We had our first fall storm roll through.  We received rain yesterday, the first time in 50+ days.

It looks like the Sandia mountains east of town might actually be getting some snow.  I don't know if it'll provide any measurable amounts or if they'll stay for more than a day or so.  I'm just glad we're getting some moisture.

Here's what the mountains looked like this afternoon.

A bit further south, you can actually see some moisture headed down.  I don't know if it was actually hitting the ground.

It's supposed to be chilly and windy for most of the rest of the weekend.  It's supposed to warm up a bit early next week.

Papillon

This past Saturday (10/20) I drove up to the Sandia Crest.  Lots of lovely views to be seen.

On the way back down, I decided to stop at the Tinkertown Museum.  I'd heard about it, but had never gone.

It's a fun way to spend a very kitschy half hour or so.  The admission is $3.50 (adult) and allows you to wander around as much and as long as you like. 

The museum was assembled over numerous years by a local couple (last name Ross).  He died in 2002, but she continues to run things.

Among other things you've got walls assembled using something like 50,000 bottles embedded in them.  (I didn't get a photo).  They've also put together a number of dioramas using lots of miniatures.  One very long one is a spoof of a western town.  Here's a section involving the Pharmacy.

And here's what happened after the Pharmacy couldn't help -- an angel and devil fighting over a man at the graveyard.

Each of the sections of the western town had a button you could push to cause portions of the display to move, like the little girl who skipped rope.

There are some non-western town dioramas, including an elaborate circus.

They've even got an automated fortune teller, Grandmother Esmeralda.  My fortune card said, among other things, that "You have chosen the path of righteousness and you will be very happy."  Also, "....you have a keen mind and an understanding nature."  Fun!

If you're looking for sophisticated humor, this is not the place for you.  However, I had a darn good time and won't hesitate to recommend it.

Papillon