTMAS & FIRST SNOWFALL

I always have to remind you that even though we live in sunny Arizona our home is at nearly 5,000 feet elevation and we do get occasional snow here in the winters.

We had our first snowfall this morning for awhile but since the temperature outside was about 35 degrees F. none of it stuck to the ground.

But it must have stirred something in SWMBO's soul because a little later I saw her getting out our Christmas decorations.

She sets up this tableau on our bar but asked me how I was going to photograph it without getting kitchen "stuff" in it.

It is difficult but by going low and getting only part of that big tree I think I eliminated most of the clutter.

Another holiday scene sits atop a table in another part of the room.

There's a wreath on the front door.

And a crystalline drape over the fireplace.

And speaking of fireplaces, check this one out.

I must confess to a bit of skullduggery.

That's actually the annual tape of the yule log on our television screen.

It's an annual showing that will be available until December 31st and there are Christmas carols along with it.

Oh!  And this year they've improved the tape with animals!

There's this lovely orange cat and later on a whole passel of curious kittens.

There's a sort of sad-faced dog.

And even a piggy who seems to be enjoying warmth from the fire.

As they say, there's no place like home for the holidays.

TOGETHER AGAIN

President George H.W. Bush

Rest in Peace