My Diamond in the Rough!

I have heard about this place  . . . The river with a great trail . . .  Well I finally got to experience it when one of my granddaughters came to visit.  I knew she loved to be out in nature and to hike.  What a beautiful winter day, temp about 55, sun shinning brightly a perfect day to enjoy the beauty that surrounds me. The best part of this place... It's only about 15 minutes from home!

Holidays...

Christmas in our new home was awesome!  Family came out and shared good food, drink and of course made new memories! So much activity, laughter and just hanging out with one another!  The house is quieter now but the memories are still fresh.  It again reminds me how fortunate I am to have so many people in my life!  The new year is just around the corner and I am looking forward to a happy and healthy one! Bright blue skies, majestic mountains, balloons flying and plenty of sunshine!  I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Thankfulness

Being thankful for so much today and everyday!

My awesome family and friends

Being able to live where the sun shines most days of the year

Being able to look at the beauty that surrounds me . . . And still in awe

Having the time to work out everyday . . . No excuses now :-)

Remembering to appreciate all I have and not fretting at what I'm missing . . .

Photo Blog Today

The temps are still hovering in the high 60's and plenty of sunshine which makes for some awesome photo shots!  The weather is one of the many things I love about this place!  What a difference daily sunshine has on me. Here are some photos I took.

The red hue on the mountains is how the Sandia Mountains got their name...Sandia means watermelon.

Early evening sun

Driving over the Rio Grande

Amazing clouds at sunset

This picture is about 15 minutes after previous photo!

Halloween is Not Just For Kids!

My cousins, my sister and I had many conversations about weather to bring my aunt to New Mexico with us.  She has been in a nursing home for quite a few years now.  Our main concern was if she was strong enough to make the trip with us.  She does have a son still living in the area of the nursing home, but we thought with 4 of us it would be best to bring her here  Fast forward 4 months and it has been the best decision we could have made for her.  The nursing home here is awesome!  The staff is caring and believes in the importance of keeping the residents active.  Each day we go we take her out on the patio with a beautiful view of the mountains!  We have "adopted" several residents and now they too join us on the patio for lively conversation.  We even headed a "craft" day which we made fall/Halloween frames and added pictures of each resident to their frames.  On Halloween the nursing home held their annual Halloween party which we attended and even helped with some of the costumes . . . it brought back memories of school!  Along with cookies, cupcakes and punch there was entertainment.  One of the employees and her dad played guitar and sang.  The activity director brought her dogs which are loved by all.  It really warmed our hearts to see how they all got in to the spirit of the day!

My aunt . . . "the queen" with her girlfriends!

"The Queen" with my Sister!