New Western Style Sport Jacket

My suit(s) did not fit me. Forgot to pack my blazer when I moved. Today I headed out to Cavenders Western Store and picked up a jacket. I think it will go well with my cats (black, brown& and straw, with various western shirts, and blue, black, or beige jeans. And the option of bolo tie or sans tie.

Another Pair of Boots

Has been a busy day. Ham Radio breakfast/coffee, INR check, Boot Barn, and Cavender's.

I have problems getting out of the western stores without at least shirts or boots. Today was no exception. Picked up some short-sleeve western shirts, a belt buckle, and a pair of boots at Boot Barn. Did not see anything I could not do without at Cavender's.

Here are the new boots and the appropriate buckle for me. Just in time to wear to dinner and a couple beers this evening.

Starr Brothers Brewing

Today's "Old Geezer" lunch was at Starr Brothers Brewing om San Antonio in Albuquerque.  I opted for the Red Zepplin Ale and Patty Melt with Fries. (They did not have an Amber or Scottish ale.)

The ale was palatable, but I have had better. The fries seemed to be good - firm, crispy on the outside, but a bit soft on the inside.  The beef patty was cooked the way I like then - medium well.  I did not like the pickle spear parts in the sandwich.  I would have preferred the pickle on the side which many other places have done.

We were presented out checks on a computer table.  I was just told the total and the server swiped my credit card.  I could choose my tip and then sign the check with my finger.  I did not get any paper copy of my check.  I would have liked to have a paper copy for my records (like what I had and what it was called for this blog).

I cannot recommend this establishment for lunch. In addition to the things about the food that I did not like, not getting a paper copy of my bill was most disturbing. I would have liked to see the changes.  The on-line menu shows the sandwich is $11, but no price for the pint of beer. 

Next week's lunch is planned to be at Monks in the downtown area of Albuquerque.  Not sure that I will make that luncheon because of it's distance from my house.

Trump Goes After Free Press

According to Bloomberg Report"

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security wants to monitor hundreds of thousands of news sources around the world and compile a database of journalists, editors, foreign correspondents, and bloggers to identify top ‘media influencers.'”

I want to openly state that I detest the Trump administration and the Republican Party.  I will not stop posting negative comments and memes critical of them.  Go to Hell, Trump and your cronies!

Geckos Bar and Tapas

After attending the reception for photojournalist Richard Kozak, I joined friends at Geckos Bar & Tapas in Albuquerque.  The first time I have gone to this establishment. 

As usual, the music is too loud.  Had to almost shout over the music to carry on any conversation.

I tried the patty melt with curly fries.  I opted for a pint of Alaskan Amber Ale to wash down the sandwich. The fries were OK.  The sandwich left something to desire.  The best way I could say was that the marbled rye bread was "chewy".  With the loud music and the sub-par sandwich, I cannot recommend the establishment.

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.)

Lava Rock Brewing Company

Today's "Old Geezer" lunch was at Lava Rock Brewing Company.  This is a new microbrewery on Unser Blvd North of I-40 in Albuquerque.  The brewery is so new that their own beers are not yet finished - another couple weeks, we were told.

Good food.  I have the burger with brown sugar bacon and cheddar.  It was accompanied with french fries (or chips if you preferred).  My beer selection was the Bosque Brewing Boot Amber Ale.

The "Old Geezers" have lunches on Wednesday.  Locations are selected to sample the food at beers at the numerous micro breweries and tap rooms in the area.

Gilman Tunnels

This morning, I headed back up into the Jemez Mountains to photograph the Gilman Tunnels.  The tunnels were bored in the mountain for construction of a railroad spur. 

The route follows the Guadalupe Rio, visible below.  There is a small parking area above the second tunnel.