Monday, September 23, 2019

Bikes, Music, Camping

So this past weekend, Ben and I rode with members of Gravellrxs, a cycling group that prefers the trails and paths along the irrigation ditches to road riding. Left Saturday afternoon for the 14 mile ride from the Mud Shack to Leasburg Dam State Park. I had pretty much loaded the bike Friday:

The only add was a collapsible cooler---First rule of camping: get to the site and have a beer before setting up camp.

The ride took us through mostly agricultural land. We all stopped at this field:

The Group

The Warning Sign

The Field

See, it's not all chile and cotton here!!!!

We arrived at the campground about an hour after starting out. Leasburg dam is next to Fort Selden, a bunch of adobe ruins from a fort that once housed Buffalo Soldiers in the 1800s. The three pictures below are of the dam area and the Rio Grande, still with water, taken from the group campsite facing west and south.

And here is the eponymous dam:

Now this area is surrounded by the Desert Peaks Organ Mountains National Monument which also incorporates the Dinosaur Trackways National Monument. The Dona Ana Mountains are part of the monument and as the sun was going down, I got lucky and captured this beautiful lighting on them:

On Saturday evening, there was a performance by a duo called Jackal. She was solo at first and later joined by a male guitarist. Some very good interpretations of Fleetwood Mac as well as one of my favorite songs, "Angel from Montgomery." She had special thanks for those of us who rode our bicycles to hear them!!

There was a party atmosphere and even pups enjoyed it:

Night time temps get down to the mid-60s and there was definitely dew and mist Sunday morning when we got up. For example, the two pictures below are the same mountain, the clear one shot Saturday dusk followed by a shot on Sunday morning:

Saturday

Sunday

It was a great time in a wonderful and special location. Thanks to Matt Mason and Monumental Loop for making the arrangements.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

A Nice Ride

So I finally got back on the bike this morning after over a week of no riding thanks to a bout of recurring tendinitis in my left knee. Had to see the orthopedic surgeon for x-rays and a shot. As he put it, if we only get together every couple of years [last visit Jan. 2017], the tendinitis is pretty well under control.
I took it easy anyway. Short loop on the ditches, 7.5 miles, just cruising at average speed of 9 MPH and only 203 feet of ascent (and descent---like I've said before, the ditches are pretty flat).

The cockpit of the Stache

It sure was a nice morning for a ride, too. The temps are expected to hit 102F this afternoon but the sun slept in behind some nice monsoon cloud cover. No way I'd be out there after, oh, say, 1:00PM

I love the way the shadows play on the mountains. This shot is looking across Valley Ave at the Robledos Mtns., home to the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument----And so far, that's not on the administration's hit list.

One of my favorite spots on this loop--a palm tree next to the weeping willow which forms a tunnel over the ditch path. Just beyond the willow is a house with two great dogs who never fail to greet me as I ride by---I'd love to get a picture of them but they won't stand still!!!

Chile harvest is upon us. These babies are still standing or should I say "outstanding in their field."

After the green ones have been picked, the field looks neglected but there's red gold out there.

This field has been fully harvested. Wonder what will be there next? It's late for planting cotton so maybe some lettuce, cabbage, or winter squash??

And the end of the ride---coming out of the fields to the east to view the homestead through the pecan orchard.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

say what??????

AUGUST 15, 2011

Okay. I kept to myself all summer and didn’t speak out about the total idiocy in Washington over the debt ceiling debate. I didn’t comment on the total irrationality of the stock market as I wondered if anyone not already retired would reach that nirvana as equities tumbled and 401-k’s went deeper underwater than a home in Las Vegas or Florida. But this weekend ended it for me.

The accepted wisdom is that the “right” or “conservative” movement is against big government and for individual freedom. The 10th Amendment, States’ Rights, should reign supreme over the insidious creep of the federal government with its regulations and money squandering. If you believe this, I have a bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan to sell you.

Case in point: censorship. Take a look at this link: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/08/the-neverending-campaign-to-ban-slaughterhouse-five/243525/#slide1

The list of books being banned at the bottom of the article is illuminating. Even a pathetic (my opinion—apologies to Bella’s many fans) work like Twilight gets attention from those who would dictate our tastes.

Even more absurd is a school board banning Sherlock Holmes!!! Can you believe this:
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/08/sherlock-holmes-banned-reading-lists-being-anti-mormon/41243/ What small government???

But the most glaring hypocrisy of the right is their stand on marriage. Newly-minted presidential candidate Rick Perry has been represented as the ultimate states’ rights conservative. Once he even suggested secession as a solution to the over-reach of the federal government. Gotta wonder about that—it sure didn’t work out in 1861. Now Perry, Michele Bachmann, and others of their ilk have trumpeted their support of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), ramrodded through by the homophobic Congress under Newt Gingrich and signed into law by Bubba Clinton. The current administration, much to their credit, has suspended the legal defense of this act as federal over-reach. Isn’t it curious that the same argument is being used by the right to over-turn the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), claiming it violates the 10th Amendment?? And DOMA doesn’t?? What’s the definition of “hypocrisy”?

say what??????

AUGUST 15, 2011

Case in point: censorship. Take a look at this link: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/08/the-neverending-campaign-to-ban-slaughterhouse-five/243525/#slide1

Decade Later

SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

NINE ELEVEN…….The first was 2001, now it’s 2011, a decade later. America will never forget. Every media outlet pounces on the date and shakes it in our faces like a cat celebrating with its latest kill. How can we forget?

The media concentrates on stories of brave survivors or remembrances of the lost. Occasionally there is mention of the feeling of unity in the homeland. After the disputed presidential election of 2000, the terrorist attack that brought down the iconic towers that symbolized America’s power united the country as no other event since the assassination of John F Kennedy. Just about every citizen was wrapped in Old Glory and supportive of the federal government.

Viewing the events of the past decade, the argument can be made that our patriotism and faith were betrayed by those in power. A senseless war; a devastated economy; the abominations suffered by air travelers in the name of security; the erosion of constitutional rights to privacy and due process; a country so divided and partisan that it no longer appears capable of governing itself— these are the fruits of 9/11. One could argue that in fact the terrorists accomplished their objective—the US is very changed as a result of their attack and the change is not positive.

On this decadal anniversary, given the problems facing this nation, a return to the attitudes of cooperation and caring which followed the collapse of the towers would serve the country far better than the replaying of the tragic videos and the inane commentary of cable news anchors. The American people and their leaders need to demonstrate that our values are superior to those of the perpetrators of the horrors of nine-eleven-two-thousand-one.

Favorite Season

OCTOBER 2, 2011

It’s definitely feeling like autumn here in the Mesilla Valley. Saturday morning we actually had to keep the windows closed as we headed toNellie’s Cafe for a filling breakfast of huevos rancheros with red and green chile meat. Probably my favorite, and most filling, meal of the week:

Now usually the red chile is sort of smoky flavored and pretty mild. But yesterday, it was hot and the green was hotter!!!!!! Perfect for a fall morning, like the equivalent of pumpkin pancakes with fresh syrup and ham hash from Parker’s Maple Barn in New Hampshire.

And it’s cold,too—25 this morning at 10:00AM. (Uh, that’s 25 Celsius, which is like 77 Fahrenheit. But when you’re used to 90’s……..)

Now Sunday was a dream day——unless you were a wife needing chores done. FOUR football games on cable, a couple great last-minute come-from-behind epics, two bottles of Moose Drool (Bottlecaps:”Discard in nearest truckbed”; “Black Forest, Green Wallet”). For the uninitiated,

you can check the website at http://www.bigskybrew.com/

And the last great thing about today (or maybe not so great if you are sensitive about your age), our first grand-daughter turned Sweet 16!!!!!!! Happy Birthday, Bella!!!!!!!!

Favorite season II

OCTOBER 9, 2011

Fall in New Hampshire, our former residence, was punctuated by the brilliant foliage of the deciduous forests covering the state. The following pictures were taken during a mountain bike ride in the fall:

Lake Shore in Auburn NH

Little Massabesic Lake Auburn NH

Now we live in the Chihuahuan Desert in Southern New Mexico. Desert—-desolate, deserted, devoid of foliage and trees and rain——Wrong!!!

The following are pictures of beautiful crimson vegetation not far from the Mud Shack:

Red as far as you can see in this field

Another view of the same field

Ahhh, yes, New Mexico’s State Vegetable

Chile peppers still on the plant, drying and turning red. Edible foliage, unlike those red maple leaves back east. And as the autumn brings lower temperatures, the heat of the chiles warms the body and soul.

Halloween Snow

OCTOBER 29, 2011

So I guess the eastern US is supposed to get its first major snowstorm this dia de los muertos weekend. For those non-Native Americans not residing in the Southwest, it’s also Halloween. To alleviate some of the angst such weather events occasion, I thought it appropriate to post some pictures of the first hot air balloon to fly over the mud shack this season:

The balloon over the orchard

It’s a little closer. Love that blue sky.

The chicken coop, garage, pecan trees, and balloon. Yes, the hens freaked!!!

Of Weather and Foolishness

DECEMBER 23, 2011

I give up. Can’t make sense of any of it.

First, politics. This picture (from The Atlantic Wire) says all that needs saying about how Republicans in Congress feel about helping the middle class:

Speaker Boehner looks about ready to cry after having to give in and extend the tax cut for the 99%. I agree that a two month extension is a farce but given the dysfunctionality of the Congress, what else was expected?? Maybe we could pay for the tax cut for the middle and poor classes, as well as infrastructure improvements and extended unemployment benefits, by making Congress part-time; say, eight months every two calendar years (that’s biennial sessions) and letting them get the same benefits as the middle-class in terms of social security and health insurance (Medicare). Oh, and pay them by the hour—wonder how much they’d get done if they had to punch a time-clock…….or should their pay be based on piece-work–pay only for accomplishments done on schedule……….

Now, about the weather———In February 2011, we had snow and all-time record lows in Las Cruces. So this winter should revert to a normal pattern, right?? WRONG. In New England the temps are higher than here in the high desert. Our birds don’t like this:

Flamingoes in the Snow

Roadrunners up to their Necks

This is southern New Mexico. We are at only 4000 feet. Snow happens in Albuquerque or in 7000 foot Santa Fe, not here!!!

Can you imagine a sadder sight than these poor plants:

Prickly Pear under the Snow

Cholla with Snow

Another Snow-Bound Prickly Pear

The Pecan Orchard as Winter Wonderland

It just ain’t right. These pictures look more like scenes from our house in New Hampshire than from the Mud Shack in the desert Southwest. Fortunately, when we moved, we kept a few winter survival accoutrements:

Bean Boots by the Back Door

Never thought I’d ever use a picture of L L Bean boots in a blog post from New Mexico. Of course they have gore-tex……….

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza. Peaceful Solstice to all, and to all a good night!!