Here's a complimentary New mexico sunset for those of you that didn't have as great a day as we did . Be well and be happy !
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Dateline Rodeo , New Mexico
Bob , June and I had grilled hot dogs with fresh green chilis , potato salad and deviled eggs for supper , sat around talked smart , watched the birds and bunnies .
Here's a complimentary New mexico sunset for those of you that didn't have as great a day as we did . Be well and be happy !
Here's a complimentary New mexico sunset for those of you that didn't have as great a day as we did . Be well and be happy !
just in case
If you didn't already know , click on any of the photos for a full view , I shrunk'em to fit
Trip to Safford / Supplies and wide open country
Yesterday a trip to Safford AZ to go to the Home Depot to find what little I couldn't find at the Mercantile in Animas . Essentially I'm sitting here with a fresh cup of coffee thinking , now what would interest others in my trip yesterday ? To start with it's always interesting to go up Rt 80 through Granite Gap and on towards Road Forks the subdued colors of the high desert give way to a clash of colors in the rocks , boulders and cliffsides of the mountains. Ranging from a dirty brown , slow moving creek color to a higher shade tan the ground cover includes mesquite , snake bush , cats claw , sage and wild rosemary . The minerals of the smaller rock and split boulders glisten in the sunlight like shards of broken glass , as you climb upwards through the pass different strata of rock glow with mauve to a deep maroon . Various lichen growing almost in a carpet show colors ranging from a key lime green to a verdant yellow mixed with a chartreuse shading , depending on where the sun is at right then . You don't get bored driving this route . Rocks and boulders the size of your vehicle rest on the sides of the road waiting just waiting . There is one spot a boulder rests that is roughly the size of a small house , all alone it sits there , no evidence of where it broke off from or even a clue as to what part of the cliff face it may rolled away from , just is there .
Through the gap and the rolling plain of the basin we call home extends towards I -10 and Road Forks , hop on 10 over to 90 and the journey north resumes with wide open grass lands and more rolling terrain . Still climbing in altitude but it is gradual , so no ear popping , rising to Safford , running slow at 50 - 55 mph watching the terrain change more hills creeping up to become mountains , almost a hundred miles of driving without signs of civilization , total vehicles seen on this stretch 4 . A very good day , so far .
Supplies in the van , even did the monthly grocery at the Safeway , it's back on the road and the descent back to the Ranch .The summer sun moves slowly across the distances of eastern Arizona / western New Mexico , as usual I wonder how the ones who came before us dealt with these distances , carrying everything they owned with them walking , on horse back , in wagons . It's still a rough country , break down out here and oh well , you get the picture .
Made it back to the Ranch with no mishaps and only one detour , just had to go down that road , it may or may not have been shorter but I avoided a few miles of interstate . Arriving home , I put the supplies away , fired up the Cobb cooker and readied a burger with green chilis , a silo size glass of ice tea and sit my butt down to watch the mountains and wild life till dark . Life ain't bad if you let it just be ..
A few pictures of the blooms around the fish pond by the office .
Stay tuned ...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Fiddlin and piddlin
I had an extremely productive day ! Started out to do nothing and got most of it accomplished ! Actually I got motivated about 9:30 or so and started cleaning out the van and setting up my workbench , I suppose that could be an oxymoron " workbench ?" , none the less , got all the tool boxes out , set up the rock rascal , vise ,and air compressor . Took all the tools out and cleaned and WD40d them , set up the small bench grinder/polisher and tested everything out . Found the rock rascal to need some spacers to be aligned properly so I took a trip over to Animas Mercantile to get some and use the phone booth to reach out and touch a couple of friends . Had good luck and got to talk to those I had in mind , all for one, and will go over later in the week to catch them .
Cell phone reception is iffy even at the phone booth ,but did get a couple of e-mail addresses I had been lacking .While I avoid TV like the plague , the internet still gives me more news and info than I really want , talking to folks outside the valley just confirms my thinking that I'm extremely fortunate to have found this oasis in the bootheel of New Mexico . I need to make a grocery run sometime soon but other than that I can survive quite nicely without the trials and tribulations associated with more populated areas . If I don't look at the news service for two or three days , when I check back in the same thing greets me , politicians are still jackasses , the celebrities are still ding-dongs doing their asinine posturing , the pundits , experts all , are still flogging the populace with their spoutings of doom and destruction . In other words , not much changes . I don't miss it !
Returning to the ranch , I found the whole crew over at the duck pond observing Bob's handiwork on the new cage for the baby geese .The little fellers need protection for a few weeks to protect them from the owls which reach reach fairly large proportions here . A pleasant hour or two was spent just watching the goslings and seeing how the other ducks reacted to the new cage . After this exhausting experience , we adjourned to the porch and sat in the shade to solve the worlds problems . Don't you feel better ? We got as much done as the UN , and got to eat ice cream bars and popsciles while doing it !
I trundled back to my spot , armed with a new bag of ice , got a big glass of ice tea going and plopped my old body in a chair to contemplate the mountains . Sat and relaxed after my busy day , along about sunset got the camera and took a few shots . Had some kind of crazy bluish gray haze going on , don't know if it was dust , smoke or what . Hell it could be leftover gases wafting about from the Hindenburg , What am I . a meteorologist ?
A couple of pictures ...
Stay tuned ......
Cell phone reception is iffy even at the phone booth ,but did get a couple of e-mail addresses I had been lacking .While I avoid TV like the plague , the internet still gives me more news and info than I really want , talking to folks outside the valley just confirms my thinking that I'm extremely fortunate to have found this oasis in the bootheel of New Mexico . I need to make a grocery run sometime soon but other than that I can survive quite nicely without the trials and tribulations associated with more populated areas . If I don't look at the news service for two or three days , when I check back in the same thing greets me , politicians are still jackasses , the celebrities are still ding-dongs doing their asinine posturing , the pundits , experts all , are still flogging the populace with their spoutings of doom and destruction . In other words , not much changes . I don't miss it !
Returning to the ranch , I found the whole crew over at the duck pond observing Bob's handiwork on the new cage for the baby geese .The little fellers need protection for a few weeks to protect them from the owls which reach reach fairly large proportions here . A pleasant hour or two was spent just watching the goslings and seeing how the other ducks reacted to the new cage . After this exhausting experience , we adjourned to the porch and sat in the shade to solve the worlds problems . Don't you feel better ? We got as much done as the UN , and got to eat ice cream bars and popsciles while doing it !
I trundled back to my spot , armed with a new bag of ice , got a big glass of ice tea going and plopped my old body in a chair to contemplate the mountains . Sat and relaxed after my busy day , along about sunset got the camera and took a few shots . Had some kind of crazy bluish gray haze going on , don't know if it was dust , smoke or what . Hell it could be leftover gases wafting about from the Hindenburg , What am I . a meteorologist ?
A couple of pictures ...
Stay tuned ......
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Avoiding the plague / doing chores and a small rant
Da Flu boss , Da Flu !!! What lunatic stepped on the panic button this time ? For those of you who are remotely interested in my well being , NO FLU in Rodeo , there are no reports of any along the border , seems to be concentrated in urban areas . This is probably too wide open an area for the little bugs to congregate , if someone coughs on me I'll let you know , yesterday I saw all of about 8 people , all of them far healthier than me
A trip to Animas Mercantile yesterday netted me the spikes , washers and screws to assemble the outdoor table and secure the carpet outside the door step . While I was over there , took the opportunity to take a picture of the " phone booth " or where I can get a cell phone signal . A couple of other shots to show the country around Animas . Included in my gallery are a couple of business cards of local business that I frequent , they are not an endorsment , they work for me and are nice folks . The natural foods store saves me a lot of trips to points further away , they have a good selection of soft drinks , juices and even various coffee and tea . Need a pack of buffalo burger ? They have it , along with a bunch of other items to keep your tummy
happy !
The Rodeo grocery falls in the same category , a little bit of everything , gas , groceries , advice and a sandwich if you don't want to drive to Portal for something to eat . They also have a big parking lot where you can see some of the biggest loads you can imagine on a semi ! Just waiting for the right time to move on across the country . The Ice Raod Truckers have nothing on these guys , monster loads moving on public highways , they follow a strict set of regulations but are still VERY impressive to see !
Today , I believe more camp chores are in order , I need to lay out an area to make a small deck for the outdoor kitchen , set up a wind break for a grass growing experiment and then go check on the garden to see if the rabbits / gophers have left me anything to work with . That should do it !
Now for the small rant : Yesterday while visiting Bob in the office [ where the TV is ] I happened to catch this Glenn Beck on his program . While in the past I have watched this guy , I caution all of you Things are not what they seem ! If you go and do a little research on this fear monger / carpet bagger , you may change your estimation of him . Remember he, like all the other pundits on that evil instrument of ballyhooism are there for one thing ! TO MAKE MONEY ! Nothing wrong with making money either , just don't play on people's fears and naivete to do it . In other words tell the truth as it is , not as how you can sell it . I make no secret of the fact I detest most of TV's fear mongers whether they be Liberal or Conservative , if you play on other people and exploit their weakness , shame on you ! Much the same way as I feel about those who abuse children or animals , someday , somewhere you have to pay the price for being what you are !
Not that, this will do much good , but I feel better . Go ahead and check it out for yourself , don't take my word for it !
Now for the pictures ...The phone booth
Animas
A trip to Animas Mercantile yesterday netted me the spikes , washers and screws to assemble the outdoor table and secure the carpet outside the door step . While I was over there , took the opportunity to take a picture of the " phone booth " or where I can get a cell phone signal . A couple of other shots to show the country around Animas . Included in my gallery are a couple of business cards of local business that I frequent , they are not an endorsment , they work for me and are nice folks . The natural foods store saves me a lot of trips to points further away , they have a good selection of soft drinks , juices and even various coffee and tea . Need a pack of buffalo burger ? They have it , along with a bunch of other items to keep your tummy
happy !
The Rodeo grocery falls in the same category , a little bit of everything , gas , groceries , advice and a sandwich if you don't want to drive to Portal for something to eat . They also have a big parking lot where you can see some of the biggest loads you can imagine on a semi ! Just waiting for the right time to move on across the country . The Ice Raod Truckers have nothing on these guys , monster loads moving on public highways , they follow a strict set of regulations but are still VERY impressive to see !
Today , I believe more camp chores are in order , I need to lay out an area to make a small deck for the outdoor kitchen , set up a wind break for a grass growing experiment and then go check on the garden to see if the rabbits / gophers have left me anything to work with . That should do it !
Now for the small rant : Yesterday while visiting Bob in the office [ where the TV is ] I happened to catch this Glenn Beck on his program . While in the past I have watched this guy , I caution all of you Things are not what they seem ! If you go and do a little research on this fear monger / carpet bagger , you may change your estimation of him . Remember he, like all the other pundits on that evil instrument of ballyhooism are there for one thing ! TO MAKE MONEY ! Nothing wrong with making money either , just don't play on people's fears and naivete to do it . In other words tell the truth as it is , not as how you can sell it . I make no secret of the fact I detest most of TV's fear mongers whether they be Liberal or Conservative , if you play on other people and exploit their weakness , shame on you ! Much the same way as I feel about those who abuse children or animals , someday , somewhere you have to pay the price for being what you are !
Not that, this will do much good , but I feel better . Go ahead and check it out for yourself , don't take my word for it !
Now for the pictures ...The phone booth
Animas
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Catching up on pictures / changing stuff
Finally got the item I needed for my camera so went out today and took a few . Here are the results , plus shuffling the layout of the blog around a little to make it look better . { I hope !}
Looking out towards the Chiracahuas
Along Rt9 to Animas
Nearly sunset
The results of a turkey on the Cobb cooker , whole breast wrapped in apple cured bacon .
High desert alon Rt 9
Old stock pens along Rt 9
Rt 9 towards Rodeo
Just some views that are interesting , was so windy today it wasn't much fun to try and stand around to take pictures . The stock pens hold a fascination for me , they are a combination of old west and new . Built out of creosote wood , yet are as weathered as untreated wood would be . Colors range from a deep chocolate to a blondish nearly white on the edges . They may or may not be still usable , there are cattle ranging about , water tanks and dip troughs sitting there , evidence of salt licks and signs that humans have been there in the recent past . I obeyed the no trespassing signs , besides some very large creatures on the range , I was wearing light clothing and lightweight boots , there are enough Mesquite and Catsclaw to pierce a set of jeans let alone a pair of Khaki pants . Everything in the high desert demands respect , most everything will either bite , sting or stick you purely out of self defense . The cattle wander through this mass of stinging , sticking , biting , burning botanical house of horrors without batting an eye . Which brings up the point , Leave these bovines alone ! When they swing their head to look at you those aren't the soulful eyes of old Bessie from the farm back in Ohio , rather it's the flash of a laser sight taking a bead on you . I suppose if you are on horseback or in a vehicle the situation would be different . However when you are on foot it's best to give them a lot of space , irregardless of how good of shape you're in , that 1000 lb range cow can lay a whipping on you that would have you in intensive care in a New York minute [which is only 32 seconds !] I did the only honorable thing , came home had a glass of ice tea and took a nap !
Stay tuned ...
Looking out towards the Chiracahuas 
Along Rt9 to Animas
Nearly sunset
The results of a turkey on the Cobb cooker , whole breast wrapped in apple cured bacon .
High desert alon Rt 9
Rt 9 towards RodeoJust some views that are interesting , was so windy today it wasn't much fun to try and stand around to take pictures . The stock pens hold a fascination for me , they are a combination of old west and new . Built out of creosote wood , yet are as weathered as untreated wood would be . Colors range from a deep chocolate to a blondish nearly white on the edges . They may or may not be still usable , there are cattle ranging about , water tanks and dip troughs sitting there , evidence of salt licks and signs that humans have been there in the recent past . I obeyed the no trespassing signs , besides some very large creatures on the range , I was wearing light clothing and lightweight boots , there are enough Mesquite and Catsclaw to pierce a set of jeans let alone a pair of Khaki pants . Everything in the high desert demands respect , most everything will either bite , sting or stick you purely out of self defense . The cattle wander through this mass of stinging , sticking , biting , burning botanical house of horrors without batting an eye . Which brings up the point , Leave these bovines alone ! When they swing their head to look at you those aren't the soulful eyes of old Bessie from the farm back in Ohio , rather it's the flash of a laser sight taking a bead on you . I suppose if you are on horseback or in a vehicle the situation would be different . However when you are on foot it's best to give them a lot of space , irregardless of how good of shape you're in , that 1000 lb range cow can lay a whipping on you that would have you in intensive care in a New York minute [which is only 32 seconds !] I did the only honorable thing , came home had a glass of ice tea and took a nap !
Stay tuned ...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Trip to Portal / Sunset and Serious Memories
A trip over to Portal was made to procure an espresso , just can't seem to get that coffee jones off my back !
While I was enjoying the pleasure of a excellent cup of espresso , I happened to meet Mitch , one of the owners of the Portal Lodge and Store . He and his two brothers have owned it for about five years , yesterday he was having the enjoyment of owning his own business by cleaning A/c filters , fixing a broken sewer line , dealing with fussy , unreasonable customers and wondering just what the hell the economy was going to throw at him next !
Ah , to own your own business ! Despite this he's a pleasant guy to talk to and in the course of our conversation I found out they had never had deep fried turkey ! Well now , I happen to be a turkey frying fool ! To make a long story short , I believe some deep fried turkeys are in the offing , besides that , perhaps some show off cooking and giving him some new ideas for his menu ! Might even get in the kitchen to do a little instruction , I guess I'm not as retired as I thought .
Meanwhile , back at the ranch , My propane tank showed up , I turned the corner just as Roger the gas man was finishing . I'm good to go for along time now ! As much as I cook inside I have enough propane to send me to the moon ! Or Lordsburg , whichever comes first !
The afternoon wore on and I decided to cook a turkey breast on the Cobb cooker . Seasoned with some Don's from Lafayette LA. a handful of hickory chips on the coals , tunes on and a cold beverage I settled in to watch the mountains and soak up some New Mexico sun . Memories washed over me like a high tide on a full moon , places and people visited with the clarity of a piece of Baccarat crystal right off the shelf . It ocoured to me just how fortunate I have been to have experienced all of this and still be here to recall and enjoy it . When the sun dipped below the Chiracahuas I was cruising along with my good friends on roads not often traveled . While the last of the suns rays burned into the few clouds in the sky and the first of the nights display of twinklers appeared , tune after tune took me to a new destination of my life travels . countries , customs , people , and adventures unfolded on the panorama of the evening sky . A lot of good things , some bad , some sadness and some rejoicing , I admit there are more than a few of my old compadres I would like to have here now to see and feel this , however freedom ain't cheap , and some of the roads we travel are rough ones . I'll remember them and move on .
Hope you all enjoy the Jango jukebox , I have several staions I made and generally let them play most of the day . No radio staions here in Rodeo . So that's the majority of my listening , needless to say I wouldn't/won't pay for sat TV , that's one thing I don't miss at all ! I skipped the news yesterday on th internet and will do the same today , in fact since tomorrows Sunday I believe I'll skip tomorrow too ! Try it , it's better than drugs for making you feel better !
Stay tuned ...
While I was enjoying the pleasure of a excellent cup of espresso , I happened to meet Mitch , one of the owners of the Portal Lodge and Store . He and his two brothers have owned it for about five years , yesterday he was having the enjoyment of owning his own business by cleaning A/c filters , fixing a broken sewer line , dealing with fussy , unreasonable customers and wondering just what the hell the economy was going to throw at him next !
Ah , to own your own business ! Despite this he's a pleasant guy to talk to and in the course of our conversation I found out they had never had deep fried turkey ! Well now , I happen to be a turkey frying fool ! To make a long story short , I believe some deep fried turkeys are in the offing , besides that , perhaps some show off cooking and giving him some new ideas for his menu ! Might even get in the kitchen to do a little instruction , I guess I'm not as retired as I thought .
Meanwhile , back at the ranch , My propane tank showed up , I turned the corner just as Roger the gas man was finishing . I'm good to go for along time now ! As much as I cook inside I have enough propane to send me to the moon ! Or Lordsburg , whichever comes first !
The afternoon wore on and I decided to cook a turkey breast on the Cobb cooker . Seasoned with some Don's from Lafayette LA. a handful of hickory chips on the coals , tunes on and a cold beverage I settled in to watch the mountains and soak up some New Mexico sun . Memories washed over me like a high tide on a full moon , places and people visited with the clarity of a piece of Baccarat crystal right off the shelf . It ocoured to me just how fortunate I have been to have experienced all of this and still be here to recall and enjoy it . When the sun dipped below the Chiracahuas I was cruising along with my good friends on roads not often traveled . While the last of the suns rays burned into the few clouds in the sky and the first of the nights display of twinklers appeared , tune after tune took me to a new destination of my life travels . countries , customs , people , and adventures unfolded on the panorama of the evening sky . A lot of good things , some bad , some sadness and some rejoicing , I admit there are more than a few of my old compadres I would like to have here now to see and feel this , however freedom ain't cheap , and some of the roads we travel are rough ones . I'll remember them and move on .
Hope you all enjoy the Jango jukebox , I have several staions I made and generally let them play most of the day . No radio staions here in Rodeo . So that's the majority of my listening , needless to say I wouldn't/won't pay for sat TV , that's one thing I don't miss at all ! I skipped the news yesterday on th internet and will do the same today , in fact since tomorrows Sunday I believe I'll skip tomorrow too ! Try it , it's better than drugs for making you feel better !
Stay tuned ...
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