Thoughts on Friends

After having some friends come to visit, it makes me realize even more how lucky and fortunate I am to have so many wonderful people in my life!  Some of my best friends are through blood, and so many others through pure luck.  Now that so many miles are in between my friends and myself I so appreciate when they come out! That part has been an adjustment. Not being able to pick up the phone and say, “hey want to meet for dinner?”  I was in a store and saw this sign and it made me smile and think to myself how true how true!  So to all my friends who are close by and far away . . . you are truly impossible to forget :-)

Balloon Fiesta!

Balloon Fiesta . . . one event that a picture is not worth a thousand words!  There is only one word to describe it . . . UNBELIEVABLE!  Living in New Mexico, Balloon Fiesta is one event that everyone talks about.  This year, our first year was nothing short of awesome.  We were told to get to the park by 4:30 am, so I made sure we all got up in plenty of time.  The very early morning gave us another treat a clear view of the “blood moon” or lunar eclipse.  At about 5:15 the Dawn Patrol went up to check wind conditions.  These balloons are lit up against the dark sky and are amazing.  We were told that if wind conditions were not right, balloons would not fly.  At 7:00 the yellow flag went up which meant caution, we knew that if the red flag were raised balloons would not fly.  To say we were freaking out is an understatement.  For one hour we waited with thousands of others . . . at about 8:05 the green flag was raised which meant it’s a go!  The cheer from the crowd was deafening! Balloons or “envelopes” began filling up and in no time ascended into the sky. The sight was just incredible.  Enjoy some photos! 

Blood Moon

Dawn Patrol Getting Ready

                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                      

Dawn Patrol

Day we went was "International Ascension" Balloons from all over the world!

Crowd favorites . . . Shape Balloons!

 

Durango

A short three and a half hour drive from where we live is Durango Colorado.  We had heard that there is an awesome train ride one can take up to Silverton.  We decided to take the short trip and experience it for ourselves…and we were not disappointed!  The ride through the mountains was beautiful with signs of the changing season.  The train has been kept as close to original as possible, which adds to the experience. We chose the narration car, which to me made the experience more enjoyable.  I love hearing stories of the mines, the people and the events of the 1800’s. Enjoy some of the photos from our trip. I never get tired of the beauty of this country!  Enjoy the ride!

Sky City

Nearly 370 feet above the dessert floor is the oldest continuously-inhabited community in North America. This is the homeland for the Acoma Pueblo people.  This is our third visit to what is known as "Sky City" in the last 15 years or so.  Each time I visit I learn something new and am amazed by the history of these people.  This time was no exception and it was great sharing the experience with my step-son and daughter-in-law.  There are over 300 adobe homes which are owned by the Pueblo females and then are passed down through each generation.  Most Acoma people do not live there full time but often go back for ceremonial occasions.  If you are ever in New Mexico it is a must see!  One of my favorite parts is climbing down an original path that was used by the Acoma people hundreds of years ago... of course a few rocks have been added for the decent down the mesa but tricky none the less.  Enjoy the photos!

The window is the area where children were taught

                     

This is where the decent  begins

My daughter-in-law leading the way down the mesa

Looking back once down!

The Fair

The day started out rather gloomy which is very very unusual, but we were having some effects from Hurricane Odile.  We almost didn’t go to our first New Mexico State Fair but  decided to give it a go, which was a good thing. The day cleared up, and we had a great time. It was a small town state fair with bulls, rodeo cowboys, green chilie cheeseburgers, fried cheesecake and crafts galore all combined to make for a great day!  A few photos from the fair. . .

Divers free falling from 60 feet high!

For $240.00 you can get all the practice you will need  for roping a steer .... no I did not buy one

Fried cheesecake!!! OMG believe it or not was delicious... perfect fair food!

He was a bit shy ;-)

Perfect ending for a perfect day... the sun set and the mountains all a glow!