There's Not Much Prettier...

...than magnolias in bloom. 

We wait all year for this and it's finally here:

Sadly it will be gone within a week or so.

Glorious while it lasts, but like so many things in life, don't blink or you'll miss it.

Stunk up the joint with round 2 of my hickory golf season this weekend, but I did manage to get a couple decent pics while imploding.

the ornamental trees are blooming now

And things actually started pretty well; decent drive off the first tee and a 2 putt for bogey, which in my early season world counts as a win on that hole.

This continued for next 3 holes and then the wheels fell off.

The frustrating part is I don't really know why.

water hazard on the 8th hole...no I did not drop one in the drink.  I chose instead to hit it waaayyy over the green.  that's using the ol' kidneys, hey?

It wasn't as bad as my first round, so I suppose that's "progress".

Time for another therapy session...

...with The Guru.

Back in my "collecting" days, I had a thing for radios; some mid century modern, but mostly from the art deco era.

One that I was really hot for was a 1936 Sparton Bluebird, but 1) they're not easy to come by and 2) they're pretty expensive.

So I scratched that itch for a time with a Crosley replica bluebird radio:

Made in the 90's, they were $40 or $50 when I bought the one you see above; they're 3x and 4x that now on ebay.

About 14" wide, they're a statement piece but they take up some room on a counter, so they also sold a "baby bluebird" version that's only 8" wide.

The most common version of the baby bluebird is in silver; the cobalt blue ones are harder to come by.

Karen enjoys listening to the radio in the mornings when she's getting ready for the day, so I bought her a silver one which she has used for years.

This past week I finally found a cobalt blue one:

Cute little bugger, and Karen's quite pleased with it.

And I did eventually find an original 1936 Sparton Bluebird radio as well, which I had repaired so it's in safe working condition:

The Canadian version was always electrically sound, but the American version was nicknamed "curtain burner" because it overheated and could actually cause fires.

A repair guy I knew in Ohio fixed that on mine so it's not just a "shelf queen".

This detour by the Collector's Corner has been brought to you *Free* of charge, meaning, substance and value.

No need to thank us; it's what we do.

And speaking of, it's time we do that 23 Skidoo:

saw this on a replay of a golf shot.  the commentator said he's hoping for a birdie.

our one and only tulip in bloom

Loki posing on the courtyard wall for his picture

Karen's idea of fun...putting 4 more 800 lb pavers in the ground.  digging in the dirt and lifting heavy objects is exactly how I like to spend my free time.

life is better down that old dirt road.  is that a Model T just around the bend?

Ever feel tired and worn out, sick of working and aching for some peace?

You're not alone of course, and there is good news on that score:

Revelation 14:13

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

King James Version (KJV)

later, mcm fans...