Rockhound State Park & Vermont Maple Syrup

The weather is finally warming up.  John and Betty wanted to go on an excursion so we hopped in and went along.  We lunched at The Patio and headed to Rockhound State Park and a view of the Florida Mtns (I think).

Good grief........notice the hands in the pockets?  John reminds us of Pappy - Ken's Dad a lot.  Maybe this is why - two peas and all that.

One thing about the mountains in New Mexico is their wonderful rock formations and the amount of balancing rocks.

Ken and Betty getting a little sun as John takes Mister for a walk.  Wiley will eventually get to go on more excursions but he is still getting car sick so we are giving him more little doses.  Hopefully he'll be good to go to Denver in March.

No.  It's just a rock on a rock.  Phooey!

I think this picture is neat with the eagle sitting on the rock.

When we stopped to have a little sun we saw three climbers almost on top of the mtn.  Before too long we heard a rumbling and here they came riding their backpacks - NOT my idea of a good time on that shale that is really big.

A view across the valley north(ish).

Across Deming southwest(ish).

During the day I asked them about Vermont Maple Syrup and thus we ended up at their RV Monday night having pancakes and Maple Syrup (the real kind).  I like it although I MUST be very careful about the amount or I go into a quick sugar low.  Wyn and Ki came and we had a great time visiting and swapping stories. I going to miss these two when they head east at the end of the month. Next year; next year. :)

Great times - Down South!

Mexico 2012

Mexico - Gringo Appreciation Day - was different this year.  The owner told us in November the entertainment was coming from Bueno Aires.  Half of it came from there and the other half came from Juarez and were the same group that has entertained us for 2 previous years.  We got there early this year and Ken was able to scarf table at rings...err by the stage.  We were going to take our pickup and go alone as I wanted to also stop to shop in Deming.  When Betty heard I wanted to do the same as her they invited us to go with them.  They are from the Adirondacks in NY (NOT to be confused with NYC.  :)  )

For some reason I do not partake of margaritas on this day.  Something tells me to cool it so I generally have a White Russian sans Vodka and call it good.  Ken and John had ours!  We first went and got our Better Living Through Mexican Drug Therapy - saving many $$$.  I REALLY wanted to make KEN bring it across the border but decided to be good.

And THEN came the entertainment Buenos Aires.  I guess the term would be eye popping and it was only 11 a.m!  Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Of course the beggar children were there. We've watched them grow for 3 years.  The baby is now a toddler.

One more little glimpse of Buenos Aires.

By now the seniors are getting "loosened up".

This "gal" has shown up for three years.  One never knows what the costume will be.

Fffwhew!  The Juarez Group finished out the entertainment!

It was time for us to bid Mexico adieu and head to Deming to visit Dec The Casa; Black Hat; St Clair Winery finishing by stopping off to get delicious burritos at Amigo's to go.  A thoroughly productive and wonderful time.  We LOVE going with John and Betty.  They are our kind of folks.  Thanks Chris and Fred for sending them Cedar Cove way.

Where is the sun?

Today: Feb 9
Day 147 at the Alley
Outside 127. (.5 credit Clay/Oct  Nov .5  Dec 1.5 Jan .5  Feb .5 All .5)  
Rain:2 (Nov) 4 (Oct) 3 (Dec)
Sprinkle 1 (Feb)
Wind:  1 (Feb) 1 (Jan) 3 (Dec) 4.5 (Nov)  6.5 (Oct)  Snow?? 4
breeze: 9   Hail? 1 (Nov)15

Humphf!  Where is the sun?   Yesterday was a sunny warm day and today is overcast.  Hope the sun burns it away soon.
Busy, busy.  The sweatshirt jacket project started for real Monday.  There were many sewing machines and a plethora of sweatshirts and material to be sewn.  With the able help of quilters Betty, Maurene and Anna we plunged forward. and they gave their excellent opinions as the day progressed.  As of today - Thursday - there are 17 in progress with a few more ready to be started Monday.  Wyn is finishing up her and Sharon's jackets.

Take a sweatshirt - cut off bindings on neck, waist & maybe sleeves

Cut down middle

Add contrast material to wrong side of front.

Put Borders Made Easy on right front side

Follow the lines and sew

Yank off the paper

Cut INSIDE sewn pattern

Add neck, front and bottom facing, wear and enjoy!

Pictures of the variety to be posted next week.

Headed to Mexico tomorrow for Gringo Appreciation Day.  There seems to be about 40 of us going from EB.  Either going or coming we will also stop at Deck Your Casa; the winery at Deming and Black Cat Trading.  A full day with laughter, food and some drink.

 Wyn and I have been busy taking Sharon to Las Cruces in preparation for dialysis.  She goes three days a week for 4 hours.  Her "fistula"d finally matured enough that they are using it full time!!  Today she got to take a shower without worrying about getting something wet.  She is doing very well.  Hopefully one more procedure to get through the 17th.

While I was falling off the quilting wagon I also feel off the making crocheted necklaces wagon with ladder trellis yarn.  My OCD is going nuts.  SW; Jackets and necklaces.  hmmmm!  I am NOT going to get into weaving beaded bracelets or necklaces; I am NOT going to get into weaving beaded bracelets or........................