Looks like something out of Revelations ...
At the entrance to Denver International Airport stands this 32 ft tall statue of a blue devil horse; named Blucifer - eyes flaming red - reared, ready to strike and kill the unwary traveller as they pass though "the gateway to the west" - like it did his creator in 2006. It is deemed dangerous enough that visitors are not allowed to approach.
Denver - the Demon City
But Gerard got personal at times and, since he's (sometimes) my inspiration, I'll put this up and y'all can think what you will. I don't deny I'm a crazy SOB.
I had a very vivid dream last night: I was working at my computer like I often do. This wasn't a distorted dream - unlike many dreams, everything appeared real and rational. Even after I woke up, for that first split-second I wondered how I got back to bed from my office.
The way I sit in my office, my monitors block my view of the door.
I heard the door open, and felt someone gently squeeze my toes sticking out from under my desk. I looked up and saw Jan standing back up. Now I don't often catch names in dreams ... but no doubt this was Jan; her name was even spoken. Didn't even think how strange it was that she'd show up in my office.
I jumped up and we hugged each other as one would hug a close friend that hadn't been seen for 50 years; for that matter, 1976 may be the last time I saw her ...
Jan was a beautiful 21yo redhead. I was never certain - even now - if we were ever "boyfriend & girlfriend". We dated a lot, we had good times together -- I don't remember why we just ... stopped. I don't remember "love" being any part or promise either. I was once a redhead as well and one of the things I remember about our relationship - if that's what it was - is that I shouldn't date redheads. But I really, really liked Jan. I don't recall anything that hints she didn't feel the same way about me. That was 1974/75 or thereabouts.
Why such a vivid dream - that still sticks in my mind long after most dreams fade into nothingness?
I haven't thought about Jan in decades; she wasn't "the one" that got away.
I can hear her voice even as I write this.
So I popped onto this magic box and did a Duckduckgo search. Wonder what she's up to?
And there was her obituary from 2022. She died of cancer of some sort.
I'm open to things we can't explain - was it Jan's spirit that visited me last night?
I'd like think it was and that she still remembered me - not unfondly.
Rest in peace, Jan ...
from John
Called them fishflies. Used to catch those things by the score and put them into jars. Took a while to realize they died overnight because that's about how long they live.
Thanks for the photo John
A fine way to spend a Saturday afternoon - an Arizona rodeo. Took this a long time ago ... someplace in southern Arizona outside Tucson. The horse and calf have certainly passed on; maybe the cowboy as well. Long time ago.
I haven't been to a rodeo in a long time; Mrs DT's never been. I would guess "local" ones are still held, but when I see them advertised, it seems like more like a commercialized "happening". Someone saw something fun and decided to make money from it - then boosted it to make more money. Oh, well ...
Look at the crowd in this one - sitting on dirt berms just below the parking lot ... though it was a formal and sponsored event ("Arizona Feeds") rather than the local ranch hands showing their stuff in a stray field. May not have even required tickets.
Up along the Nevada/Oregon border is Highway 140. Heading west, it starts from nowhere in Nevada off US95 and ends at nowhere in Oregon at US395. After a short disconnect along US395, Oregon continues the numbering from Lakeview west to I-5. It used to extend down to Winnemucca in Nevada until US40 turned into I-80. The number 140 came from being a spur route off US40.
It comes close to Denio, NV which straddles the Oregon border, passes nearby some wonderful sitting hot springs, passes through the Sheldon Antelope Range, skirts the northern edge of the Black Rock desert, comes close to black fire opal deposits, then enters Oregon.
Not long after entering Oregon, there comes a 3 mile stretch of an 8% 1000 ft downgrade along the sidewall of the Doherty Slide.
We don't need no stinking guardrails ...
42.0354, -119.4834
From there, it enters into the beginnings of the foothills of the Cascades until hitting US395, the major N/S highway along the eastern slope.
There's gas in Denio; there's gas in Adel. If you need it, if they have it, you'll pay the price. 170 miles of miles and miles.
A beautiful drive ... or a horrible drive - depending on your constitution. Makes US50 in Nevada seem crowded.
A reminder from Jean. Sorry I'm late posting this.
In thirteen seconds 4 were dead 9 wounded.
None of the protesters were armed. NONE.
Ed: Keep it mind if you think your government is going to help you out of a jam
Tulip trees that is
Taken on May 6 a few years ago when I lived in Virginia. I first knew of them growing up in Michigan not realizing I was at the northern extent of their range - neighbor had one growing in the midst of an oak and maple woods - so it stood out.
I had to write a report on "something" - probably trees - in 8th grade and tulip trees (aka yellow poplar) became the topic; I suspect because the report might have been due towards the end of the school year and the tree was blooming.
Anyway, one of my favorite trees - and they don't grow anywhere near here.
I had a post prepared about that FedEx driver that kidnapped, raped, and killed a 7yo girl ... but it bothered me too much and no point bothering all y'all with it.
But I did want to say he was sentenced properly ... and I feel better about posting blooming trees.
A sample of some obscure - and maybe not obscure - tunes from my strange and off-the-wall collection.
Today's selection: Tune Over Time - "Blue Moon" 1934
Written in 1933 by Rodgers & Hart for a movie - Hollywood Party - with Jean Harlow as the singer, the movie was released without Harlow or the song. Tweaked a bit, it was cut from another movie in 1934. Tweaked yet again, it was finally recorded as the theme song for a 1934 radio program with Muzzy Marcellino on vocals. It was a number one song in 1935. It also ended up in seven movies between 1939 (Marx Bros) to 1964 (Elvis Presley)
Also recorded by Bunny Berigan ("Chicken and Waffles") in 1934, that is the version presented here. A jazz trumpeter, he played with Tommy Dorsey, Rudy Vallee, and Benny Goodman. He died an alcoholic in 1942 at age 33.
Heavily covered, it was a major hit for the Marcels in 1961. Awarded a gold record, it is listed among the top rock & roll recordings.
The last version presented is by Chris Isaak, recorded in 1994 on the "It's Now Or Never" Elvis Presley tribute album.
