Another Balloon Festival Participant.

Meet Kari! 

I thought she had a lovely smile.  And she was most gracious to let me take her photograph.  

Thanks Kari!

Balloon Festival: Face painting Fairy for the Kids!

 Meet Christina!

She was having a wonderful time painting the faces of a long line of little kids.  Her customers were as cute as could be both before, and after, she finished.   As usual in this blog, almost no pics of little kids.  

Thanks Christina!

The US Army was well Represented!

Meet Cody

And meet Britt!

My thanks to both of you.  Wonderful smiles!

The Balloon Festival: Three Friends

I didn't get their names.  But, I thought they looked lovely together!  

Thanks for letting me take the photo, ladies!

Balloon Festival Participants!

 

Meet Rebecca and Miriam!

What a couple of cuties!   A lovely smile Rebecca!  

When Filling Balloons, You Need Strong Help

 During the balloon festival, I was able to watch various balloons be unpacked, rolled out, fans started and then the burners fired to create more hot air.

This all requires help.  Below are photos of helpers holding the balloon open for air and heat. 

 

The final product....nearly ready!

 

The Phoenix Balloon Festival

 Meet Jose and the cutest little Jose Jr you ever saw!

Thanks Jose,

You were the first photo I took when I got there.  I haven't done photos like this for over 2 yrs.  It was good to get back into it.

And little Jose Jr is a CUTIE!!

The Jail Tree

Back in the 1860's-1890, the Arizona town of Wickenberg did not have a jail.  So, they decided it was a good idea to just chain criminals up to a tree in the center of town.  

 Given that in the winter it can get pretty damn chilly at night...and damn hot in the summer, this seems like a damn uncomfortable way to spend anytime at all!  

 

Merry Christmas 2021

In the Southwest, Christmas trees can take on an entirely different look and feel.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone.  Be safe out there.

Shotguns: Beautiful Artwork

Whether you are a fan of firearms or not, there is a sense of artwork with the beautiful engravings produced in high end shotguns.  I found these incredible.