For some reason, the mural concept has become identified with paintings on exterior walls. But, by the dictionary, paint a picture on any wall, inside or out, you have committed a mural. Therefore, it follows that the large painted wall in the lower level of our library is definitely a mural; no idea of what the scene depicts, aside from an ancient rock building. (It occurred to me that the dictionary definitionwould allow much graffiti as a form of mural. Go figure.)
This post is something I've been wanting to do for a long time. In big terms, the subject is the Hotel St. Michael. More specifically, it's the question of those faces in the decorative circles just below the roof line. They take the place of the usual gargoyles, though there are also a wolf head and a ram's head. Speculation has it that the individual who created the faces depicted prominent local men of the time -- none too flatteringly, either. Revenge, it is said. Or something like that. I've never come across any definitive statement. However, using the telephoto lens on my new camera let me come in close. Introducing the faces on the hotel wall; anyone you recognize?
The last two images do not look like caricatures of prominent businessmen, politicos or gamblers. Token gargoyles?
First it's Highway 69; now the complaints are focused on the proposed roundabouts. We never had it so good. If you want a highway to complain about, take a look at the unpaved Prescott-Jerome road over Mingus and along Yeager Canyon into the old copper capital. I'd guess that the highway was state of the art at the time and that ADOT was pretty dang proud of their work cutting a road into the side of that canyon.
These guys were all in the south window at Van Gogh's Ear over on Whiskey Row. I want one, if I can't have the giant robot who guards The Electric Hog.
This ferocious fellow is my favorite. He sports an excellent pair of wings, but they didn't show up well against the background paintings. Especially, I like the beady R.E.D. eyes.
Here is a drinking machine with wine built-ins. Perhaps the wine recirculates, like blood.
A musical insect...
...and, what, a troll, maybe? If you'd like to see more fantasy and SF critters by Adam Homan, take a visit to his web site. His photographer didn't have to contend with window glass or crowded displays!
When I stopped in at the New Frontiers deli for coffee-and the other morning, I was struck by the amount of greenery around and about our local natural foods supermarket. Even a spider plant hanging down in the middle of a packaged food aisle (above.)
Reason I noticed: 1) there were live plants on most of the tables and 2) it was watering time. Certainly a not too subtle way to underscore the natural theme.
The veggie displays also emphasized fresh and natural. (And they were eminently photogenic!)
That's why I'm dedicating this post to my two veggie afficienados, Lucy and Lizzie! Long may they enjoy! Just incidentally, I still prefer fruit!
Aside from the fine deli, another attraction of New Frontiers is the attention paid to the bulletin boards -- by me, an important aspect of any business that is a regular stop-off for customers. Fry's and Safeway tuck them into out of the way corners; Albertson's has none -- zero. At NF, the notices are in full view at one entrance; on one side, the announcements of events and causes; across the way, the peoples' bulletin board (sales, rentals.) Even here, greenery. A fine finishing touch.
When the neighbors invited me to go wine tasting out at the Granite Creek Vineyards, I jumped at the chance. Of course. It was a lovely way to while away an afternoon with a box picnic lunch, a few sips each of five excellent wines, listening to folk music and relaxing in the shade of huge Chinese elms at an old Chino Valley homestead.
The Hoult family operation had been growing organic table grapes there since 1974; in 2000, their son, the winemaker, persuaded them to join the ranks of Arizona wineries. Here, the wine tasting room.
The barn dates back to the early nineteen hundreds. It overlooks the shady lawn where picnickers enjoy music and wine on summer weekends.
There are 20 acres of vines, irrigated by well water.
Concrete ditches -- leftover from the days when water from Watson Lake in the Dells belonged to Chino Valley farmers. Because Chino was turning into a bedroom community, the water rights were sold to the City of Prescott in the 90s.
A few old farm artifacts are scattered unobtrusively about the grounds, but there's no attempt at cuteness. The corrogated iron shed (below) is a remnant from the past.
One of the main attractions of the farm: a small collection of peacocks. This fellow put on quite a show for a hen who paid him little mind -- at least, while I was watching.
I should mention that sheoflittlebrain lived on this farmstead as a child. Maybe she will comment here -- or even better, write a post of her own memories.
Coffee-and. Breaking my fast after the annual trip to give blood at Bradshaw Mtn. Labs. First stop, the deli at New Frontiers; the key lime pie needed at least three times as much lime.
But, the atmosphere is pleasant; besides I could admire the horse figure up on Savoini's roof. It is one of a pair of roof horses.
Time to head down Iron Springs Road. They just can't let well enough alone! Yet another project tearing up the street and extending into the school yard. I made a point of not stopping by the book department at Hastings,
Instead opting for the desert in bloom at the little landscaped triangle right at the Four, formerly Five, Points intersection. Above, cholla; below, prickly pear...
... and the ubiquitous pink Mexican primrose. Ken Lain claims in his Courier gardening column that the primrose likes it dry and thrives on neglect. My primrose climbed up into the big, well watered strawberry pot, and abandoned the dry soil in the ground below.
The little desert triangle is directly across the street from the hospital swamp -- cienega, if you prefer; there are a number of springs in this area. On the opposite side of the street looking south is a very green, grassy area in front of the Miller Valley School. I hadn't realized what a fine old rock wall stood at the front of the school.
This corner, in case you weren't aware, belongs to a flock of grackles who come up from warmer climes every spring. They usually hang out near wet places. I was headed on my way past the school to the TrueValue hardware store when this lady grackle showed up and began nattering at me. Soon she was joined by another and then another. All told, some six birds shouted at me to shoo! scram! begone! None of the usual, wonderful jungle bird noises from these guys -- just a loud racket.
They followed me til I got within spitting distance of the True Value sign. What this fellow was doing up there, I've no idea. He was still at it when I caught a ride home with the fertilizer I bought for my tomatoes.
Actually, I went into the Shoe Box over on Gurley Street to get really comfortable footgear for Mom, whose entire shoe wardrobe dates back to her fashion days and has proven pretty doggone uncomfortable of late.
But what caught my eye: the sox! Designs galore, from bears, lizards and Pooh to hot peppers, frogs and monkeys. Louder yet than my own beloved Polartec winter sox.
No, I didn't buy any. Maybe I should have, but the idea didn't occur to me, I was so busy buying Mom the shearling lined moccasins and taking pictures. But I may well go back one of these days. Better make it soon or the fashions will have changed on me.
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