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!

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!