SOFT FRIENDS

I had a treat yesterday, along with a lot of other people.

I visited the Peaceful Prairie Alpaca Ranch, just a few minutes from my home.

It was National Alpaca Farm Day and three alpaca farms within a few miles of each other in Prescott Valley were all having open houses.

The owners of this ranch raise about 80 alpacas.

Visitors were allowed to wander the grounds, watching and photographing the animals.

Some of you may be wondering what the difference is between alpacas and llamas.

The owners of the ranch anticipated that question and, tongue in cheek, have posted a sign answering it.

SHOES?

Here in Arizona there's a lot of talk about The Old West and Cowboys and there are some groups of people who put on what they think are clothes of the folks who patronized this part of the country in the 1800's.

But every once in awhile I've come across a true Son of the Old West and today was one of those days.

I visited a small Farmers' Market and saw stands of ceramic wind chimes and jewelry and dog food and various knicknacks and homemade cookies.

Not what I think of as a farmers' market.

But there was also this fellow.

His name is Eric Leblanc.

He lives in Chino Valley and he has made a living for more than 50 years shoeing horses.

I asked him if he could make a living at that these days.

He said "Oh, yes.  I make a living for myself and (I think) over 40 animals."

He said he had grown up "cowboy-ing" in the nearby Verde Valley and after attending college he came back and began his present occupation.

What attracted me to him was his luxuriant facial hair.

He also had a pony tail that hung down to the middle of his back.

And he said he still wears the same size clothing that he did when he was in high school.

(I told him I hated him for that.)

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Greetings, Gentle Readers.

How was your week?

Oh.

Sorry about that.

I disappointed a former colleague recently when I confessed that I had never seen a single episode of either "Friends" or the "Game of Thrones".

But I just finished watching the first season of "Downton Abbey".

I used to accuse my older brother of being a procrastinator and now . .

But let's leap into the future.

And finally, you knew I couldn't resist a groaner, didn't you?

Okay, friends and foes, that's it for this week.

Now have a fun and exciting weekend and always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(. . . oh, my . . .)

RAIN

Rain.

Most of the night, I think.

Checking our amateur rain gauge this morning showed just shy of an inch and a half.

We can use it.

Judy and I went to see a doctor (surprise!) this morning, then visited a new restaurant in town - Jen's 7th Avenue Cafe for breakfast.

They were doing "land office" business and we could see why.

Our breakfasts were ample and delicious* and the service was quick, efficient and friendly.

When I was checking out, I told Jen that I joked with my wife that the rain was causing the rush on the cafe, that everyone decided at once that what they needed was a hot breakfast.

She acknowledged that but added that people who  worked outside were shut down because of the rain so they came to her cafe.

"Whatever," she said, "it's good for us."

And Jen's is good for Prescott Valley.

*Sorry, I didn't think to photograph them.

ADVICE FROM A TO Z

I woke up this morning from a semi-dream state with this thought running through my head.

So what the hey . . here goes.

Always
  Be
     Curious.

Deliver
   Ecstasy.

Find
   Gaiety
      Here
         In
            Jests.

Keep
   Laughing.

More
   Napping,
      On
         Purpose,
           Quite
              Regularly.

Save
   The
      Universe.

Verbalize
    Wizardry.

Xerox
    Yourself.

Zounds!

And such are things that amuse me in my dotage.

'SNO FALL!

You will, of course, recall my post about the first day of Autumn.

After all that was only yesterday.

But an alert Gentle Reader, Lori Across Town, found something to exclaim about.

The first snowfall of the season at the Arizona Snow Bowl outside of Flagstaff.

Here is a link to pictues proving it.

As she wrote "Too soon for me!"

(Thanks, Lori.)

THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX

Here in the Northern Hemisphere the Autumnal Equinox arrived at 12:50 this morning.

What that means is the sun crossed the equator heading south.

And what that means is that Autumn, or Fall, is finally here.

And in my part of the Northern Hemisphere, the Central Highlands of Arizona, it arrived with a bang.

Yesterday was sunny and warm, with a high temperature in the low 80's.

Today it is cloudy and rainy with a high in the upper 50's.

Fall has definitely fell.

And Matty is appreciating yet another warm nap in his semi-adopted home across the street from where he lives.

Meanwhile, a story from the weekend.

Gayle, also known as the BRD - Beautiful Rich Daughter, attended an art event.

A woman came up to her and said she had a question that might sound weird if Gayle wasn't who she thought she was.

The woman asked if she was ever referred to as the BRD.

"Of course!", Gayle replied.

Turns out the lady is a regular follower of this blog.

Later another woman came up and asked if Gayle had been part of the Yavapai Regional Medical Center campaign against breast cancer.

Again, she replied in the affirmative, having posed with another woman for a photograph, several years ago, as part of that campaign which still runs occasionally.

The BRD said it was neat to be recognized.

And a bit later a friend of hers came in and it turned out she was friends with both of the other women.

So now maybe I'll have to start referring to her as the BR&FD, or the Beautiful Rich and Famous Daughter.

Once in awhile life do get interestin'.

VISICAT

I've showed you Matty before.

He belongs to the people across the street but he likes us, it seems, and our cat treats and our catnip and most of all our couch.

So he comes in, gets a snack and some petting, sometimes some catnip and then he tucks himself in and naps for hours on the couch.

And SWMBO keeps letting him in.

Sort of cat therapy, I guess.

MY GIRL

I love this picture of Judy, aka SWMBO.

I keep telling her it's perfect for the book jacket of her novel.

(If she'd ever get around to getting it published.)

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Hey big news from the Democratic presidential race.

New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio has dropped out, saying, "It's clearly not my time."

Oooooooh, that was mean.

Listen up, folks, it's time for the Friday Funnies so let's dig right in.

Once again your catalyst Catalyst ends with a groaner.

Now, you capricious characters, I want you to caper carniverously and carefully through the camouflage and cacti, countermanding cacklers and candlesnuffers.

In short, have a great weekend!

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

CAR SHOW

I drove past a sizeable car show today but I just wasn't in the mood.

And I've done car shows frequently in the past.

So you'll just have to use your imagination.

But try this on: my Arizona State University Sun Devils beat Michigan State today for the second year in a row.

This year on the Michigan team's home field.

And with our new Freshman Quarterback.

That made my day.

I hope your team won.

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Why yes, I did remember what day this is.

Oh, no, I just realized it's not just Friday.

It's Friday the 13th!

So shall we deal with bad luck and misfortune this week?

Let's see.

All right now, let's ALL be positive this weekend and have a rollicking great time.

And always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(oooooooooh)