August 1, 2007
Finally crossed Grapevine Wash at 11:10 P.M. last night. The flooding ripped out huge chunks of asphalt and trees. The city of Cave Creek grader arrived at about ten, then a couple of scoop loaders and they attacked the weakened roadway, while a couple dozen cars and trucks on both sides of the wash waited it out. We weren't alone. Virtually everyone in the north Valley got stuck somewhere as Cave Creek Road, Scottsdale Road, Dynamite, Dixileta and Lone Mountain all had closures.

Felt bad about my chickens. I left the mister on yesterday afternoon, plus I left my sketchbook at the house. Something I rarely do, so there I was stuck on the wrong bank of a roaring wash with nothing to do and no way to save my chickens. More later. Really behind the eightball this morning.

Excuse The Toot—But This Is A Hoot
"Dear Mr. Bell, I really enjoy watching your True West Moments and have been a fan of yours for a long time. My father would have loved to have met you. He was a old west historian himself. He studied the old west for over 40 years before his death in 1974. My father was Loyd Bailey and was a fast draw expert. He used a Ruger Blackhawk 357 western style six shooter and was right handed. I watched my father practice many hours and he would use a silver dollar. He would hold it at eye level with his right hand and drop it and go for his gun the dollar would hit the end of the barrel. He loved to watch old westerns and look for the mistakes made in costumes and equipment and he would always point them out to us. I wish he had the opportunity to have met you because the two of you could have really shared some true west moments. I tip my hat to you sir and keep up the stories."
—Robert Bailey, Batesville, Arkansas

"Peace, like charity, begins at home [assuming you can make it home]."
—Franklin D. Roosevelt