the Silver Kings

Soon, around town, the large Royal Poinciana canopies will be in full bloom - signaling the seasonal beginning of the Tarpon's annual migration along Florida's western gulf coast.

too much?

My wife suggested that we stop by Barnes & Noble, to pick up a few Mother's Day cards - and there a little overwhelmed, I headed over to the periodical, magazine section.

Way too much, couldn't even focus on the covers - from knitting & crochet, to wooden boats, guns & ammo, to cleaning shortcuts, semi-nude wrestlers, and Bitch.  And behind me, a whole other section dedicated to just glamour and societal lifestyles. Hard to believe what's happened to magazine publishing, considering what was way back when, some thirty years ago.

Way too much. Didn't buy into one cover.

Red Barn

When I'm home, and when it's hot, and when I want to be totally distracted - I go to the Barn down the road.

Interesting article, at least for Knuckles and I

Two months ago, when Knuckles and I finally found the Rio Grande, where we crawled down to the river's edge - today, in the New York Times, a piece was published titled, U.S.-Mexico Teamwork Where the Rio Grande Is but a Ribbon, dated April 22nd.


http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/23/us/us-mexico-teamwork-where-the-rio-grande-is-but-a-ribbon.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=Moth-Visible&moduleDetail=inside-nyt-region-4&module=inside-nyt-region&region=inside-nyt-region&WT.nav=inside-nyt-region


Our long one-day excursion posted - and only wish we could have stayed longer.  I love goat.

http://jbmccourtney.blogspot.com/2016/02/border-crossing.html

Showfolks

The other day I stopped by the Showfolks, "the world's greatest circus social club", where both the retired and the current, active performers all gather and socialize.

And there, in a chance encounter, I met Heidi Herriott, a 3rd generation of famous animal trainers whose love of horses came from her father, John Herriott of Ringling Bros. Circus fame.  Heidi, exuberant and more than fun-loving, asked if I wanted her renowned miniature horse, "Lucky Star", to smile for me. And I thought yes, I could use a little of that.

Heidi trying to coax her "Lucky Star"

and finally he gives me that big one

Lola & Bella came for a visit

The girls are real sweethearts - and Bella had just completed an informal interview with me several days before about our family history - and knows very well what I do for a living. So, on their last night in town, our whole extended family went out for a dinner - a grand occasion. But, Lola and Bella were at the other end of the table, and I with my iPhone camera - I could sense them whispering, "Pa's takin' pictures again." And, those poor girls were trying to hide, pretending to do the same - and just giggling.

Oildale, CA

Knuckles and I passed through Oildale, just north of Bakersfield, in late January. Passing through, the smell of rich crude oil was so intense that Knuckles wouldn't even get out of the truck - but I did. I knew it to be the birthplace of Merle Haggard (1937-2016). His obituary sang sad in today's paper.