Thursday Breakfast

Thursday is the Ham Radio club coffee/breakfast at Flying Star.  I prefer the breakfast sandwixh from Panera Bread, so I stop by there on my way to breakfast.  At Panera I buy one of their breakfast sandwiched (sausage, scrambled egg, Vermont cheese, on ciabatta bread. 

Get my coffee and water at Flying Star.

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.

The finished dessert

Usually, I would turn out the "cake" on a cake plate.  I did not sure how well it would hold together, so served it in the bowl.  Both are acceptable Danish ways of serving the dessert.  Top up the dessert with lots of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.  If you want, you can also add some cocktail cherries for some holiday color.

Assembly the Dessert

Chop the bread into small  pieces in the food processor

Toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with butter and a little sugar.  Heat applesauce with a little sugar and cinnamon

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Alternate layers of breadcrumbs and applesauce in a bowl (see to the right)

Full bowl

Refrigerate over night with heavy plate of the dessert

Makings of Danish Apple cake

I headed to my local Smith's Grocery Store for my fixings for my Danish Apple Cake.  I could find everything except for the Zweiback or Melba Toast.  Some folks at the store did not what I was talking about.  Found one of the eldery check-out person that could help me - but noting on the shelves.  Not even sure they make it anymore, I was told.

Over to the bakery - for unseasoned breadcrumbs. They were out and hoping to have a delivery later.  That did not happen.  So the next morning (day before Thanksgiving) check in at the local Walmart (hate to do business there).  They had and sold me a big bag of french bread breadcrumbs.

I have never used french breadcrumbs, but I was desirate.  It was that or I have to slice and dice a loaf or two of white bread.

Spinns Burgers

Halloween Geezerz lunch was at Spinns Burgers.  I have eaten here a couple previous times. When I was riding my bike on the Bosque trail, I would park at Montano  and Coors.  Spinns was the closest for a post ride brew and burger.

Another thing I like of Spinns Burger - you have the option for a 1.4 pound, half-pound, or a large double burger,  I found that as we get older, we don't need that much food - so generally prefer a 4oz or 6 oz burger.  The 8 oz is mostly time, too much food.

I opted for the BBQ bacon-cheeseburger with fries.  Burger was good, the fries were a little cool and soft.  For brew, I started with a pint of Bosque Brewery Amber Ale.  My secong pint was Bosque's Scottish Style "Scotia" brew.

Relections on the Wall

You may ask "what wall" or ask what I an talking about.  To Vietnam Veterans, there is no confusion.  the "Wall" is the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. I wrote the following after a visit to the Memorial in 1988.

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On December 13, 1969, a scared young man got off of a plane at Bien Hoa Air Force Base in Vietnam. Thirteen and a half months later on February 1, 1971, that same young man – older and wiser – returned home to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. In those months, a lot happened that took years to accept. The real acceptance of that experience started on July 28, 1988, over 17 years later. That’s when I visited the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial (“The Wall”) for the first time.

My experience in ‘Nam was different than most, I wasn’t out in the boonies carrying a rifle, nor was I totally a “REMF” at a rear base camp. I was a “71M20” Chaplain Assistant. That meant I was the Chaplain’s bodyguard, driver, secretary, chapel organist, and chapel builder. In addition, I visited our wounded at the evacuation hospitals and assisted in memorial services.

That may not sound like much to you. I didn’t see actual combat – instead, I saw the aftermath. I haven’t talked much about it except to other Vietnam veterans – we’ve had a propensity to keep our feelings to ourselves. At the most, we’ll discuss it with other Vietnam veterans. Recently, with the building of “The Wall” and some of the programs on TV we’ve started to let our feelings come to the surface. They call it “Delayed Stress Syndrome” or something like that.

In the meantime, we’ve kept to ourselves. I have a very close friend in Des Moines who saw a lot of combat. We’ve spent several nights just talking. Occasionally he will have a flashback. Our mutual friends know that’S the time to leave us alone. I know I’m one of the few men who understand what he's going through.

When I visited “The Wall”, my first thoughts were that I wished he could have been there with me to share our feelings and, yes, cry on each other's shoulders. The memorial invokes those feelings, It is truly a moving experience.

As you approach the memorial, it's almost like entering the sacred ground. Signs request “No Smoking”, “No Food”, “No Running”. 

A brochure published by the Parks and History Association fittingly describes the memorial “Like a roll call of time, the memorial lists casualties by date of loss, starting at the vertex. The first name, Dale R. Buis is inscribed under the date 1959 on panel 1E. Names continue eastward to panel 70E, reaching May 1968 at the end of the east wing. The sequence continues at the walls opposite end on panel W70 as if the memorial has circled underground and surfaced again At the vertex, the toll ends with Richard Vande Geer at the bottom of panel W1 above the date 1975. End meets beginning; the circle is complete.”

On my visit to the memorial, I noted an envelope sitting against one of the panels. A soldier’s name had been copied from the memorial. Written on the envelope was “Dear Dad, I’m sorry I never got to know you. Love, …

It is a memorial not only to those who lost their lives but all who served. This is best described by the inscription at the base of the memorial’s flagpole “The flag affirms the principles of freedom for which they fought and their pride in having served under difficult circumstances…”

Anyone visiting Washington DC, whatever their political stance during the Vietnam war, should visit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. Take in the wall with the veteran standing beside you, tears in his eyes and try to understand the necessary healing of the nation that is taking place. We the Vietnam Veterans, do not expect the general public will ever fully understand what we went through. We only ask that you accept that we served our country as have other veterans.

More Boots?

My new cowboy boots arrived from Boot Barn - a day early!  Usually, I do not order online things like boots.  But Boot Barn has a great return policy where I can return them if I do not want them.  There is a store just a few miles from me at Cottonwood Mall.

Anyway, these beautiful bootsa were on sale (close-out) and in my size.  When I slipped them on my feet, they fit like a glove.  I have learned that my feet fit either 12EE or 13D boots.  These are 13D.

The wife on one of my radio friends suggests I should were the boots tucked into (bloused) jeans.  It is a shame to hide the beautiful boots under jeans.  So - that's what you see, here.

Nothing special of the two shirts that also arrived.  One, each, short and long sleeve western shirts.

With my new boots, again it was time to line up my boots for a "family photo".  Gathered all of my boots on the living room floor. and took a couple photos.  While I was at it, took the time to photography each pair of my boots individually.  Here's the skinny on the collection - 1 pair of hiking boots, 2 pait of military boots (black leather, and jungle boots)  Work boots (new-buck 8" and 16" black loggers), and 14 pair of cowboy boots from several manufacturers. Most were purchased from the Boot Barn.

Club Coffee and ARISS

Headed out for Ham Radio coffee/breakfast.  Most of those that attended were there on ther way to Valley High School to participate in the radio contact with the International Space Station.  There was on other member beside me not work the contact, I had nothing to talk with him after his stints working at Balloon Fiesta. 

Settle into my office chair at the computer to watch the YouTube broadcast of the contact.

The contact came off as planned.  I was very proud of the club's ARISS crew.  They and the school produced an awesome show.

NOTE - the QSL card was from the previous ARISS contact in April 2016.  I hope to be able to post the new card once it is received.

The Laguna Burger

This week's "Geezer" lunch was a The Laguna Burger on 12th st near I-40.  I was not impressed.

I was a little early, as usual.  Another of our group arrived aand we got in line to order our food.  This was about 12:30, the normal time we arrive for our luncheons.  The place was a zoo.

I ordered my food and looked for a pint of /Amber Ale.  The server said they did not have any Amber Ales and did not make any suggestion.  So, I settled for water.

The test of our group started arriving and we were able to move to a larger table. One ordered what looked like a amber ale, which was actually Sam Adam's Oktoberfest.  Not a local "craft" beer, but I have had it and works as a substitute in a pinch.  I went and got a pint about the time my food was arriving. 

Not excited about the food.  The french fries were limp and "soggy".  My 1/3 pound chile-cheeseburger was acceptable.  By the time we were all served out food, the place was almost empty.  Maybe if arriving about 1pm for lunch would be better.  As it was, I was not impressed with the food nor service.

Birthday "Dinner"

I finally started feeling "normal" from all of the shifts at Balloon Fiesta.  Headed out to Costco when they opened to pick up some supplies.  Basically recovered and rested most of the day. 

Decided to head over to The Local Brewhouse for my birthday dinner.  Knew they would have the football game on the TV - and it was the Packers vs the 49ers.  Donned my leather Packer jacket and headed out.

Looks like business is bad here, now.  They no longer are open for lunch during the week (open at 3pm).  I wanted a brat for dinner with my beer, but thy no longer have the brat on the menu.  I saw on their facebook that they were advertising for help, including a cook. 

Anyway, I had their Southern BBQ bacon-cheeseburger with fries and two pints of their amber ale.  Got a glass of water, too, to wash down the food.  I had enough of my burger and paid my bill.  Was a early evening - was back home about as the 2nd quarter started.  Looks like I missed a good game.

A Wash-out

The weather forecast was not good, but the rain was supposed to hold off until late in the day.  It was not to be - there was a little rain spitting as I drove to Balloon Fiesta Park.  Once there, the bottom dropped out several times.  It was obvious this was going to be a "no-launch" day.

The club manned the booth for a while as some folks wandered through the Discovery Tent.  In short time, all of the displays in the Discovery Tent started being dismantled and packed up.  So was our radio display.

Long Morning at Balloon Fiesta

Another "O-Dark-30" arrival at Balloon Fiesta Park for my shift in the Discovery Tent.  Calm winds this morning, so dawn patrol and mass ascension took off as scheduled.  I was able to get a couple more photos of the balloons illuminated in the dark, before they took off.

New Mexico sky photos can be very
'uninteresting" - so many of our days are wall-2-wall sunshine.  Saturday, with the remnants of a tropical storm coming in, there were some clouds to add some interest into the sky.

We were busy after the balloon launch, fielding questions about amateur radio.

A Late Balloon Launch

Today was a busy day on the air.  There were 2 local 2M nets that were run from the Amateur Radio booth in the Discovery tent - the Caravan Club SCAT (Senior Citizen & Travelers) and Rusty's Raiders nets. As such.we have 7 ham volunteers this morning.

Surface winds delayed balloon launching.  Dawn Patrol was scrubbed.  It was almost 9 am before a smaller "mass ascension" launched.  I still was able to get some good photos. Got good views of the Van Gogh and fractal balloons.

Thanks to fellow members of High Desert ARC and the Caravan Club for manning the booth and net control stations.

After my shift was over, I was at Toltec Brewing for the Geezerz lunch.  Chile cheeseburger and pint of Altbeir.

High Winds Aloft

After the poor service yesterday morning at IHOP (Unser just South of Southern), I skipped breakfast this morning.  Grabbed a donut and coffee after at the tent.

Morning winds seemed light and there were hopes for balloon launch.  I started to become concerned when they were not launching balloons for Dawn Patrol.  Seemed balloons were being inflated but not launched.  One of our radio clug crew was able to tune into the balloon frequency.  It seems that winds aloft were too high.

We spent most of the shift making contacts using digital JT8, basically filling up 2 log pages.  Paying closer attention, I  noticed that the computer was set up to make contacts as the club's call, not the Special Event call "W5B".  Sent a message this evening wondering why this was.

During the shift, winds started picking up at ground level.   Weather forcast for the next 2 days are not for balloon launch.  As a committee member, I will monitor the next couple days until I again have a shift at the Balloon Fiesta Park on Wednesday morning.  At this time, forecast for Wednesday is clear skies, and, hopefully, light winds.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Day 1

Early depart from the house this morning.  Stopped by IHOP in Rio Rancho (Unser just South of Southern).  I thought perhaps they got their shit together over the last year,  WRONG!  Even with apparent new manager, the service sucked.  It took me half and hour to get an senior order of french toast w/ sausage. And, it was delivered with bacon instead of sausage.

After the disappointed breakfast, I headed to Balloon Fiesta Park.  At 4:00, traffic was already backed up turning off the frontage road, and slow going the street into the park.  It was about 4:15 when I got parked. 

When allowed to the Discovery Tent, I settled into doing final adjustments to the club's display. 

It was a beautiful morning for the start of Balloon Fiesta 2018.  Very light winds, clear sky.  I was a little late getting over to the field for Dawn Patrol.  Was there to catch the Air Force (?) fly-over.  The Canon balloon carried the US Flag aloft with the strains of the National Anthem.  

The field was still in the shadows from the Sandia Mountains when the mass ascension commenced.  Eventually, the sun started illuminated the balloons.  Wave after wave of balloons launched from the field. 

As the mass ascension was tapering off, the crowds started entering the Balloon Discovery Tent.  While testing the radios before the mass ascension, we were able to make a few digital contacts.  Then we had some software glitch.  The other station was able to make a couple SSB contacts.

This year we were set up in the same part of the tent where the astronaut and other speakers held their presentations. They had a strong PA system, which caused it difficult for us to hear folks that may want to discuss ham radio.  We did have some conversations.

A sample of the photos (over 80) I took during the mass ascension are on my facebook page and the club's (NM5HD.com) facebook page.

Back tomorrow for the same morning shift.  Hope the weather continues to cooperate.

Balloon Fiests Set-up

After the Thursday coffee/breakfast at Flying Star, nost of the attendees headed over to Balloon Fiesta Park to set up High Desert Amateur Radio Club display for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta..  In addition to setting up the informational booth shown here, the group erected 3 antennas for HF, VHF, and UHF (high frequency, very-high  frequency, and ultra-high frequency) contacts.

The club will be operating  SSTV (slow-scan TV), voice, digital modes, and "Morse" code.  Two popular Albuquerque area nets will be run fron this station during the fiesta.

At the Balloon Fiesta you will find us in the Balloon Discovery Tent at the North end of the field.  On the air, listen to call-sign W5B.

Duke City HamFest - Friday

Today was the opening day of the Duke City HamFest.  The function is being held at the Isleta Resort & Casino about 10 miles South of downtown Albuquerque.  It's a big show this year because it is also the Rocky Mountain Division convention of the ARRL.

It was the first time I had ever been to Isleta.  And, being a Friday morning, I planned extra time to make the 30 miles from Rio Rancho (North of ABQ) to the Resort (South of ABQ).  Figured I would kils some time befoire my work shift (registration).

When I got to the resort, I asked at the front desk - where and when I can have breakfast.  The clerk told me at the restaurant close to the convention center entrance.  It was almostt 6am, he said it would open in just a couple minutes.  Alas, he was wrong - it did not open until 7am.  There had a coffee shop, but I was hungry for a full breakfast.  I killed time until the restaurant opened and had my full breakfast.

Food was "OK".  Sausage was a bit bland and the toast was cold (not even melting the butter) but it was much less expensive than Flying Star.

At 8am, I started my 2 hour shift at the registration area.  I heard there were over 400 early registrations. 

My other job is an official photographer for the convention.  After my registration shift was iver, I grabbed my Canon 60D to shoot some photos of the convention.  It was pretty "dark" in the vendor hall.  Had to jack up the ISO and slow down the shutter.  Of course, that causeed to blurry photos. 

When the show is over, I will process more of the photos, but for now, I posted the photo here of the High Desert ARC display (the club I belong to).

Not feeling so chipper today, so called it a day about noon and headed back home.  The afternoon activities included a outside fleamarket and an evening mixer.

Blue Grasshopper - South

Wednesday's Geezerz lunch was at Blue Grassgopper near Coors & Montano.  I have been gaining some weight recently, so decided on not having their pizza for a big burger. Instead I had their beer brat with fries.

The brat was "OK" but did not have the "zing" of the brat at "The Local Brewhouse".  Fries were good, but nothing to write home about (like the ones we had in Antonito, CO).

For beer, I tried the "TR" (tractoor Brewing?) red ale.  It was "OK" but a little sharp to my taste.  My second pint was "BB" amber (which I think was the Bosque Bear "Ambear").

BJ's Brewhouse

This week's "Geezerz" lunch was at BJ's Brewhouse at Cottonwood.  BJ's is a regional chain.  The frist time I have lunch at a BJ's was in Las Vegas.

Anyway - Wednesday's special was one of their burgers and a pint of one of their beers.  I had the bacon-Cheeseburger with fries and a pint of their Jamison Red Ale.  The burger was great and fries were cooked pretty good.  BJ's had 2 amber ale, the Jamison Red is a little darker in color and a very pleasant tasting.

None of BJ's beers are brewed in New Mexico.  I understand that the chain has one of their locations would brew just one of it's beers and transport them to other locations. That way the brewery can concentrate on doing a good job on that one beer.

Filling the Gaps

We were hungry for a full breakfast this morning.  The only place in Antonito for breakfast is the Dutch Mill.  I decided on their breakfast quesadilla with sausage and coffee.  It was just the right amount of food for the morning.

Spent some time around the depot.  The folks there were very friendly and accommodating.  Don spent some time touring the maintenance shop.

We were able to watch the train (same one we rode yesterday) return to Chama.  Don shot video of the departure on my point & shoot camera.  I shot the departure with my Canon 60D.

After the train departure, we got on the road towards Chama.  On the way, we stopped at the scenic view along Route 17 the bus driver pointed out.  I took some photos, including shooting a panoramic series of frames.

As we approach Cumbres Pass, we saw the Eastbound train was just ready to depart after taking on water.  We shot video and stills of the departure from Cumbres.

From there, on to Chama to check out the railroad facilities there.  Much different that the shop in Antonito, the shop in Chama was "off limits" for visitors.  There was a box-car museum at the Chama station.  Did some shopping in the gift shop there.

By this time, the sun was over the yardarm, and I suggested we tip a pint of New Mexico beer.  Had pints of Santa Fe Brewing's "Nut Brown" ale.  Visited with a local farmer at the bar (Foster's).  Still too early to head back to Antonito, so we did a driving tour up as far as Pagosa Springs.

Driving back through Chama, we were thinking we might catch the train along the railroad.  At one time even heard what we thought as a locomotive whistle.  But, driving back to Antonito, we were following the motor coach transporting train riders from Chama to Antonito.

We stopped by the room to use the facilities before heading out from dinner.  Returned to "Dos Hermanas" steakhouse.  Both Don and I had their enchilada  plate.  After dinner, processed some photos, wrote  facebook postings, and packed the bags for the return trip.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Early start for a long day on the train.  Cousin Don and I had coffee and sweet roll before the trip.  Not hungry for a big breakfast, specially we were getting a big lunch as part of the ticket price.

Had to wait until this morning to pick up our tickets.  We boarded a motorcoach for the drive over to Chama.  Had a nice conversation during the hour-long ride.  Gal across the aisle was from Mankato, MN.  Interesting chat up here on the front of the bus.  When we arrived in Chama, we quickly board the train, finding our seats.

Once the train was underway, it didn't take much time for the conductor to run thro9ugh the train punching our tickets.  At that time, we were allowed to get out of our seats and move around thee train.  For information, the train consisted the following:  Locomotive and tender, three coach cars, a concession car, open gondola, Tourist car, and finally Parlor car.  The open gondola was equipped with a sound system.  The docent onboard spend most of the ride describing the railroad and the scenery on the sound system on the gondola.

As soon as we head out of Chama, the train started climbing.  It took about 1 1/2 hour to climb up to the summit of Cumbres Pass.  There, the train stopped to take on water.  The docent passed out pamphlets including a railroad map with note-worthy locations on the route.

About half way through the trip, we arrived Osier where we were served lunch.  There were 2 hot lunches we could select - meatloaf or turkey.  I had the meatload dinner, which consisted of a slice of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, roll or corn bread, and a selection of deserts.  For drinks, there was water, coffee, iced tea (sweetened and unsweetened), pink lemonade, and lemonade.

There was time to stretch legs and look at some of the older building at Osier.  Cousin Don scoped out while there, I relaxed back on our train car - needed the time off my legs/knees.

One of the options for riding the train is to turn back at Osier, riding back the train to your departure location.  It seemed to me that we lost over half of our follow travelers took the train back to Chama rather than continuing on to Antonito, CO.

The weather forecast was for about 60% chance of rain.  We had periods of rain, mostly light showers.  Most of the ride it was overcast. 

The scenery on the East end of the railroad is both the more scenic (and dramatic) section of the railroad and the most boring part of the train ride.  The train runs through 2 tunnels on this half of the line.  There were scenic highlights of "Calico Cut" and the Toltec Gorge.  The last 1 1/2 of the trip was pretty boring, nothing much to look at except for sage brush.  And, actually, this was fine as we were tired from the long day on the train.

We were a little late arriving Antonito.  Don and I looked for a good. cold beer when we got back to town.  The one bar in Antonito did not open 7pm.  We settled for a bottle of Dos Equis and the restaurant where we ate last night.  By 8pm, both of us were sound asleep.

I have processed my photos from the train ride.  Eventually I will sort and select photos to post on my website.

On the Road to Antonito

Cousin Don and I are on the road to the New Mexico/Colorado area to ride the Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Railroad.  Stopped along the road a couple time to look at the roadside wild flowers.  Had a little rain up in Northern New Mexico.

Checked into the motel, dropped off some luggage into the room, and headed for a late lunch.  The motel suggested the "Dos Hermana's Steakhouse" downtown.  I had the 6oz bacon-cheeseburger with fries.  About 3 strips if bacon, good burger, full slice of red onion, with pepper jack cheese.  The fries were also great, battered and crispy.  Washed down the meal with 2 bottle of Dos Equies Amber.

Checked out the train station and the train's anticipated arrival in Antonito.  Had time to look at the wear at the gift shop and visited with the folks there.  Watch the train arrive and got a few good photos.

Rain is forecast for tomorrow and Thursday.  They should be the typical New Mexico "pop-up1' showers.  Surely nothing like the rain the Midwest has been getting

1933 Brewing Company

Wednesday's "Geezerz" lunch was at 1933 Brewing Company on Southern in Rio Rancho.  The location opened last week.  Alas, they do not have their brewery running yet, and of course, no of their beers were available to sample.  We were told it will be 3 to 6 months until they are producing beer.

An aside, here, we were planning to sample beers at Lava Rocks Brewing.  When I contacted the brewery, they are between batches of their beer.  Sounds like they were only brewing small batches, no constant brewing process (likely low on equipment). 

Back to 1933 Brewing - one of our groups asked where the name comes.  We were told it was 1933 the prohibition ended. 

Since the locations does not have their own beers, yet, we were shown a list of other "local" beers they had on tap.  The selection was what I would call "yuppy", somebody called it a "millennium" selection - several IPA's, no Amber.  Closest they had was the Quarter Deck Irish Crimson ale.  It was drinkable, but I sure did ni=ot was a second pint.

For food, I selected the bacon-cheeseburger.  The sandwich was "OK".  The Medium-Well was a litle over cooked (another of out group had the same review - his medium-rare was a bit over-cooked).  The bacon on sandwich was cooked perfect - not too crispy and not under-cooked.  Fries were mixed -  some where over-cooked and some where a little under-cooked.

Understanding that the place has only opened for a week, but the service was not good.  There were about 10 of us.  Two of the group of napling & silver.  When the food was served, we had to ask for more place-setting -  and were give 4 more.  So, we had to asked for more - finally they gave us 2 more setting than we needed.  (Could the server not count?).  There was a bottle of ketchup placed on the table, but nno salt ot pepper.  Had to ask for then - and typically, the server brought 3 sets (over supplied).

Billy's with Don

Another Saturday evening dinner with cousin Don.  Don filled in with his trip to Columbus (OH) and the pipe show. 

Made tentative plans to ride the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad. 

Opted for N\Billy's Philly Steak sandwich with fries.  LOTS of beef on this sandwich.  Washed down the sandwich with 3 pints of "Kilt Lifter" Scotch style ale.

Bosque North Brewey and Taproom

This weeks "old  geezers" lunch was at the Bosque North location in Bernalillio. This is the new headquarters of the brewery. It was a good turn-out (9 of us).

It was a pain to get to the brewery, with all of the construction along US 550.  From Rio Rancho, had to head East into Bernalillo, (across the river), make a "U"-turn and back West on US550, across the river, to the brewery.

The taproom has a limited menu.  To order food, walk over to the back of the room to order a pay for your food,  Different servers take your beer orders.  Kind of a crazy system - ending up with separate bills for beer and food.

I orders the Bosque Burger - "Kobe-style beef patty cooked to order, oatmeal stout and red chile bbq sauce, fried onions, bacon, and white cheddar on a kaiser roll,"  The side was french fries,  The burger is not-remarkable.

Had two pits of beer with lunch.  I started with a pint of Brewer's Boot Amber Ale.  A decent amber with usual alcohol content.  For the second pint, I tried their "Scotia Scotch Ale".  This beer is a little higher alcohol content, of 8%.  Both are pleasant tasting ales.

Another Lunch at Toltec Brewing

This was the 3rd visit to Toltec Brewing in Albuquerque's Cottonwood Mall area. Toltec has a special that is not on the menu - Chile-cheezeburger with a pint of beer for $9.  The special is offered Mon-Fri between noon and 2pm.

With such a deal, I opted for the special.  I just scraped most of the chile if the sandwich,  Those left just added enough "heat" in my burger.  Fries were good and crispy.

Washed down the burger with two pints if Toltec's Altbier, amber ale.

Billy's with Cousin Don

Last evening was another dinner and a couple pints of beer with my cousin Don.  Both of us tried a meal we had not had before at Billy's.  Don had the Indian Taco which I have liked.  I had the Shredded beef burrito plate.  The Burrita was ok, but still prefer their enchilada plate.

I wash down my meal with 3 pints of "Kilt Lifter" Scotish Ale frpm Four Peaks Brewing.  Don and I had a good conversation.  I was able to show him the projects I have worked with for my ham radio club.

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!

Corrales Bistro Brewery

Today's Geezer's luncheon was at the Corrales Bistro.  As usual, I ordered the bacon-cheeseburger with fries.

The 1/2 pound burger was cooked as I like then (medium-well).  Friese were a little overdone.  I washed the food down with 2 pints of their amber ale.

Good sized group (6) for lunch.  Next Wednesday's lunch is planned for Blue Grasshopper in Rio Rancho.

Balloon Fiesta Committee Meeting

High Desert Amaturt Radio Club's Balloon Fiesta committee met this morning.   Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be taking place at Balloon Fiesta Park beginning Saturday, October 6, 2018, and running through Sunday, October 14th. Information of available shifts will be posted on the club website (NM5HD.com) under "Field Operations".

The committee established sub-committees for Antenna, Public Relations, Equipment, and Staffing.

Billy's with Cousin

Another dinner and a couple pints with Cousin Don at Billy's Long Bar.  I have their 4 sloppy joe sliders, washed down with 3 pints of Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale.

Billy's makes their sloppy joe sliders with the same meat they use for their tacos.  Nice taste.

Canteen Brewhouse

Today's Old Geezer lunch was at the Canteen Brewhouse on Aztec in Albuquerque.  I had checked the online menu, decided I wanted the Dougie-Style Amber Ale and the pulled pork sandwich with chese and BBQ sauce,  The sandwich was served with a bag of kettle chips.

The amber ale was pleasant, one of the best I have tasted in the area.  The BBQ sauce was a little bland.

Forgot to take a outside photo for this blog.

Quarter Celtic Brewpub

Today's Geezer lunch was at the Quarter Celtic Brewpub in Albuquerque.  The brewpub is at the corner of Lomas and San Mateo, lower level, access from Lomas.

Between the brewery machinery, the soccer game on the big screens, and the acoustics, the night noise level was giving me a headache.

I had the 1/3 pound burger with cheddar and bacon.  The burger in on a pretzel bun. Had the side of fries.  The menu says that they cook burgers to Medium-Well.  Mine was closer to "well" as there was no pink in the center of the patty.  Their portion of french fries were much more than most locations.  The good thing was that they were fried perfect to my taste - golden brown, crispy with soft center.

I washed down my food with 2 pints of their "Crimson Lass" red (Irish) ale.  While not remarkable, it was a decent tasting ale.

For record purposes, I will start attempting to add a photo of the brewery/brewpub in the blog posting.

Sigma Chi Alumni July Luncheon

Today was the July fraternity alumni luncheon at the Cooperage in Albuquerque.  This was the second time I have attended this luncheon. This month's luncheon attendance was much smaller.

The luncheon menu is fairly limited.  About the only item that sould like appetizing is the bacon-cheeseburger,  Ordered that (same as lasst month) with steak fries.  The sandwich is a 1/2 pound burger - a bit more than I really want, but consumed the meal.  Washed down food with water, waiting for brews with food tomorrow.

With the smaller attendance, the service was much better than the June luncheon.  Different server, too. 

Speaker for the luncheon was Significant Sig John Salazar, an alum of Beta Xi (University of New Mexico).  Brother Salazar was in the 2018 "class" of Significant Sigs.

I need to contrast the Omaha Alumni Chapter and the Albuquerque chapter.  Omaha luncheon attendances have been much smaller.  The closest active chapter from Omaha is University of Nebraska - Lincoln.  There are much more alums from other schools than /nebraska at the Omaha  luncheons.  Contast then and the Albuquerque, where most luncheon attendees are from UNM (Beta Xi)  it some Zeta Xi (NM State).  just a couple of us from schools out of the State of New Mexico.

The Albuquerque chapter luncheons have a agenda and formal meeting.  Brothers start arriving early (ahead of the noon advertised time), but the meeting (luncheon) is over and members disburse at 1pm.  I miss the relaxed atmosphere of the Omaha chapter.

Enchanted Circle Brewing Company

After a frustrating time finding food along the Enchanted Circle - crowds in Red Rived and Eagles Nest), my passenger say a sign for food in Angel Fire.  The Enchanteed Circle Brewing Company was about a block of the main highway in Angel Fire.

The microbrewery had a good menu of beers, including an Amber Ale - my favorite style of beer.  The Angel Fire Amber was a pleasant tasting beer.  ABV was a little below what most (think it was % 4.1.

Another think I liked about the food at this brewery, the burgers and portion of fries was smaller than the usual 1/2 pound burgers.  The portion at the Enchanted Circle was just right for my elder hunger.  Ended up having a second pint of the beer.