License to play

Classically, license plates for which drivers paid extra just to control the content were always called vanity plates. However, that term implies that the owner is touting perhaps his own name or that of his company (or his favorite son). Most of the custom plates that I collect are neither that vain nor that dull but instead light hearted (or perhaps just plain strange). Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with them. I prefer plates with messages about Arizona (above, below)...
...or perhaps the driver's outlook on life. I just hope that they are maintaining that optimism these days!

Betty Boop yes? Why not!

On the other hand, here is somebody who might have a problem with juniper or pine pollen in season, while I haven't figured out whether the owner below is saddled with a problem or, more optimistically, owns a thoroughbred.

Does the driver above buy souls? We'll never know but I intend to be careful when his car is in the neighborhood. As for the driver below, there's a reason for his/her choice of license plate language -- the vehicle is a Nitro.

Links -- All in the Family: Two of my curmudgeon-ish family members have just posted pointed rants at their respective blogs. Check out the Aussie bro and the Alaskan SIL.

Later -- oh, my, hie yerself right over to High Altitude Gardening this instant and take a look at what Kate found. Imagine riding out on your horse up in the high mountains and coming across 200 snowmen.

A short walk of many sights

The street: Miller Valley Road near Fry's. I had a short walk before buying a few groceries. How do you like those parking area stakes, painted Indian-style with snakes. Ogg's Hogan, of course. (For Prescott visitors, a dealer in Native American rugs, arts and crafts.)

Fine winterish tree sight -- shadows on a wall. But a not-so-fine sight in the next batch of trees: the ubiquitous white plastic bag, flying as high and bright as a surrender flag. Why don't they make these bags and the fast food detritus in a tan color? Have you noticed that corrogated boxes in that kraft paper finish don't show up nearly as much by the side of the highway?
??? This is the only sign outside this business building. I guess those are hands for Papa, Mama and Baby Bear, maybe? As for the structure below, the shop specializes in all types of flooring, but always catches my eye with the painted sunflowers. Too bad about the dangling weather stripping, tho Christmas tinsel could hang from it.

This vacant lot sits next to one of the last homes on what was once a tree-lined residential street; the sign must have been weathering for a long time. I suspect owners have had drivers making turn-arounds in their lot for an equally long time.

A little further on and around the corner I spotted this sign of the times -- a reminder of America's rotten real estate market. Wonder just who these vultures are.

Next, into Fry's parking lot to find still more vanity license plates.

And into Fry's where I found still more suns such as those needed to cheer the dotter up in dark, dismal Alaska.

And, as a final note, a new role for the grocery store, being all things to all people -- just like Amazon today. I was so caught up in all the photo ops that I completely forgot the sharp cheddar cheese, despite my list.

A license to display

As a rule, I consider license plate numbers to be private -- ok in the state data base and on police computer look-ups, but otherwise off limits to the casual photographer. If necessary, I smudge them out. However, when folks make a point of cute plates, they are fair game. Here, a few I've seen on local streets:

Happy to NJOY AZ, even if (below) it's a DRY HEAT.

I believe the owner of this plate uses it to promote his business. A good use if you can get it. The driver below: probably into horses big time.

This one I don't get, though I suspect that "stokage" has to do with surfing. So I included it. Besides, I certainly respect any beach.

At this point, I've switched to what you might call license plate place holders -- now that only one plate is required, there's a plate holder left over into which you can insert the message of your choice. Some are quite choice!
Betty Boop appears to be popular with drivers this year. Guys, I'd bet.

Can't figure out why anybody would put a jack rabbit on his car but, as the plate says, "here it is."

The cult of the Harley is represented...

As is the cult of the cat. Too bad the feline isn't a smiling manx.