Selected a New Car

Well, I decided. Out early this morning for car shopping.  First planned stop was Precision Honda, Rio Rancho.  Started looking at new, 2019 CR-V.  With the different option packages, I was looking at the EX model.  Just not sure the cost at basically $30k.

Asked the salesman about used cars.  Also told him I was also planning to look at a Subaru Outback.  Alas, the dealer here had both.  I was able to sit in and look at the Outback.  Contemplating the used car, I was this was more in my budget.  There was a low mileage 2019 CR-V (used as a dealer loaner), but was the LT version missing some featured I want.  The low mileage EX models.  Settled on a little more car than I was planning on, but could not pass the deal.

Buying a 2015 Honda CR-V EX-L with 9812 original miles. Always serviced at the dealership. Per-approved for the loan with my bank and paperwork for insurance ready. Finally a late lunch at Chili's Guess I have had a busy and productive day.

Not totally excited about the color, but could not pass up the vehicle with its options, mileage, and price.

Dinner Party on the Sun Porch

 Friends from Hobbs (Peter & Jim) are celebrating Peters 75th birthday. Cousin Don was invited and attended. All I had to do was provide the location. Salad, Garlic Bread, Lasagna, apple cake w/ ice cream was served.

During dinner we were treated to a nice, gentle rain. I heard the Albuquerque got about 0.7 inches of rain!  That's a lot for this area.  The rain cooled off the temperature - enough that I grabbed a sweatshirt. 

Free Grill

Went out yesterday to get groceries, I nited the neighbor across the street had a gaf grill on the drive, free for the coming.  Back from the store, it was still there and the wife was in the yard.  Talked with her a little.  Dennis then brought it of to me, put it in the back yard.  Now, gonna move it is the shed or sun porch. And need to get a bottle of propane - regulator is with the grill.It will probably kept in the sun porch, more convenient to grill on the patio.

Had thought about picking up a grill, but doubt I would use if much.  Too much hassle  for what little I eat.  But, when (if) have company, it will be nice to have it.

House Work

Busy weekend. Friday, tore up boxes, no into the recycling bin. Sat & Sun picked up 2 more bookcases. Got one assembled. Framed my horse ride photo and hung a couple other photos. Still, have another bookcase to assemble.

Saturday treated myself to a brat and 2 pints of beer at the Blue Grasshopped. Tried Isotope's Slammin Amber - very smooth beer.

Left knee and leg did not act up over the weekend.

Snowy Winter

This is the snowiest Winter since I have moved to New Mexico!  The week around New Years, we were hit with 3 storms.  The New Day storm was the strongest, dropping about 5" of snow at my area.  Since the road crews here are not equipped to handle this amount of snow, the city and the area was into a standstill.

Major streets are plowed.  Feader and residential streets were not plowed.

There was still some snow on the ground almost 2 weeks later when another short gave us a dusting, (photo here).  Each storm left the scene of a Winter Wonderland here in Rio Rancho.

Of course, the mountains in the area have received ample snow for snow sports.  There was a big problem here in the Sandias, the road to the ski slope was closed, so the opening was delayed until the facility could recruit and get workers to the slope!  Yes, ski season opening was delayed by heavy snow!

Geezerz Luncheons on Hold

It's been over a month since out last "Old Geezerz" brew house luncheons.  I have been missing the gatherings and having a pint or two of crafts beers.  Cousin Don and I continues meeting about every other Saturday for food, brews, and conversation.

I hade to get out (between out snow storms) to have a sandiwch and a pint of craft been fro lunch,  I decided on the Blue Grasshopper in Rio Rancho.   The streets forming the back way from my house will start reconstruction Monday the 14th.  Add that to major work on Southern, it's going to be difficult to get to that part of town until road construction are completed.

Since I had just recently had a frozen pizza for lunch, I tried their beer brat with chips (photo). Washed it down with the Scotia Scotch Ale.

Looking forward to the weekly brew house luncheons.

New's Year Day Storm

The snow started a bit after midnight New's Year Eve.  The wind kicked up for the day.  Traffic was to a stand-still on the Interstates --- 25 and 40.  At least New Mexico from Socorro to the Colorado border was shut down.

The mountains got up two 2 ft of snow.  Here in my backyard in Rio Rancho, I measured about 5 inches of snow.

While there has been forcast for more snow today, there has not been any more accumilation.  Lot's of cancellations and late started today.  I had a doctor's appointment for 9:15 which needs to be resceduled because of snow delay until 10am start.

Geezerz at Blue Grasshopper

Geezerz luncheons have moved to Fridays.  Today it was held at the Rio Rancho Blue Grasshopper.

This has great pizza.  Today's were a little undercooked, but still good.  Normally, I get the meatlover's pizza.  Today I tried the Supreme- Pepperoni, spicy sausage, green peppers, and red onions.

Guess my taste buds are getting accustomed to New Mexico food.  I had to add a sprinkle of  dried peppers on the pizza for a little heat.

Normally, I eat half of their large pizza or maybe a slice over 1/2.  This time I was so hungry and the pizza tasted so good, I ended up eating the whole thing, washed down with two large glasses of water and 2 pints of amber ale.

Blue Grasshopper - Rio Rancho

August 1 Old Geezer lunch was back at the Blue Grasshopper in Rio Rancho.  All of us ordered pizza and beer.  The establishment did not have an amber ale on tap today.  I sampled 2 other beers and settled on the "Bone Chiller Brown" from Sierra Blanca.  This brown was an acceptable beer as a substitute of an Amber.

The Blue Grasshopper has a great meat lover's pizza.  I ordered the large (13") pizza.  That leaves me some leftover's tomorrow for lunch.  Ended up eating 5 of the 8 pieces at lunch.

Wednesday's are great days to have lunch at the Blue Grasshopper.   My pizza was $1 off because of "Happy Hour Wednesday".  Two pints of craft beer were $6 total!

Field Day - Haynes Park

June 23-24 was Field Day, a day for amateur radio operators to practice and demonstrate their emergency communication skills.  The High Desert Amateur Radio Club had 2 Field Day locations.  At Haynes Park in Rio Rancho, we used W5YZ, Taylor Ranch Branch Library in Albuquerque the group used the club call NM5HD.  I was the designated photographer for the Haynes Park location.

When I arrived at Haynes Park about 10:30, set-up was well underway.  I looked around the site and started shooting photos for documentation purposes.  Our classification was A2NM One transmitter was powered by batteries and solar arrays.  The other transmitter was powered my a portable generator. 

The CW operator was on 20 Meters and seemed to make a constant stream of contacts.  The operators on 40 Meters and other bands did not make as many contacts. 

About 2 PM, my brain had had enough.  The temperature was climbing, too.  I packed it up and was home about 2:30.  Relaxed, re-hydrated, and took a nap.  Had dinner with  my cousin at Billy's Long Bar.  On the drive from the house to the bar, the thermometer in my car peaked at 104 degrees.

Sunday, I processed my photos and e-mails them to our Field Day Chairman, Webmaster, and President (Newsletter Editor).

Lunch at Local Brewhouse

There were only 3 of us today for the Old Geezers lunch.  Met at The Local Brewhouse on Unser in Rio Rancho.  This establishment is just a moile from my house.  When I first moved here, I stopped a couple toi\imes, but their sevice was "iffy".

I am happy to say they have been gotten their stuff together...I had their Southern BBQ Burger.  Burger with an onion ring, cheese, and bacon. As a side, I had creamy cole slaw.  Beverage was 2 pints of The Local Brewhouse Amber Ale.

It was a pleasent lunch with just Bill, Larry, and I, though I was hoping a larger attendance.  The group desided we would come back again.

Trip to the Jemez Mountains

My friends from Hobbs are visiting. Saturday evening we met cousin Don and ha dinner at Billy's Long Bar. I devoured my service of the Enchilada Plate washed down with 3 pints of Kilt Lifter.

Sunday, I decided to take Pete and Jim on a tour of the Jemez Mountains.  A little late start but on the road about 11:30.  Traffic was bad at some places.  There was  Arts & Crafts show.  Cars all parked along the road at the Soda Dam. By the time we got to Rts 4 and 126, we were looking to get of the road for a little and have some lunch.

Note to self - do not play tour guide in the mountains on a holiday weekend.

The store there did not have much, but next door was the Nomad Mountain Pizza establishment.  The pizza was "OK".  But something like $3 for a bottle of soda bottled in Durango was a bit steep.  To add to our negative recommendation was the service,  They said they had call-in orders that had them backed up.  The place was not that busy (it was about 1:15 in the afternoon) but it took about an hour before our pizza was delivered to the table.

When I got dressed in the morning, I decided I was going to wear my black "Free Yourself from Pants Prison" T-shirt from Damn Near Kilt 'Em and my black & McLeod plaid kilt. That took me out in public more than the last outing when I was just driving.  And it is a more dressy kilt for a Sunday Drive compared to my camo kilt that last day I wore one while traveling.It was a beautiful day and I did not feel embarrassed wearing my kilt.

I wanted to get a photo of me in my kilt and Jim to send to a couple of our online friends.  Where we were getting to get the photo, another customer came out of the door, and complimenting my for my kilt and wearing it.  His Dad wore a kilt for his wedding.  Gave me a push to wear my kilts more often.

We continued to Valles Caldera, past Los Alamos and Bandalier National Monument.  I noticed a new. large visitor's center for the Monument in White Rock.  The other new change is that private vehicles were not allowed - you board a shuttle bus from White Rock.

From there, it was time to head back to Rio Rancho.  Still had over an hour drive yet to get back.  Took the bypass around Santa Fe.  Pulled into the driveway about 5pm.

The dogs were very happy to see us, but a bit upset that we had left them in the sun porch!  After a bit of a rest and review of the trip, it was time for dinner.  Since we had a late lunch, we were not looking for a big dinner.  We opted for the "Local Brewhouse" just a mile from my house.  Had an enjoyable burger on the deck watching the sun sets on the Sandias.  Jim and I had local beer and Peter had a margarita.

Visited and did some online chatting until I was exhausted and headed to bed.  Very relaxing, interesting day for my second full-day outing in one of my kilts.

Lunch and drive to T or C

Packed up the car this morning. Attended the "geezer" lunch at Rio Rancho Blue Grasshopper. Ended having the 7" meat lover's pizza, washing it down with 2 pints of Sunrise Amber.

From there, I headed down the road to T or C (Truth or Consequences) and checked into my motel. Was surprised that my laptop would not power-up - no power. Walmart was very close (I hated to have to rely on Walmart). They had the la[top charger stuff I needed.

Very windy driving today. Tis the windy season for New Mexico.

Checking a couple ghost towns and driving the scenic route to Silver City is on the agenda for tomorrow.

O'Hare's Grill & Pub

Not looking forward to trying to cook (heat up) something for lunch. Decided to check out Ohare's Grill & Pub at Southern and 528 in Rio Rancho. Had the "half-french dip" with waffle fries and a pint of Sierra Amber Ale. I will be back to sample more food at this place!.

BTW, it looks like the Fat Squirrel has closed.(update 0 at lunch today I learned then are just closed to do some remodeling)

Richard E. Kozak Retrospective

This evening I attended a public reception for photojournalist Richard E. Kozak. He is showing some of his photos at the Rio Rancho Main Library.  The show is a retrospective "4 Decades of Photojournalism".

One of his photos really hit me home.  The photo shows Marines gathered for a memorial service - with 4 field crosses.

Kozak now resides in Rio Rancho. I had a chance to visit with him, gave him my card, and got a photo with him. (Notice, I was wearing one of my "Tom Winfield Photography" polo shirts!  Doesn't hurt to advertise.)

Back to New Mexico

The last day on the road.  Coming out of Cortez, CO, I had to find the NW New Mexico landmark "Shiprock".  The formation is located several miles SW of the town of Shiprock.

From there, I drove East to Farmington.  Instead of the direct route on US 550, I drove Rt 371 South.  The goal was to take photos at the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness.  I had seen photos of the unusual rock formation at Bisti.

Was able to drive into the area and got several good photos.  The best shots are actually along Rt 371.

Back into Rio Rancho early afternoon.  Stopped by the post office to get my mail and resume delivery.  Also had a Blizzard at the local DQ.  It is good to be back home.

Congressman Ben Lujan

Well, this afternoon I was out and got active in politics. Attended a function for my congress Ben Lujan (D), meeting the congressman and other New Mexico politicians. Tomorrow there's an ACLU meeting in the area (just a fey blocks from me).

Reports around the area are filtering through about attendace of today's "Science" Earth Day March. Congressman reported 3-5k marched in Santa Fe. Have not heard attendance numbers from Albuquerque.  Saw video of the large crowd in Chicago.  Keep protesting, America!

The photo here is if my Congressman addressing the local group.

Spare Bedroom

Information for my friends - the spare bedroom is now furnished.  Full-sized bed, night stand, lamp, clock radio, small TV, DVD player, 6 drawer chest of drawers and a walk-in closet.  The closet is about half filled with overflow from my move.

Anyway, ready for visitors to the Albuquerque area.  My house is in Rio Rancho.  There are lots of things to do in the area.  Downtown ABQ is about 25 minutes away at the junction of I-25 and I-40.  Amtrak serves Albuquerque via the Southwest Chief running from Chicago to Los Angeles.  Air Travel is through the Albuquerque Sunport, just South of downtown.  We also have the New Mexico RailRunner commuter train from Belen (South of Albuquerque) to downtown Santa Fe.

There are lots to see for history buffs - Spanish occupation, Civil War, ghost towns, Historic Route 66 are a few things to mention.

Give me a shout.  Would love to have you visit.

Sandwich at Local Brewhouse

I seemed to have a little cabin fever and decided to check out "The Local Brewhouse" for early Friday evening dinner.  It was a pretty busy place, more than I had seen other times.  Most of the bar stools were occupied.  I decided to sit at a table in the main part of the facility.

The place had only been open for about a year, it was good to see that they are making a good of it here. They do a good job on most of the food (I like their burgers and Philly Cheese-steak).  They usually end up having too many fries with the sandwich.  My favorite beer there is the "Local" Amber Ale. 

I like the food at this place.  Its about a mile from the house.  Not too far from the local VFW post.  The VFW post has $2.50 pints of Alaskan Amber Ale, but the post canteen allows smoking (being a private club). It's too smoky for me.

First Measurable Snow

It was almost a whole week into the new year before we had the first measure-able snowfall here in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho.  Over Thursday night, the temperature dropped as precipitation fell in New Mexico.  We were right at the freeze line.

When I got up on Friday morning, there was about an inch of snow on the ground, under a thin layer of ice.  Conditions were dicey enough school was called off in Rio Rancho.  I stayed inside except for a walk to the street to snap several photos.

As typical, the sun was out and the streets were clear by noon (except where in the shadows). This was in spite of temperature barely reached freezing that day.  Was a beneficial snow - areas in the mountains got some good snows for the ski slopes.