Autumn in NM

Most of the trees that are native to New Mexico turn yellow in the fall.  It's been fun and certainly makes for a very cheerful display.

It's especially fun at sunset with the sunlight coming through the trees.

Enjoying the loveliness while it's still here.

Papillon

Tea and Roses

Today one of the local nurseries (Osuna Nursery for the curious) partnered with a local tea room (St James Tearoom) to put on an event combining tea and roses. 

I decided to brave the high winds and airborne dust that are so prevalent in Albuquerque in April and see what was to be seen.

As to be expected, there were lots of lovely roses - such as

And then there was

The tea was as yummy as the roses.  They served tea (of course) and a number of food items.  Two that I tasted were cucumber sandwiches and lavender shortbread.  I LOVED the lavender shortbread.  It was not only yummy but fun as well.

After having tea and admiring the roses, I wandered through the rest of the nursery since I love to see all the blooming plants.

I have long been a fan of dahlias.  Here's a pretty yellow one.

And I loved the color of this little pansy.

I'm glad I didn't let the weather deter me from having a fun and colorful time this afternoon.

Papillon

State Fair

Today I went to the NM State Fair.  I almost didn't go because it's still slightly hot outside.  But I saw a notice in the paper that they were discounting the entrance fee by $2.  So what the heck, I was on my way.  When I arrived, it turns out the entrance fee was $2, not $2 off the regular amount of $7.  Yippee!

As usual when I go to the State Fair, I never go to the midway.  I have a very low threshold for nausea and so I try to avoid things like midway rides.

Instead I headed for the contest venues.  Among other things I entered two photos I took a number of months ago at the fountain in front of the Albuquerque Museum.  They didn't win anything, but I really like the way they turned out.

I also entered a couple pieces of my needlepoint.  I designed the patterns for both - they're based on photos I've taken.  The first one won a second place ribbon.

Finally, I entered a pillow with pansies.  It won a third place.

 

Granted first place on everything would have been nice, but I'm always glad to win something!  It's better than a poke in the eye with a stick.  Plus, I took a good look at the winning photos and will now know how to do things next year.  Practice, practice, practice!

Papillon