"The Man Who Sold The World"

 A day trip to Apache Junction, AZ for Father's Day.  Dad was so appreciative and it was a fun time.

 HOT, 107 degrees...but they say it's a dry heat.

By the end of the day, I realized we hadn't taken any photos together and most of the family had already left.  Here is my Princess Jennie, Dad (Owl), and me.  Just before this we were laughing and pointing to David's penis (see him peeking out behind me).

The giant cactus in his yard.

Behind the cactus is a wheel barrel graveyard waiting to be painted by dad as in a previous post.

Amateur Outlaws painted by OWL a band who consigned this painting.

Here are some clever things he painted that I am going to put in my booth for sale.

But the best thing I brought home...his paint palette.
A work of art on it's own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSH--SJKVQQ

What does the video have to do with this post?  Nothing, but I heard it on the radio driving home and remembered liking this song.

OWL the Artist

Owl is my Dad's nickname.  I had a wonderful 4 days with him & wanted to share some of his artwork.

                                 This is a block wall in his backyard in Apache Junction, AZ.

     
Dad painted this mural approximately 15 years ago & it has faded a bit in the Arizona sun.  But I think it adds character.

                He's a clever guy....painted cliff dwellings & western scenes in old wheel barrels.

An artist thinks of all kinds of colorful items.  Here is his brick driveway he designed with a Thunderbird in the center.  It never occurred to me before.....he lives on Thunderbird Drive.

Old OWL singing "Ruby" karaoke at the casino this past weekend.  I couldn't believe we talked him into it!  He calls himself an old hippie.  You can't tell, but he has a long ponytail hanging down his back.  After I took this photo, I got in trouble by the security of the casino.  I guess you aren't allowed to take pictures of anyone!  Who knew.  I don't gamble too often.  I have to say though, it was fun sitting next to him at the poker machines.  Dad hit $500.00 on this night!  I think I broke even.

Last year, Dad had a quadruple bypass, a ruptured aorta & had his arteries in his legs cleaned out.  It was a rough year.  Also, he has glaucoma which led to our weekend together.  Unable to drive anymore, he asked me to take him to an induction ceremony in Henderson, NV for his brother who passed away.  Uncle Dave was a Vietnam veteran with over 100 combat missions, U-2 pilot for a variety of test programs, Lockheed test pilot, etc....... He was honored with being buried in Arlington, Virginia cemetery.

Dad & I stayed in a fantastic luxury hotel, gambled a bit & had lots of time to chat on our long drive.
I took him home on Sunday & we spent the evening watching the Steelers play (loose) a football game.

I'm thankful Dad asked me to take him on this trip & for the time we spent together.  It's a wake up call to make an honest effort to see him more often.