Goings on around the Ranch... Welcome to HOT! We're in what's locally known as 'Monsoon Season' here in Arizona - no rain yet, but it is definitely muggier. My yard is in full bloom. Branches are loaded with flowers and the hummingbirds spend the day flitting from the feeders to the flowers and back again. The yard is inundated with all manner of birds taking shelter in the ironwood tree. Large ones, small ones, and many in-between, all sitting with their wings puffed out and beaks open. Although the news channels tell us that the temperature is between 110 and 115 degrees - at the ranch the temperature exceeds 125 and 130 on those same day...Go figure!
Cal is working on his latest acquisition, a 1978 Oldsmobile. Fortunately we have a nice sized parcel or our place would look like a used car lot, there?s his Hemi, my SUV, and then, the 1970 Road Runner, 1963 Chrysler 300 J, 1959 Ford F100 Pick Up Truck, 1985 Prospector Series Chrysler Pick Up and my personal favorite: a 1965 CJ 5 Jeep.
Another Loss? One of our neighbors, Richard Wiley passed away a couple of weeks ago. Richard was a fine writer. He had many talents among them the ability to write the most entertaining doggerel. He was witty, bright, and fun, and will be missed, by Cal and I and by all those who were fortunate to know him.
Book Two Excerpt "I don't know what I was thinking telling that gal that I'd take her for a drive today. I don?t know what got into me." James said pouring his second cup of coffee. "I don't know what you were thinking either. I've never seen you like this. Truth be known, you?re acting like a crazy man. I've never seen anyone suffer so over such a minor thing. I'd think a drive with a pretty girl on a snowy day might be one of the nicest ways to spend a Sunday afternoon." Elbert said to no one because James certainly wasn?t listening. "Tell you what James, JAMES." Elbert shouted, "Tell me where it is the gal lives and I'll go take her for a drive myself. God knows I could do with a light-hearted day." "What do you want?" James sounded confused as he asked. "Where does who live?" "I said tell me where the girl lives and I'll take her out for you. I know I'll enjoy myself, and maybe she will too." Elbert said, turning away from James so he wouldn't see his merriment. James took a sip of his coffee walked over to Elbert and said, "You want me to tell you where Nellie lives, is that what you said?" "Uh-huh." "Because you want to take her out for a drive?" "Uh-huh." "No, I'm not telling you where she lives. What's the matter with you? You?re too old for her 'El'." "Oh, you think so?" "Yes. What is the matter with you man? You sound as though you're going daft." "I do?" James stared at Elbert for a couple of seconds, then grabbed his hat and coat, a rifle and started for the barn. "Hold on there young-un, I'll help you get the horses into the traces." James paused turned and looked somewhat perplexed and then he shrugged and said, "Thanks, I'd appreciate it." Looking up at the sky, James said. "At least it's not too cold. I'll take my mom's lap blanket, then we should be downright cozy don't you think?" "Uh, huh. Cozy!"
