This afternoon a large plume of smoke came to our attention.
I'm not sure how it started, but it sure has covered some ground. It's located in Corrales which is east of where I live.
It was supposedly started by the electronic 'cigarette' discarded/dropped/whatever by a village worker. A bit ironic, that.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Well, it certainly has been quite a long time since I last posted. I have no one specific reason as to why I haven't been blogging for 3+ months. In any case, I'm back.
For Bosses' Day on October 16th, I got a book for each of my two supervisors. (Same book for each of them.) It's an interesting book entitled Scenic New Mexico (by Laurence Parent). I spotted it in one of my book catalogs. It was on sale (sweet!). I also bought a copy for me.
The book contains itineraries for 35 drives through some of the wonderful scenery to be found here in the Land of Enchantment. There's a route map for each plus historical information and descriptions of what can be seen along each route.
Yesterday (Saturday 10/20) was a lovely autumnal afternoon. Sunny and not too hot or too cold. I decided, rather on the spur of the moment, to take Drive #16, San Antonito to Sandia Crest. All of that is located just east of Albuquerque so was a handy place to start.
Here is a photo taken at the Crest (where it was windy and a bit chilly). The haze in the distance may be due in part to a controlled burn north of Albuquerque in the Jemez area. The haze was VERY noticiable on Friday 10/19.
Here are several photos I took on the way back down. These are the remains of the poplars as they turn their usual bright yellow.
As I came around a curve like this, I saw a family of turkeys crossing the road. By the time I pulled over and got out my camera, they had disappeared into the underbrush.
Another photo I didn't have time to take was of a directionally-challenged squirrel. At yet another curve, I spotted a squirrel part way out onto the road. I slowed way down, since I didn't want to run over him. At the initial sighting, he was facing east across the road. When he spotted me, he hesitated then sprang straight up in the air, turning 180 degrees. He's now facing west. He hesitated again, then repeated the maneuver, now he's facing east. Finally, he sprang up one more time and turned in the air, landing facing west. At that point, he made the decision to run off the road. I almost had to pull over I was laughing so hard.
At the base of the Sandias and just north of San Antonito is the Tinkertown Museum, it's mentioned in my book. It was started by a couple and uses a bunch of miniatures to recreate a wild West town. A lot of the miniatures aren't period pieces, including Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. It's fun and kitschy and I'll talk about it in a later blog.
I've also decided I'm going to take all 35 drives. Not all at once, of course. I do have to work, after all. But, it's a nice goal to have. I also plan on upgrading my digital camera. I've got one that is acceptable, but it's older with a slow shutter speed. Nothing too terribly fancy but something newer. I want to upgrade my skills as well.
Papillon
For Bosses' Day on October 16th, I got a book for each of my two supervisors. (Same book for each of them.) It's an interesting book entitled Scenic New Mexico (by Laurence Parent). I spotted it in one of my book catalogs. It was on sale (sweet!). I also bought a copy for me.
The book contains itineraries for 35 drives through some of the wonderful scenery to be found here in the Land of Enchantment. There's a route map for each plus historical information and descriptions of what can be seen along each route.
Yesterday (Saturday 10/20) was a lovely autumnal afternoon. Sunny and not too hot or too cold. I decided, rather on the spur of the moment, to take Drive #16, San Antonito to Sandia Crest. All of that is located just east of Albuquerque so was a handy place to start.
Here is a photo taken at the Crest (where it was windy and a bit chilly). The haze in the distance may be due in part to a controlled burn north of Albuquerque in the Jemez area. The haze was VERY noticiable on Friday 10/19.
Here are several photos I took on the way back down. These are the remains of the poplars as they turn their usual bright yellow.
As I came around a curve like this, I saw a family of turkeys crossing the road. By the time I pulled over and got out my camera, they had disappeared into the underbrush.
Another photo I didn't have time to take was of a directionally-challenged squirrel. At yet another curve, I spotted a squirrel part way out onto the road. I slowed way down, since I didn't want to run over him. At the initial sighting, he was facing east across the road. When he spotted me, he hesitated then sprang straight up in the air, turning 180 degrees. He's now facing west. He hesitated again, then repeated the maneuver, now he's facing east. Finally, he sprang up one more time and turned in the air, landing facing west. At that point, he made the decision to run off the road. I almost had to pull over I was laughing so hard.
At the base of the Sandias and just north of San Antonito is the Tinkertown Museum, it's mentioned in my book. It was started by a couple and uses a bunch of miniatures to recreate a wild West town. A lot of the miniatures aren't period pieces, including Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. It's fun and kitschy and I'll talk about it in a later blog.
I've also decided I'm going to take all 35 drives. Not all at once, of course. I do have to work, after all. But, it's a nice goal to have. I also plan on upgrading my digital camera. I've got one that is acceptable, but it's older with a slow shutter speed. Nothing too terribly fancy but something newer. I want to upgrade my skills as well.
Papillon
Friday, July 6, 2012
A New Bunny in the Neighborhood
This would happen on a sporadic basis and weeks could go by between visits. However, it's been a very long time since the last appearance and I figured one of two things had happened. One - the rabbit had died of old age. Two - the rabbit made a meal for a local coyote.
Today I was pleasantly surprised to see another rabbit has found the comfort and safety of my fir tree.
I know this is a different rabbit because it's smaller than the first rabbit. Plus, the first rabbit only hung out on the side of the trunk closest to the house. It never napped on the outward facing side.
I'm sad that the original rabbit has gone missing. I'm glad that the 'tradition' continues.
Papillon
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Two Amusing Books
I have been in love with the movie, Mrs. Miniver, for years. I always cry during the rose competition scenes and I'd bet it's not the part you're thinking about.
In any case, several years ago I learned that the movie is based on a series of columns by Jan Struther that were later gathered into a book. A couple of weeks ago, I located the book on Amazon and bought it. I love it. It is charming and entertaining and amusing.
I do love when authors can make their writing seem both effortless and elegant. Example: when talking with a relative about swans, Mrs. Miniver says, "...Conceited brutes. They always look as though they'd just been reading their own fan mail." Sigh. I do so wish I could write as well.
Another book I bought at the same time is amusing in a totally different way. It's The American Frugal Housewife by Lydia Maria Child. It was first published in 1828. It is a hoot and a half to read. Some of the stuff could still be done today. Other stuff, maybe not so much.
Among other things I need to find out what pearlash is. It's mentioned in several recipes as an ingredient.
Here's a recipe for Wedding Cake.
"Good common wedding cake may be made thus: Four pounds of flour, three pounds of butter, three pounds of sugar, four pounds of currants, two pounds of raisins, twenty-four eggs, half a pint of brandy, or lemon-brand, one ounce of mace, and three nutmegs. A little molasses makes it dark-colored, which is desirable. Half a pound of citron improves it; but it is not necessary. To be baked two hours and a half, or three hours."
OMG. Plus, can you imagine beating all this together without the use of an industrial strength mixer?
Off to amuse myself with more helpful hints from 1828 on how to run a happy and healthy household.
Papillon
In any case, several years ago I learned that the movie is based on a series of columns by Jan Struther that were later gathered into a book. A couple of weeks ago, I located the book on Amazon and bought it. I love it. It is charming and entertaining and amusing.
I do love when authors can make their writing seem both effortless and elegant. Example: when talking with a relative about swans, Mrs. Miniver says, "...Conceited brutes. They always look as though they'd just been reading their own fan mail." Sigh. I do so wish I could write as well.
Another book I bought at the same time is amusing in a totally different way. It's The American Frugal Housewife by Lydia Maria Child. It was first published in 1828. It is a hoot and a half to read. Some of the stuff could still be done today. Other stuff, maybe not so much.
Among other things I need to find out what pearlash is. It's mentioned in several recipes as an ingredient.
Here's a recipe for Wedding Cake.
"Good common wedding cake may be made thus: Four pounds of flour, three pounds of butter, three pounds of sugar, four pounds of currants, two pounds of raisins, twenty-four eggs, half a pint of brandy, or lemon-brand, one ounce of mace, and three nutmegs. A little molasses makes it dark-colored, which is desirable. Half a pound of citron improves it; but it is not necessary. To be baked two hours and a half, or three hours."
OMG. Plus, can you imagine beating all this together without the use of an industrial strength mixer?
Off to amuse myself with more helpful hints from 1828 on how to run a happy and healthy household.
Papillon
Sunday, June 3, 2012
An Interesting Factoid
I've been reading a book of anecdotes about American Presidents. (George Washington to Ronald Reagan)
An interesting factoid - the phrase 'In God We Trust' was put on American coins beginning in 1864. Theodore Roosevelt tried to have the phrase removed. He said it was unconstitutional and sacrilegious.
Ya gotta like the man.
Papillon
An interesting factoid - the phrase 'In God We Trust' was put on American coins beginning in 1864. Theodore Roosevelt tried to have the phrase removed. He said it was unconstitutional and sacrilegious.
Ya gotta like the man.
Papillon
Thursday, May 31, 2012
While in San Antonio for my mom's funeral, I did take some time to do some 'tourist' activities after the funeral and reception were over.
On Friday evening, my older sister, BIL and I went down to the Riverwalk. We had a nice boat ride followed by dinner.
On Saturday afternoon, my younger sister and I went to the Witte Museum (pronounce witt-ee). They had several interesting exhibits. They had a VERY informative exhibit on Darwin. Among other things, I didn't realize that he didn't start publishing his findings until 20 years after his voyage on the Beagle.
We also saw a fun exhibit. Every year (I think) San Antonio puts on a Fiesta with a Royal Court. The members of the court have very elaborate costumes. Here are some examples:
The museum was also doing some outdoor activities to celebrate the opening of the new wing dedicated to Texas Heritage. One of the performers was Kevin Kirkpatrick who is a trick roper. Here are some photos of him in action. They look kinda tame, but he did some fairly complicated tricks that I was not able to capture on my camera.
It was a nice ending to a sad weekend.
Papillon
On Friday evening, my older sister, BIL and I went down to the Riverwalk. We had a nice boat ride followed by dinner.
On Saturday afternoon, my younger sister and I went to the Witte Museum (pronounce witt-ee). They had several interesting exhibits. They had a VERY informative exhibit on Darwin. Among other things, I didn't realize that he didn't start publishing his findings until 20 years after his voyage on the Beagle.
We also saw a fun exhibit. Every year (I think) San Antonio puts on a Fiesta with a Royal Court. The members of the court have very elaborate costumes. Here are some examples:
The museum was also doing some outdoor activities to celebrate the opening of the new wing dedicated to Texas Heritage. One of the performers was Kevin Kirkpatrick who is a trick roper. Here are some photos of him in action. They look kinda tame, but he did some fairly complicated tricks that I was not able to capture on my camera.
It was a nice ending to a sad weekend.
Papillon
Monday, May 28, 2012
My Mom's Funeral
Here's a photo of the flowers and her urn and a flag in honor of her military service (WAC's in WWII).
We were originally told that she didn't qualify for a rifle salute. So we were surprised when a van pulled up and some men with rifles got out. It turns out they're volunteers and were happy to give my mom a 21-gun salute. We thank them.
The minister gave a very nice service. We thank him as well.
Papillon
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