Christmas come early in LHC

I noticed Lake Havasu City has recently adorned Wheeler Park with several Christmas wreaths in anticipation of the upcoming season. 

 

Christmas wreaths line the fence at Wheeler Park in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Nov. 5

 

 

Oh, how excited I was in early Oct. when I noticed our local Kmart had begun to set up their Christmas decor displays for the season. I just LOVE this time of year. The early-bird sign just allows me a few extra moments of holiday cheer. 

Of course, not everyone agrees with me.

I know of one girl in town, a real bah-humbug, who literally will write and send nasty letters to the department heads of large businesses this time of year chewing them out for forcing Christmas down the throats of the general public in an attempt to strip them of a few extra bucks to pad the pockets of the company big wigs.

I am not so severe. I find myself secretly and silently humming along to random holiday songs inside my head as I openly browse through snowmen, reindeer, penguins and other cheerful holiday trinkets. My own guilty pleasure I guess.

As I indulge, it is strange to think the weather outside is in the upper 90s. It is a real stretch sometimes to envision those white, crisp South Dakota Christmases of my youth. 

 Fa lalalala lala la la. . .

Sunset over Lake Havasu Nov. 3, 2009

Sunset 11.03.09 Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Same Sunset 11.03.09 Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Company Food Fire

I responded to a fire call at a business that came across the public safety scanner in the newsroom shortly after 10 a.m. Oct. 8 of this year that described smoke coming from the roof of a company in town that employs upwards of 200 citizens in our community.

I grabbed my camera, a notebook and pen and rushed my way over there. This is what I saw:

Smoke coming from a Lake Havasu City based roadside service company building Oct. 2, 2009

By luck, I followed a responding Lake Havasu City firefighter company into a parking lot just across the street from the property and found a prime parking spot to stash my car. 

I hurried out and made my toward the fire engine to gauge just how close I’ll be able to get to the action, you know, picking my spot. I can clearly see the crew scrambling to the front of the business in all their gear. 

My confusion began when the firefighters sauntered back to their truck, packed some of their gear and headed on down the road as smoke continued to poor from the roof of the place. 

I stayed in my front row spot to photograph since my instincts were telling me the firefighter must have been called to relocate and would be stationed on a different side of the building to more efficiently attack the fire. 

After a few minutes I noticed a woman casually walking on a sidewalk alongside the building. I quickly crossed the street, approached her and asked if she worked at the business. 

Indeed she did. Well, “What’s with the smoke?” I asked pointing in the direction of the visibly wafting smoke.

“Oh, it’s our company barbecue today,” the woman said. I asked if she was aware the fire department just responded to this location because smoke was seen coming from the roof.

Two guesses on her response. . . 1. Clueless or 2. Clueless.

Most Original Halloween Costume???

I think the most interesting Halloween costume I came across last night while attending Lake Havasu City Fright Night 2009 on our city’s main street, was the Ladder Man. . . 

The Ladder Man is pictured on the dance floor at a popular LHC bar Oct. 31, 2009

This costume, from what I could tell, was a great crowd pleaser. As I watched for about an hour, the Ladder would continually ask random people to climb his ladder. I saw at least a dozen people happily indulge, while a handful of I-am-wearing-heels excuses pardoned a few ladies.

The ladder man’s costume was complete with a cup holder/ashtray seen in the photo attached to one of the rungs. He was approached throughout the night in reference to Jacob’s ladder, stairway to heaven and simply The Ladder. 

The bar’s live entertainment even picked him out of the crowd. Oh, how I love clever people. : )

Other costumes were many run-of-the-mill pirates, convicts, fairies and super heroes. I saw one really good jester costume, a very large spotted Dalmatian costume (that full-body costume looked REALLY warm to wear), a Labrador dressed like the tooth fairy and a Chihuahua dressed like a hot dog. 

Too much fun. But, I must say. The Ladder was, by far, the most original costume in the mix. I mean, how does one think to dress up as a ladder??

I went as Julia Child, but it just didn’t translate. You just know it didn’t work when you have to explain to everyone just who you are. I ended up peeing on my apron strings to boot. : (

The scariest?? I saw a couple of skate kids wearing ski masks. Umm, no. Now, that’s just too creepy.

Whiskey Row, Prescott’s town plaza and Halloween

Walking along Whiskey Row and the town plaza tonight in Prescott, Ariz. was a delight as many of the shop windows, bars, restaurant and general atmosphere is that of Halloween. The spooky decorations seemed to be just the start.

Yavapai County Court House Prescott, Ariz. after dark Oct. 22, 2009

The Yavapai County Court House, around which everything seems centered, had a haunting presence as my husband and I walked around to see the sites.

The block was lined with towering trees with autumn-yellow leaves and the 60-something temperature seemed just plain chilly to me. As we made our way through the dim-lit park an owl was perched somewhere within Hoo-ing as though staged for our spooky stroll after dark.

I guess a fire burned Whiskey Row to the ground in the beginning part of the 1900s. Wondered if there were any deaths associated with it, you know, that left a few ghosts behind? Wishful thinking in my Halloween spirit.

I was completely intrigued with the number of people out enjoying the night air in the plaza; walking their dogs, hanging out on a park bench,  smooching in the shadows, standing around visiting by the light of the shop window displays or site seeing, just as we were.

I know it was Thursday and I know there are several bars in the area and maybe it has just been a long time since I actually went out on a married-date with my man, but it was, I don’t now, interesting.

Interesting in the sense that the people seem to really enjoy living here and actually utilize their park benches, their downtown area and designated “community” areas. I guess people inHavasu do, too.

Veteran statue outside Yavapai County Court House

But one must admit, downtown Prescott has charachter. I was also sweetly surprised by the art element in the area as well. I even saw a watercolor painting of a rooster for $250…Hmmm, yep, interesting.

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile!!!

 

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile parked in London Bridge Resort's parking lot around noon on Monday, Oct. 19

Oh how exciting to see the Weinermobile in our town! The yellow tub was spotted parked in the parking lot of one of the resorts here in Lake Havasu City and is scheduled for an appearance Wednesday, Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Albertsons.

The vehicle stop includes activities for kids and hot dog sale proceeds will benefit Bosom Buddies, according to today’s edition of the Today ’s News-Herald. 

 

The Weinermobile's custom plates

There are apparently six Weinermobiles in the world. 

Upon first-sighting, I thought for sure the vehicle was in town for the upcoming 32nd annual Relics and Rods Run to the Sun car show. Boy, was I wrong. 

The seats of the mobile are red and yellow to symbolize ketchup and mustard I would guess.

Doesn’t it remind you of the company’s theme song in the 80s?

All I remember is “Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weeeeeiner!!” (Am I the only one that remembers screaming this from the top of their lungs while dominating the tire swing at recess??)

Yea, yea, yea. . . They have since turned my hometown elementary school into a museum as well. Go figure. I am officially old.

Blog Entry Hiatus….

I will be unable to contribute useless stories and other worthless tidbits I try so hard to share here. 

I am a feeling overwhelmed at work and expect things to be that way for a spell. As much as I enjoy the few minutes to myself to produce my blog entries, with a heavy heart I must admit I have no time for it now. 

Please check back. I have every intention of picking it up again when the load has been lifted a bit. 

Thanks, 

Jayne Hanson : (

Watermelon Mojito

I drank the most dazzling Watermelon Mojito while on vacation at Lake Poinsett, the largest glacial lake in South Dakota, located in the northeast region of the state.

The lovely cocktail concoction was served up to me at Fish Tales Bar and Grill situated on the south shore of the lake.

The bartender/bar manager is a 30-year veteran in the biz and REALLY knows his stuff. In the short time I spent with him he described a relatively easy process of infusing his own vodka with different flavors and how he creates his own drink mixes, hence the clever Watermelon Mojito.

The charming bar and grill’s location is one that reaches well into the depths of my childhood. I grew up in the area, spending summers on the lake with my family. 

 

Overlooking the lake from Fish Tales outdoor patio

It was an interesting journey to return there and reconnect with my woodsy roots compared to the party atmosphere of Lake Havasu where I live now.

The restaurant itself brings back memories of buffet brunches with my grandma and grandpa on Sundays after visiting a county church. The restaurant was called Pier 81 then. 

I have unforgettable memories of the lake flooding one spring when I was a kid. The flood devastated many cabins and campgrounds, including what is now Fish Tales.

I was stunned to see many photos of this long ago time framed, matted, and decorating the walls. I loved every minute of it…of sharing the memories of the flood with my Idaho-born husband who was along for the trip. 

So here’s to Fish Tales at Pier 81. I will be back in for one of those Watermelon Mojitos when I return to that neck of the woods, eh?

Thanks for the interview, Mark. For more information about the eatery visit www.fishtalesbarandgrill.com.

Michael Jackson Jokes

I am disgusted by all the Michael Jackson jokes that have surfaced since his death yesterday afternoon.

I think Lisa Marie Presley had it right with the statement she released yesterday afternoon saying she was “stunned and saddened by the news of Michael’s passing and her heart goes out to his children, his friends and his family at this time.”

I don’t think I would have as kind of words to say about my ex-husband. I have a newfound respect for her.

I was disgusted when I woke to a Phoenix-based news channel that, in fun, talked of having one of there news anchors do the moonwalk. I was even more horrified when they told of playing Michael Jackson music during their already stupid “Friday Dancebreak” and noted it was “in his honor’. What the??

Ok. Just for arguments sake, I have made it no secret I am a small town girl. So, hear this: There was an oldtimer that died some years back who was a regular in a Deadwood, South Dakota casino. No camparison to MJ, I know, but the casino unplugged his favorite machine the day he was buried. I remember thinking, how nice is that?

Maybe this news channel could have more fittingly cancelled their silly “Friday Dancebreak” in his honor instead of acting stupid and dancing the jig to his music during a time when the whole world has taken notice of the loss of this American icon, despite all the controversy surrounding his short life. I am seriously rethinking watching that morning news show anymore…

I was even more disgusted when I recieved a joke via text (I hate those anyway, but have a friend who insists) that told of how Michael Jackson, being made mostly of plastic, would be melted down into Lego blocks so small children could ‘play’ with him….

Oh no. That’s just not right. I deleted it straight away.

Michael Jackson is someone’s father. He is someone’s son, brother, or friend. I think the focus needs to be on his grieving family, they are really hurting right now.

I plan to remember MJ as he was at the time I was so excited to have received his “Thriller” album on casette tape for my birthday so long ago. And to think how many times I have enjoyed singing along to songs like ”Billy Jean” or “Man in the Mirror” over the years. 

To his family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I know there will always be a piece missing from your souls.

And to all the donkeys out there who continue to create clever jokes at the expense of Michael Jackson’s  memory, or even choose to forward that crap via email or text, shame on you! Ever consider getting a life? And that includes my out-of-state girlfriend of over 10 years, too. : (

I think my cats are in love

Oh my. It has been just over three months since I adopted a 2-year-old retired momma cat from Western Arizona Humane Society, and I must say, I love her even more today than the first moment I saw her. Problem is, I think my 4-year-old male finds her attractive.

When I first introduced them, there was cat-growling and hissing, but I had high hopes of them soon becoming friends.

After about a week, they would chase each other around the house and wrestle until one of them took it too far and more cat-growling and hissing would follow. Still, I kept my hope.

It was in the third week or so I caught them snuggling and sleeping near each other. I quietly backed out of the room, not wanting to disturb their newfound friendly connection. There was still chasing and wresting, but much less cat-growling and hissing.

It was after about a month they were completely comfortable in each others company. Lucky would groom Kelea while she moved her head around so he could get the left, the right, the top, and then the ears. (I truly believe that hair-ball Luck yacked up was actually a result of grooming Kelea.)

I was truly pleased each had finally adapted to the others’ presence. Now we were a real family, you know, me the mom, my husband the dad, and Lucky and Kelea, brother and sister.

Lucky is nicknamed ‘the mouth’ at times because he will meow, and meow, and meow, until its like a meeeeOOooow, mEEEOOoow. You see, he wants to go outdoors, he was a stray who adopted us and he just can’t shake the urge to tomcat around, even if I did pay hard earned money to have his cat-hood disassembled. 

Kelea, on the other hand, is a very sweet and very quiet soul. Hardly a word. Her meek little meow comes out almost raspy since she just plain never uses her voice. 

Well, a few days ago, Kelea was meowing up a storm all through the night with her raspy little lyrics, very similar to when a female feline goes into heat. However, like Lucky, Kelea is fixed. So, how could she still, you know, be interested?? I guess I only assumed the urge was hormonal, and with all her equipment removed, I don’t know, is she still operable in that capacity??

Hmmmmph. 

My husband said he rustled the newspaper at the two of them yesterday morning in my living room. They were about to, you now, have relations…right there in my living room! The wide open rustling of the newspaper and unusual direction of “No” in our home startled them enough to stop what they were thinking about doing.

I was horrified! They have completely blown the whole family vibe I had going. Here I was so happy they were finally brother and sister, and all the while they were actually boyfriend and girlfriend??

Needless to say, now while at work I can’t help but wonder just what they are up to while alone all day together.

In all seriousness, I have since been covering up the pillows on my bed whenever I leave. Eeewww, sick. I think that I don’t even want to know. After all, ignorance is bliss.