Bailey's in Winnipeg

Bailey's in Winnipeg is a wonder place.  The building was built in 1900 and has housed a number of different businesses.  But, in 1971 it became Oliver's Restaurant and the Old Bailey's Lounge.  It has a wonderful, old style lodge architecture.   There are fantastic oak doors and trim as well as an impressive staircase and various dining options.  

Some say that century-old ghosts can still be seen mingling with staff and guests.  

Meet Jonhn!  He has managed the business for over 25 years.  He was most kind, gracious, and passionate about Bailey's. 

I really like the bar colors and layout.

 

I will be back.  This may be my favorite location (when it is warm enough to walk there!) in all of Winnipeg.

Thanks Jonathan!

By the way, I have been a bit lazy getting a new post up.   But, I liked Jonathan a lot and figured he could stay for a few days.  Tomorrow....back on track with a new post!

Even Dogs Need a Hat Now and Then

Meet Lilly!

Lilly has been on the blog once or twice before.  She is one lucky dog.  She survived several years in a puppy mill and had not been out of a cage for most of that time.
She was adopted by a very nice family and can now run and explore.   But, she is still very timid.  She will let me pet her.  But, she won't get very close to me.  So, if her owners pick her up and bring her over to me, she will sit quietly as I gently pet her.  But, she is more than ready to leave after a few minutes. 

One of these days, she may be comfortable enough to walk over to me.   We shall see.

Thanks Lilly.

Jerome, Arizona

The road from Prescott to Jerome is not for the faint of heart.  There are about 158 hairpin curves with sharp drop-offs and very few guard rails.  I had taken it once before many years ago and I wasn't exactly looking forward to it on this trip.

But, getting to Jerome is kind of fun.  It is a very small artists community on the east side of the mountains.   And, it is really on the side of the mountain.  There isn't much of a flat spot in the entire town.  The switchbacks go THROUGH the town!

Once there, you can relax with a cold beer (to stop the shaking) and wander through various shops.

Meet Samantha from the shop that sells stuff associated with a local band called Puscifer.  She likes the band was full of information to share about them!

I don't exactly know what this person was doing in the shop.  But, he has been there a long time.

This is what it looks like just before you get to Jerome.  At this point, you've crossed the peak and are on your way down...slowly....hopefully.

There isn't much give on those rocks.  But, I found them beautiful.

Finally, you can relax at one of many eating establishments.  GRAPES...was quite nice!

Relatives

Life sometimes gets in the way of keeping in touch with friends and relatives.   Sometimes people move.  Sometimes people just get busy and drift away.

Meet Bob and Elsie!  Well...meet Bob first.!

Bob spent years in the military and retired to life in Alaska and Arizona where he had fun homesteading and prospecting.   Bob is one "can-do" guy.  I have a lot of respect for him.

Now meet Elsie!

Elsie is the only surviving sister of my maternal grandmother.   Her health is failing.  But, she refuses to give up on her hobbies and passions.
 

Bob and Elsie have been married for something like 100 years!   And, he has supported her hobbies without question.   He is quite proud of her.

 She sews and knits.  This flag is amazing.

 And, she did this owl from a photograph.

She gets up in the middle of the night and works for about 3 hrs when it is quiet.  Then, back to bed to sleep late in the morning.

It was wonderful seeing you both.  It has been much too long.

Thanks Bob and Elsie

Wrapping up Prescott, Arizona

I went for a walk around the town to get photos.  I enjoyed this back alley.  Even the dogs were welcomed.

And, if you are interested, this is the Jersey Lilly from across the street!

I was sitting in the upper level to the far left!

A GREAT t-shirt from the West

I must admit, I chuckled a bit.  I didn't buy it.  But, I sure thought about it!

 

A Prescott Local

Meet Ryan!

After watching the parade down main street, it was time for dinner.   I managed to find a nice, quiet place.  Ryan was most helpful pointing out the best items on the menu.

Thanks Ryan!

Decor at the Jersey Lilly

I liked the stained glass!

Note the saloon girl, piano player, and cards!

And, here is a card game about to get out of control.   The fella at the right may be cheating! 
 

Music at the Jersey Lilly

Meet Little Larry!

He was having a great time playing for the crowd.  I suspect this is a regular gig for him.  He knew people!

It was great music, too.

Thanks LL!

Customers at the Jersey Lilly: 2

This group of lovely ladies were out on the town.   And, they were having a lovely time.  The Lilly was filling up when they arrived and I think they got the last table in the place!

They were all "locals" in the area.  

It was a pleasure ladies.  Thank you!

Customers at the Jersey Lilly: 1

Meet Mary Lou!

She and her husband are ranchers in the area.  They both came to town to socialize with friends.

It was a pleasure meeting you, Mary Lou!

Thank you!

At the Jersey Lilly: Customers

Meet CW!

I LOVED this look.   Here is a guy who is comfortable and happy.  Great beard.  Great hat.  And, an even more awesome shirt!

Below is a close up of the shirt.

His wife was sitting with him and beamed when I mentioned the shirt.  She picked it out for him.  I so need to find a shirt like this!

He retired to Prescott after a career building hot rods in S. California.

Thanks CW!

The Jersey Lilly

If you ever travel to Prescott, you will end up on Whiskey Row.  It is a wonderful street with bars, restaurants, at least one hotel, and a variety of shops.

I thought I should stop and have one at one of the establishments.  So, I asked a few people and was told that the Jersey Lilly was the local hangout.

Upstairs we went.

LOVED the old photos of saloon girls!

 

Meet Debbie!  She was sitting near me and noticed the camera.  We struck up a nice conversation.  She is a real estate agent and pointed me to some excellent places to look for a second home!

Thanks Debbie!  Who knows, we may cross paths again!

Prescott, Arizona.....An Unknown!

I don't know who this person is.   She saw my camera and asked if I could take her photos.  She was trying to take a selfie and it wasn't working out. 

I gave her my card.  But, I never heard from her.

This isn't a great photo.  I think I owe her another one!  She is quite stunning.  But, I rushed this photo.  

So...thank you....and I owe you a better photo!

Prescott: Mead and Tunnels

Meet John!

He is the owner of the building that rented to a few businesses.  What I liked about John was that he was full of information about old Prescott.  I didn't know there were tunnels under the streets and between buildings!   I guess those were for the old bootlegging days!

I had my first taste of Mead.   It is a fermented drink with honey, and various flavorings.   This was a sample of 8 that I tried.  I am not sure I am a fan of mead. But, it was interesting and I would be willing to try it again.   It could very well be an acquired taste.  The various flavorings were actually quite interesting.

 

This hung on the wall in front of where I was sitting.  I really liked it.  Nicely done.  

Another Photographer!

Meet John!

He runs a small photography business/hobby called Silly Wabbit Photography out of Oregon.

I liked his beard!   If memory servers me correctly, he was also sporting a Nikon camera.   But, I could be mistaken.  He was also out enjoying the weather.

Thanks John!

By the way.  This is my 1,000th post.   

The Old West: Dog Lovers are Everywhere

Meet Ali!

She is from a military family and grew up in Alaska.  No wonder she was in the warmth of Arizona!  She is a dog groomer by trade.  But, she was filling in for a friend at a shop when I happened by.  And, she was gracious enough to let me take her photo.

And, meet Charlie!  Charlie was laying on the floor in front of a display case.  And, he managed a polite tail wagging when I stepped over him.

Charlie is a rescue dog from New Jersey.  Charlie is one lucky dog.  Not only did he meet Ali, he was rescued from New Jersey.   Lord knows everyone should be rescued from New Jersey.

My sincere thanks to both of you!

Prescott, Arizona: Various, Unrelated, Things!

I was wandering through an antiques store (there are several in Prescott), and saw this mask.  With the tag board behind it, I thought it looked like pupils in the eyes.  It was kind of fun to shoot it.   The weird lights reflecting below both eyes is from the overhead lighting.   I still sort of like it.

This is the beginning of the Prescott timeline from any sort of recorded history.   This is placed/etched into a large concrete walkway that approaches the courthouse.   It makes a large loop and comes back on the right side of the sidewalk and ends in the 2000's someplace. 

I thought the 1581 date was pretty impressive.  I wonder what that country looked like then.

The Old West: Guitar Stores!

Meet Addison!

He was running  Grey Dog Guitars in Prescott, Arizona.  I haven't played guitar for a long time.  Partially due to a very busy schedule.  And, partially due to hand problems.   But, it was nice to stop in and see what he had.  And, I actually played a bit.  I played horribly.  But, it was still fun.

I found the name of the guitar store interesting.  So, I asked.  It turns out the owner had a dog that he loved that was grey.  Hence.....Grey Dog Guitars.  That certainly works for me.

Thanks Addison! 

From the Wild West: The Old Sage Bookshop

Meet Susan!

She is the owner of the Old Sage Bookshop.  I do enjoy wandering around older, niche book shops. 

It is hard enough to compete with the big chains.  But, there is often a hominess and comfortable nature about them.

And, sometimes I wonder how some books make their way into a book store in Prescott, Arizona!

Thanks Susan!
 

From the Wild West: The Prescott Trading Company Part 2

Meet Raymond!

I enjoyed my visit with Raymond.  He is one interesting guy!  He is 77 years old and likes coming to work in the store.   He lived in California for most of his life where he ran a horse stables/ranch.  He taught kids of some famous actors how to ride, including John Wayne's kids!  He has relatives in MN.  He served in Viet Nam in the air force.  He was an engineer in an amphibious plane.  And, he was kind enough to tell me a few pretty scary stories about landing in the ocean with them! 

We had a great conversation because he was also a photographer. 

Thanks Raymond!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today, my father is 87.

Happy birthday, Dad.  Thank you for the help, sacrifices, and wisdom you have given me over the years.   You taught me how to be a good father...and grandfather.  And, you taught me how to think and care.  The world would be better if more fathers taught their children these skills and values.

Time marches on.   I see myself in you.   I see my son and grandson in you.

We even like the same hats.

Happy Birthday, Dad.  And, no more over-doing it with the exercise at night.   It is hard to sleep when you are being hauled off to the ER.