Another Slice From Kiki . . . Her New Mexico Visit

If you have read my Aunti's blog, you would have known I made an appearance once before.  I wanted to slice today because I want to share my very long visit with my extended family.  On April 28th I was hanging out in New York with my mom Lyndsey, and my two aunts from New Mexico.  I love when they visit because they really spoil me.  Little did I know that I would be leaving New York for the last time on that weekend.  I knew something was up when I saw the "bag" come out.  It's not my most favorite thing to get pushed into the "bag" but this time I saw my aunt Lynn . . . (who is really my godmother but that's another slice) spray something wonderful all over and inside the bag. It felt so calming when I smelled it it was almost pleasurable!  I later found out my mom had an interview in California that weekend and there was no one to watch me here so that's why I was going to New Mexico.  Don't get me wrong, I love going to New Mexico and it was even better than I thought it would be.  I have been treated like a princess!  I've discovered some really cool hangouts here and the hugs and kisses I get all day are just amazing! My aunt Lynn told me today though she is really sad because I will be going to my new home on Thursday . . . my new home in California.  She told me she and my other aunt will be taking me there and staying a while.  As much as I'm looking forward to seeing my mom again, I will be sad to leave here.  But I know I will be back soon and be able to spend time in my favorite spots.  Enjoy the photos from my vacation here!

My first night I slept with my mom's shirt.  But after a couple days I  felt comfy and cozy without it!

I love looking out the window!

In the evening I could sit here all night staring out at the stars!

What am I thinking?  I hate water!

Here's proof that I do get some exercise!

Good-bye To My Aunt

Sadly my aunt passed last week after a long and hopefully happy life.  "Neni" as her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephew lovingly called her because as small children we couldn't pronounce "Thea Eleni" which is greek for Aunt Helen.  Neni was always ahead of her time and I always respected her tolerance for people of all walks of life.  Her friends were eclectic, and to say she beat to her own drum was an understatement.  She disliked having people tell her what to do, which at times made for very humorous moments! If you have read some of my past slices you know that when we moved to NewMexico almost a year ago, my two cousins, sister and I decided she needed to come with us.  She spent her final year in a wonderful nursing home where she met and befriended some awesome ladies.  In fact, these ladies became part of our "family" over the past year. Neni spent time looking and enjoying the mountains, playing BINGO, beading, and sharing her thoughts about life with us.  We never regretted bringing her here with us.  I'm glad we were with her on her last days, comforting and letting her know how much she was loved by all. I will miss her for sure but feel she is at peace.  Kisses and hugs Neni . . .

So Long New York . . . Hello Sunny California!

At this writing I'm back in New York for what may be the last time for a long while!  My sister and I are here to help my niece pack up her apartment.  In a few short days she will be moving to start a new job and a new life in California!  She is looking forward to the new challenges ahead but, as anyone who has moved away from home knows, (she has been there for ten years) leaving friends and the life you are used to is very difficult. The good news is she is now closer to her brother, also a very good friend who moved to California a few years ago and of course a short 2 hour plane ride or 12 hour car ride from us! I can't help but remember all the wonderful times we had here, enjoying all that the Big Apple has to offer.  A great city for sure!  However, I'm so looking forward to discovering the "gems" of the southern California area!  I couldn't be more proud of my niece and know great things are lying ahead for her!

New York comes to New Mexico!

If you read my blog you know that each time we go to New York to visit my niece we spend at least one night with the "girls" . . . the girls have been my niece's friends since they were all freshmen at NYU.  The girls have become family over the last 11 years so having them come to New Mexico to visit was a real treat.  Their visit was just a long weekend, but we made sure to enjoy every minute!  What fun it was having the house filled with 6 young women!  We laughed, chatted, ate good and shared numerous bottles of wine!  On Saturday we went to one my new favorite places, the theraputic hot springs and followed it up by a visit to a winery.  Sunday, was a hike at the Petroglyphs!  Monday the girls decided to soak up the sun and swim before leaving on the red eye back to New York.  The visit was a little bittersweet because two of the girls are leaving New York . . . my niece accepted a new job with great opportunities in California (she wanted to be closer to us and her brother) and another one of the girls is going to start a Master's program in her home country of Canada!  Although their lives may be moving away from New York, their friendship will continue because after all, there is always reunions in New York and New Mexico!

The Garden

It's been about 20 years since I have had an in ground vegetable garden.  I would grow vegetables and herbs in large pots but honestly it's not the same.  This year, we decided to make a couple raised bed gardens and grow our own organic veggies and herbs.  My husband built the frames and then we filled each with good organic soil and planted some of our favorite veggies.  It was great digging into the soil, imagining the tiny plants fully grown yielding an abundant crop!  The day inspired a little poem!

Tiny plants begin spreading their roots

Abundance of sunlight and water helps ensure high yielding fruits

Taking in nutrients to grow and thrive 

Along with loving care so each one survives!

Pesticide free and non GMO

Are the only type of plants I will grow!