Miss Petunia—Kansas

I took my bride to a Valentine’s dinner the other night. Part of our evening entertainment was Miss Petunia from Topeka, Kansas. Note how colorful she is. She was real funny. 

No, funneee! One quip I’ll always like: “Why is a dollar so small in the mall and so big in church?”

In her routine, she used at least nine hats. Her hats made her routine come alive. I was sitting up close, so when she saw me yank out my camera, she posed a little. Good comedy and good hats make good medicine. Thank you, Miss Petunia.

Please come back sometime.

Eric—Alabama

Well, Alabama defeated the Texas Longhorns to win this season’s national college championship football game.

And what a time to introduce one of my nephews, the son of my niece’s daughter. (Whew!) See, Eric lives in Alabama. Notice, however, that he’s wearing a fine-looking Texas cowboy hat. I figure for him, it’s the best of both worlds. And notice that his hat is just like his Uncle Paul’s. The best of three worlds.

His grandmother, my niece, proudly asked me, “Isn’t that the cutest picture ever?” I’d say so.

Maia—Florida

Maia’s brother had a birthday today (Jan 1). Maia’s dad is downright cool. Maia’s mom published my exceedingly entertaining memoirs last summer.

But only Maia wears a hat!

Not only that, but Maia’s smile can light up Disney World. What a great photo to light up the first post of this year's blog. Thank you, Maia.

Sandy--Kansas

This is Sandy. She was rounding up kids and parents at church recently (between services, of course) encouraging everyone to participate in our church's "Great Pumpkin" here pretty soon. She's a sweetie. Brave, too.

Kansas Family--Heart of America

"The family that rides bikes together in the Heart of America stays together."

I took this photo last November (note the trees) and remember what a great day it was. I walked about eight miles that afternoon on a walk/bike path. Anyway, I spied this hearty, handsome, hat-covered family coming and managed to get my camera clicking just in the nick of time.

I don't know their names, but this 1/1000 of a second was the best part of the walk. I like this photo.

Pack--Colorado

Pack and I grew up in Douglas, Arizona. And like a lot of pals, as soon as they gave us that diploma, we hurried off to the rat race. Natcherly, we lost track of each other easy enough. But thanks to Facebook, we have discovered each other again. I discovered that he wears mucho bueno hats all the time. I also discovered that Pack (not his real name) has a happy and beautiful family. I’m sure that’s because his roots are in Arizona.

Here he is blasting away in a major shooting competition. I wanna play. But look at that plastic ID badge hooked to the back of his hat. The Old West is spinning in its grave!

I guess somebody bought him a razor blade. But they'll never get to his great hats. His name is not really Pack, but don’t we all go a little eccentric when we leave Arizona?

The Tin Man's Brother-in-Law--Kansas

Tin Man has a brother-in-law? Well, hey, here we are in Kansas, noted for its big farms and big families. I just figured...and anyway it'll make a fine story for my little grandkids.

You can click the picture to see better detail.



Please visit me in Pancake Flats, too. Thank you.