Gun Country

While visiting in the Southwest last week, we saw humorous signs to put up at your home:

- You can't have my country-
   You can't have my guns
     I don't want your handouts

- Invest in precious metal.  Buy lead.

-Warning:   Due to the price of ammo, there will be no warning shot.

-Never mind the dog.   Beware of the owner.

-Welcome.  The door is locked for your protection

-Warning:   We do not dial 911


After entertaining these cheery thoughts in Texas,  I overheard a conversation in Arizona between two men who were discussing the best ammunition to use for protection.  
"I don't go anywhere without my gun.   I wear it to work.   The day you don't have it is the day you
need it.   I sleep with my gun on my bedside table.  If I wake up at night, I just reach out and touch it.
Such a comfort.

"Locked and loaded" is a playful metaphor which  means "ready to go" in the wild West.

I find all of this chilling, but my brother-in-law tells me the world is a safer place if many are carrying
concealed weapons.  

Tohona Chul Park Tuscon, Arizona

One of the most beautiful spots I have ever visited and one of National Geographics 22 most notable secret gardens in the USA and Canada.  An old hacienda has been converted into a tea room.  We ate outside under a tree on a brick patio.   The paths in the 49 acres wound through desert flowers blooming and the fragrance was compelling at certain points.  Even though many people were in attendance that day, I sat alone at times and felt like the only person in the garden.  Interesting birds, a greenhouse, art exhibits and museums - I could go there again and again.  

All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind.
                                Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)




The Raynor brothers at Tohona Chul Park
Ray, Sacramento, CA, Richard, Marshall, Mo.,
Bob, Tuscon, AZ    (We miss  the late 
H.G. Raynor, Jr.. "Bud", Little Rock, ARK)

Addie and Her Guitar

Addie, age 15, is taking singing lessons in Las Cruces a couple of Saturdays a month.    On a recent Saturday we all went to a big Farmers Market with street musicians.   Addie went to the car and got her guitar, sang for an hour and collected $20!   Here she is at home - sitting on the quilt I made for her.    (It is denim and southwestern looking fabrics and I call it "Texas Crazy".)