A Beautiful Lady Just out of the Bath

On the edge of the fountain at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum last March. "Oh, towel boy!"

Shrike Tuck

Last year, on our annual Thanksgiving weekend trek across the San Rafael Valley and parts surrounding, My good friends Homer, Jen and I came across a fence full of assorted grasshoppers, beetles, and lizards impaled and left to dry by a local loggerhead shrike. I believe we counted over thirty individual kills. It was a sight to behold. I think Homer and I got more photos of shrike food on that stretch than we did of birds for the entire trip. What better way to spend the day? To top things off, we even met up with my other good friend Glen, his wife and partner in exploration Linda and their faithful terrier Winston on our way over Canelo Pass. The trips over the pass have been some of my favorites. And friends with which to share such experiences are invaluable. Thanks guys, for making that day special. Now get your butts up to northern AZ so we can do it some more!

On Vacation in Fangorn Forest

I'd swear he groaned as I walked by.

BICAS needs help!!!

Just in case more people than my four friends read this blog, I thought I'd post about it.

The folks who helped me put my classic bicycle, and that of my daughter, back on the road are in need of help.

"Located in the heart of downtown Tucson, BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Action & Salvage) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit collectively-run community education and recycling center for bicycles that welcomes people of all ages and walks of life."

As you can read on their website they're looking for a solution to their rent/location predicament. Spread the word.

New Painting Series

During the brief break between summer school sessions, I took some time to dust off the easel and do some painting. This is the first of a series titled "Compassion" (8"x10" oil on panel). I'll post editions as they're completed.

So Long Colonel

In memory of Col. Gene Gaddis, one of the finest human beings I've had the pleasure of working with. Gene was a retired Air Force Colonel who was head pilot for Cooper Aerial, my former employer. He built his own aircraft and helped several others do the same. He was dependable and honest and sought little reward for what he did. He leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of those who knew him. So long Colonel.