Jobs suck

As much as I'm loving New Mexico - it doesn't change the fact that we can't stay.  Hubby is looking at a job back in Portland Oregon - the sunless city I escaped from just 18 months ago.  Job here didn't work out and so we have to move.  I keep doing the silent scream in my head.  We just built our dream retirement home - custom ideas all over it -only we aren't actually ready for retirement.  So we will never move in, just put it into the market for sale.  So stupid.

What I will miss:

the sunsets
closeness to Sante Fe, Taos, Moab, Tucson.
What I never got to:  Grand Canyon, Northern AZ,  other Ut parks... only got to Arches, Bandelier, Mesa Verde, and a ton of other places!
less flying bugs than elsewhere
the sun
the sky
the big puffy clouds on occassion
the rare thunderstorms
the friendly people
Placitas
the mountains
vitamin D
biking the path by the Rio Grande
the Zoo and botanical garden
green chiles
the lack of rain!
hiking at tent rock
less traffic
living in my new home
the sunshine

New Mexico Jazz Workshop Summer Concert Series

Okay, I totally admit that I'm a little late in posting this, and I can't find my pictures that I took from going to this twice.  For next year - you should know about this wonderful entertainment in the summer in the outdoor amphitheater at the Albuquerque Museum in Old Town. 

I went to two - one salsa and another swing.  The music is just loud enough, so that you can still carry on a conversation and watch people dance.   Some are super good and it's so fun.  Prices for the ticket are somewhere around $10-12 I think and it is on Fridays and Saturdays, not every week but it's pretty often.

This weekend is the last I think... that's why I should have posted earlier.  Both nights we went were a little breezy, but that just make it the perfect weather after a hot day, so it was welcomed.  Even a few drops of rain were welcomed.

This setting is so nice.  It would make a great wedding venue.

If I ever figure out where my pictures are - I'll add them.

Farm and Table

A new favorite restaurant in Albuquerque.  Thank you United Way for having their big annual party there this past Tuesday.  The setting was lovely and the food- even better.  Everything tasted so fresh and healthy.  The salad was a mixture of veggies that you wouldn't expect and it tasted so good together.  The word is that this place has reservations on a weekend night booked out two months in advance and they don't take walk-in's when that happens.  They say Sunday noon and Thursday night is good time to try.   They are closed Monday and Tuesday. Only Brunch on Sat. and Sunday.  Dinner Wed - Sat open at 5PM.   It's between Alameda and Paseo on 4th. -8917 4th St. NW - 87114 

They also do a grocery box - that's what the one sign is about.  It's saying what is in the box this week.  We did this when we lived in Oregon - sometimes there was some pretty interesting such in our box from the farm in Oregon - like fava beans... and odd shaped squash. It was fun trying to figure out what to do with all of it.

The picture of the metal chairs is from the shop that is next door.  Very fun stuff inside.  Mirrors was my main interest... and this outdoor chair set, which I didn't ask the price.  The mirrors were about $100 and they were those fun silver- big frames that you see around here.  I was thinking entry way in new house.  The normal seating is either inside or on the patio, so we didn't see the restaurant with normal set up.  They had the patio completely empty for people have drinks and starters.  Everything was so good.  Can't wait to try it again with the menu.  Some friends told us that they think the menu is done by season, so changes as food becomes available fresh.  She didn't know if that was 1/4ly or monthly.  They had already been there twice.

Well - check it out for a special event in your life.  I'm sure it's expensive... but I didn't see a menu, just guessing.

Desert ZOO

So yesterday we got our foundation poured for the house we are building in Placitas.  We were at a meeting in Corrales in the evening and when we were leaving and saw that it looked like it was raining in Placitas we decided to head over and see the new cement floors and see what rain does to our property, as we've never seen it rain there.

The main house is poured, but the garage foundation was just dug and the guys had it ready for an inspections the next day.  Our builder showed up and said he would need to cancel the inpection due to the water.  We have a moat!!  I've always wanted a moat.  We also have a new pond in the arroyo - not sure if that's what the civil engineer had in mind.  I know she wanted to slow down the water, but seems like it's not draining right??   But maybe ducks will fly in and use our pond each rain.

retaining wall and foundation for garage

The neighbor came out and she gave us a tour of her home, which happens to have been built by our builder also.  It was very nice to see what a great job he did on her house. 

She describe all the animals that frequent her lot and it was sooo fun.  She has a couple cotton tail rabbit, one of which is huge that come and feed right out her window most days.  She's had a snake get into her house... okay this isn't that fun but kinda crazy.  She also accidentally killed a snake in her driveway when she ran over it.  Not on purpose.. although I probably would say that, but probably meant to kill it.  Snakes are not my favorite thing.  She feeds the birds so she gets a ton.  Humming birds, finches, cardinal and some she's not sure what they are.  Lizards are all over she says. AND she say two wild horses the other day - which is so fun.  I thought we would never see any of those right at the house, but she it was her first time.  She hears coyotes.  AND she has three cats that are super friendly, so I can go over to her house when I need a cat fix.

So excited to start living in Placitas.

Great July 4th tradition - Corrales Parade

Yesterday I did a bit of socializing.  First a church potluck breakfast with balloon toss and three-legged race.  The young looking hubby would not do any of the games, he is getting old despite the looks.  From there we went to the Parade and met up with some friends and crowded into a tiny little spot of shade, due to the fact that we didn't arrive earlier enough... obviously. 

The parade was much longer than I would have guessed for this small of a town.  It wasn't big floats, or high school bands - it was political candidates (probably heavy on that due to being an election year), horse groups, bikers as in Harleys, and the model T car group (which is huge). 

There was a bag pipe group and a band on a long float looking thing.  The the rest was a unique thing for us   - water gun groups in wagons, floats, all with the same mission... blasting the crowd with water.  It's very crazy and we were not prepared.  Would have worn different clothes and brought an umbrella.  I was saved by my big hat - but it was funny.  We laughed and laughed.

The horses were fun to see, a bunch of really tall ones.  They painted a bunch of them, not really fond of that.  They just looked messy.  One group sprinkled glitter on their tushes, that was nice, not too much, festive enough.  I prefer fancy braiding if they want to do something to them.  Didn't notice any of that.

The last group had a giant great dane dog with them, three horses and the dog.  He must be a very good dog to just have him roaming with him and not worry about him with all the small kids around.

Later we went to another potluck - dinner at a home who had horses.  We watched the Rio Rancho fireworks and the ones down by the baloon museum from the same ridge.  Crazy was the rain that decide to actually do something after months of drought right as the fireworks started.  Perfect timing Mother Nature.  Most the locals love rain.  I've put up with rain for the last 15 years, so for me, it's over rated and I don't really care for it.  I have to admit that I do like the puffy clouds we get here, which we just rarely had in the Pacific Northwest.  Clouds are socked in and overcast and gloomy most of the time there, it's not a storm blowing in and getting over with it like here.  It can be gloomy for weeks... months actually. 

Over all a nice 4th of July, but having it midweek and getting up the next day and going into work.  That was hard.  Not a fan of midweek holidays.

Mary Poppins at the PopeJoy

This weekend the play version of Mary Poppins is starting at the PopeJoy on the U of New Mexico campus.  I'm excited, a musical I actually like the songs and it should have some serious dance numbers.  Yeah!!  I've never seen the play.  The movie a ton, I think it was one of the first movies I ever say... let me google that...  okay I think this is a truth.  I would have been 3-4 years old when it came out.  Younger sibling of 5, so very possible they took me along.  This is back in Minneapolis, I think I actually know which theater we were at... is that possilbe. Maybe.  Anyway, it made a big impression on me, cause when it came to actually deciding my wedding dress I wanted it to look pretty similar to the dress in the film that she's wearing when they jump into the chalk  picture and go into the cartoon world and ride the merry-go-round.  Maybe this is why I love chalk art, merry-go-rounds, and that dress.

Adding to this post, after seeing the play I can only say good things.  It was delightful and had a couple great dance scenes.  While watching I started to think about how much seeing this movie as a young child probably affected my life... above the pick on my wedding dress.  Maybe it's why I decided to be a nanny - twice!  The first time it was to a boy and girl... sound familiar.  I was a perfect nanny; fun but firm on discipline.  High expectations is what I'd call it.  Kid's perform well to high expectations. 

Amusement - Hanging off a Cliff

Last night we went to the one and only Albuquerque amusement park called Cliffs.  We walked in and first ride the kids want to do.... "the Rattler".  It's a classic looking wooden roller coaster that, actually looks sort of small, and harmless.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD96nmLJjJw
Very deceiving - it's short in time, but not harmless. 

With the first few seconds my head was thrown to the left and I crashed my head into my husbands shoulder and from that wack major head pain on two sides... which is weird.  The rest of the ride was done in a state of terror, for fear of further injury.  After the shock wore off - left with head, neck and lower back pain.  Today I am resting it off.  I did ice everything before bed, which I think helped a lot.

Generally I think Cliff amusement park is a very cute place and has more than you would guess from the small foot print it takes in this city.  In past trip I enjoyed the log ride - not super scary, just fun.  I also liked the water slide thing where you are in a little raft, so you don't get that wet.

Last night- even though I wanted the soft ice cream with oreo cookie crumbs on it, I was coerced to try the "dipping dots."  I always thought they would be interesting, but not worth the price.  I ordered the cookie something and it was actually kind of fun. My favorite thing to do, kiss them with wet lips and see how many stick.  Got the entire group to follow suit.  Should have got picture of the entire group with dipping dot lips.

The funniest looking area in the park is the kiddie water park area.   I need a grandkid...  I repeat, I need a grand kid.

Yesterday June 16th, Albuquerque had it's Summerfest Cenntenial Celebration in the downtown area closing off Central (part of Route 66) for most of the day.  They had many stages with music - a full range.  Saw Rock-a-billy music, Indian drumming with dancers, country western dancers and then Roy Rogers Jr. and others.

Food for sale and some booths of local businesses and museums.  We got there right as it opened and have very light crowds.  We were already downtown ushering at the Popejoy that morning so it made for a full morning downtown.

We thought it seemed sort of smokey and turns out a fire started a 11AM just south of ABQ and so it was smokey.  The sun only peaked through the haze occassionally.

We talked to the owner of the car I have pictured for a long time.  He told us a ton about what all he did to make this beauty of a car look brand new again.  He told us that he bought the car from three ladies in Arizona I believe who were the original owners - so the car has had a total of 2.  That's pretty crazy and it has less than 100K miles on it.  He insisted I sit in the car and asked what I thought the dial of numbers on the right was.  It looked like a second spedometer - but it turned out to be the radio.  Very fancy for it's time. 

I'm a bit of a fan of of street fairs and I've been to some really good ones.  I didn't linger at this one long enough to give it a grade honestly.  But the reason I didn't linger is it was just a bit too hot.  The best street parties I've been to happen in the evening when it cools down a bit.  Then you want to dance and eat and hang out.  I think ABQ needs to rethink the day time street parties in the summer.  This one started at noon and went to 6PM - total middle of the hottest time of day??  Why??

When I first got to town I was completely intrigued with people watching here.  Coming from Portland Oregon things were  the same in some areas and completely over the top in others, but now I'm totally used to it and not much draws my eye.  I'll never be a fan of tattoos. I've tried to stop thinking about what that tatoo will look on an old person, but it's hard.  I really hate seeing tattoos on old skin, it's so gross.  I saw a lady with so much tatoos on her chest going up to the top of her neck - just under her jaw line, that her head looked like it was floating.  Not pretty.  Okay that caught my eye and I really wanted a picture.  I think I should have asked, and I think she would have said okay.  I mean.... you don't have junk put all over your body and dress so that everyone can see it because you want to keep it private...?  Right?

They had an art area - but it wasn't anything that I was interested in.  There is so many great places to see art in this area.  What I'd really like to go to is the usable folk art show in Sante fe... need to get that on the calendar. 

Free ABQ Concerts at the Balloon Museum

This past Wednesday we went to a wonderful evening of music and kid fun.  There are 4 others planned through out the summer, using the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, the last one being on August 8th.

The schedule is 6-7pm kid stuff inside the Balloon Museum.  Use the east door.
And 7-8 the ABQ Concert Band plays in the shade of the museum, east lawn.

This week they had story teller and an African drum group teach the kids some rhythms and it was quite the jam session.  I should have brought my drum.  I have a thing about drumming.  I think it's from my one quarter Chippawa Indian blood.  One of these days I will buy one like they had at this event.  They are like furniture.  I'd use it for an end table so that it was a justifiable expense.  Multi-purpose or I can't indulge my whims.

Back to the event.  The band played a variety from of music: marching tunes, a montage of songs from a musical or our favorite - theme music from the original Star Trek (the final frontier).  Did you know the origin only had three seasons for a total or something like 75 episodes.   That's why you think you remember all of them - you've seen them over and over.  My friend who we went with, says that there are 5 cast of Star Treks - if you include all the off shoots.  Wow, didn't know that.

The daily high had been 92 degrees, but by 6pm in the shade it was pretty perfect.  We had clouds so the sunset was extra great, nice breeze.  They have some chairs, but your own camp chair... if it's a nice one would be more comfy.  Blankets work too.   People bring picnics, but they also have gourmet food trucks and the pizza looked really good, so I think I'm going to try that next time.  Maybe I'll see you there.

Holding a beautiful Corrales home open tomorrow.  Come and see it.  Only been on the market for 5 days.

Why didn't I get here sooner!

 Had a little gift from God come my way today when I was feeling like I was going to go into a bit of a slump.  Talked the hubby into going to the botanical garden here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  We planned to bring the bikes, but last minute didn't, which turned out okay.  We got there and from the first second I was blown away.  It was an oasis in this desert that I really needed to know that I can go to whenever, just whenever.  So I became a member.  So now I can go to the zoo, the aquarium or this garden any day and I can bring a guest for free.  Yeah!

This was a great day.  I even had a good lunch of Thai curry in town.  Didn't think I could get that, but obviously I just hadn't tried hard enough. 

The garden had a nice butterfly area.  The kids area is GREAT.    My favorite spot would have to be the Japanese garden. It was honestly like being back in Portland and that's a nice thing to be able to go to when I want to.  Yet it will be sunny which is even greater. 

NM news - could you eat your best friend?

Woke up, turned on the morning national news show and New Mexico is in the news.  In Roswell there is a couple that would like to be able to slaughter horses and export to Europe mostly where they consider the meat to be a delicacy.  I love horses and I'm so excited that there will be two in the next yard where we are building, but I don't have strong feeling for this topic.  The opposing voice is that you can't eat your friend and horses are man's friend.  I'm assuming that no one is taking a person's best horse friend to the slaughter house without that person's permission.

Would I eat  horse meat myself... I don't think it would freak me out or anything.  I eat veal and that should freak me out, some say.  Would I eat my own horse that I had trained and raised and cared for, probably not.  But that's not to say that when the time comes for the horse to be put down - as happens - would I be opposed to sending the horse to be meat - I don't think that is a bad way to go.

I happen to have had the experience of watching a horse be loaded on a trailer after it died, and I have to say that that was not a particularly humane experience in itself, even though the horse died on it's own, in it's own barn.  Due to the size and weight of these guys, they hitch them up to a winch and drag them to the trailer.  I lived in the next lot, across the field and was painting a room when I notice the commotion outside.  The buddy, Shetland pony was having a complete fit that his pal was dead and it was pretty tragic.  The family who owned the horses had left during it, knowing it would be upsetting.  Wish I had got the memo.

This issue is piggy backed with my daughter coming home all excited from her anatomy class yesterday.  "Guess what I got to do today???"  No idea. "I got to look at a human cadaver, 60 year old woman, it was so cool.  I want to donate my body when I die."  So there you go.  Hundreds of people will look and poke and dissect my daughter for a year after she dies.  Then her body will be cremated and set to me in an envelope.  Is that humane...?  It's fine.  I never want to spend money on a casket, let alone a horse casket.

Spring Break Every Day

Today was one of those days when I got up and went for a walk before the shower.  I had the added fun of my recently returned college kid joining me and it was great.  The weather was perfect if not a little blindingly sunny, but I had my specs and hat, so I was fine.  After being raised in Minnesota and living a bit too long in Oregon, days like today need to be savored - like you would a family holiday.  Only it's not a holiday - well it is in much of Europe, but not here.  It's May day.

When the kids were little we made a big deal of May Day.  We made some sort of container - that would hang on peoples doors.  We filled them with candy and in the wee hours we delivered our May Day baskets.  We filled the red wagon and the kids loved it.  People suspected it was us - as we also were the organizers of the block party and anything else that happened there.  We made our baskets out of paper plates, or folded paper or cups.  Each year trying to think of something new.

Miss those days a bit.  Loved the young kid stage.  Now all they want to do is go shopping with my credit card.

BUSY weekend April 28, 2012

I know where I will be this weekend, at the Rio Rancho first ever expo, at the Santa Ana Expo Center from 10AM to 5PM.  People get this mixed up with the Santa Ana Casino which is understandable.  I will be at a booth for Keller Williams Realty - greeting and trying to meet as many people as I can.  They got quite a few companies to come out for this event and they have entertainment lined up all afternoon from noon on.  Kids are free and tickets are $5, but there is some 2 for 1 deal if you come early I think...  It was in the paper.

Other things going on this weekend - the big Pow Wow is in town.  Went last year and will miss it this year, but I'm going to schedule it for next year and not schedule over it.  I love the Indian culture and this is the largest Pow Wow in the US.  I'm a quarter Indian myself... but you need to look closely at my high cheek bones to believe.

I'm also missing the car show at the Cabazon Park.  Went last year and there was some great cars.  Cars with some history recorded.  I love to see the years and think who I know that would have been driving that type of car.  They were in mint condition and I apprecitate the dedication to this expensive little hobby people have.

The weather is supposed to be low 70's and so far I'm not seeing wind in the forecast.  Hopefully that will stick and it will be a great weekend to be out and about!

A Girls gotta Eat - right?

I don’t eat out constantly but I have built up a favorites list for Albuquerque restaurants.  Going to list here, but not in any particular order, as each has its time and place. 

Bailey’s Beach –  East of UNM off Central

This is a cool place that feels a little Californian, decorated with aqua blue and has a great roof top area.  I love eating outside, but it’s great downstairs too.  The food is fresh and great.  I’ve only done dessert once… and it was really good.  The bathrooms are fun, so check them out.  They even have a sandbox in the front, how cute it that.  Situated between the University and Nob Hill – a great location.

Standard Diner – Near downtown on Central

It’s claim to fame was being featured on the Food Network of Great American diners – but it’s very untraditional in that it’s a nice restaurant, even though it used to be a gas station.  Historic gas station on Route 66 makes it pretty trendy.  The food is good.   I’ve been to this restaurant enough to try many things and I’ve liked everything I’ve tried.  The roasted beet salad is good and if you like meatloaf at all- this one is pretty special.

Blades Bistro – Placitas NM

Basically the only expensive restaurant in Placitas, but it’s worth the trip.  This will be one of the closest restaurants to my new home we are building and I was so pleased when we tried it to find out how great it was.  We ate at the counter where you can watch the owner/chef whip up the dishes and it was so much fun and educational honestly.  We are rethinking how we make food at home after that experience.    I will be back!

Flying Star -  everywhere

Found the local Flying Star chain early on, but missed out on some of the secrets of the place for too long.  I’ll fill you in.  First, get the loyalty card and show it every time you are there as it builds up fast and you can get a free dessert soon.  There desserts are worth the calories, trust me.   Next secret, they have rolls, but if you don’t ask for one, they won’t suggest, offer or let you know they are available.  So say – “I’d like one of your rolls with that.”  Service is friendly , but getting your order wrong in some way is almost an expectation now for me, so I don’t get fazed… just ask for what you really need.  I’d skip the shakes, they aren’t that great.  Oh another secret, the kid portion of mac&cheese is the same size as the regular size… only less money.  And you can get broccoli on it- very good.   See how much I’ve learned about this restaurant.  I love the décor and atmosphere.  Free internet, so people with lap tops all over.  It’s a glorified Starbucks basically.

Il Vicino – three locations and in Sante Fe

Gourmet Pizza, Panini’s and salads and a nice setting, that’s what you get  here.   We go here a lot as it’s just a nice reliable meal.   

Scalo Northern Italian Grill - Nob hill on Central

This is yummy food in a setting that had me thinking I was back in NYC.  Our waiter was wonderful and it’s a place that makes you love living in a city.  Whether doing the patio outdoor seating or inside, both great.

Hannah & Nate's – one in Corrales and another on Coors in West Albuquerque

Small and cozy fit’s these two little restaurants.  I do like places that are quiet enough to hear the entire table and be able to linger and have a conversation that doesn’t feel rushed.  This is that place.  I have the hardest time selecting on the menu.  It all sounds like good combinations.  Soup, salad and sandwiches.    

So you see a lack of Asian restaurants here… still searching for that.  I used to live at Thai places in Portland Oregon and I haven’t found one yet here.