I ran across this today. I thought it interesting.
American Indian Heritage Month factoid:
Something very much like basketball (ca. 1000 B.C.) was played by American Indians about 3,000 years ago. The Olmec, who lived in what is now southern Mexico/Central America from about 1700 B.C. to 400 B.C., originated the game because latex-producing trees grew in their area and they had developed the technology to create balls made from rubber. Because this game is the first one known to have used a rubber ball, anthropologists consider it to be the forerunner of all modern games that use bouncing balls, including basketball, soccer and football.
Papillon
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
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
It's especially fun at sunset with the sunlight coming through the trees.
Enjoying the loveliness while it's still here.
Papillon
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
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
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
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Bosque Fire
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.
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.
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
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