Our first New Year’s Eve in the house. We decided to celebrate with quiet reflection by a fire, completing 2017 and creating a prosperous 2018 for all. We were joined in this moment by our beautiful cousin JJ.
Hike through Plaza Blanca Canyon
Met some new friends. Took in the beauty. Took lots of pictures.
A New Truck… Sort Of
After many months in the shop, the “free” truck we acquired has finally come home. The 1984 Ford F-150 is totally rebuilt, from new brakes to a replaced engine. We fondly call it “Frankie”, since it was Frankensteined together so
A New Casa
After years of planning and trying to decide what to build on our property in northern New Mexico, it turned out that it was much easier than we ever anticipated. Our wonderful neighbor Annette decided to sell her home this
Next Door Neighbor
Our next door neighbor Annette is a lovely lady. At 88 she is energetic, vivacious and sharp. In addition to all her accomplishments as a nurse, pilot and flight instructor, not to mention mother of five, only seven years ago
Technology, the Small Town Way
This area across from one of the local cemeteries is one of the only spots in Chimayo where we can get a decent cell phone signal. So we go there often, staying in touch via technology, and saying hello to Victor’s
A Bouquet From the Land
Collected with love.
Lava Rock Hunting
Pulling over on the side of the road in the Mojave desert so Victor could go collect black lava rocks. Yum!
Migration Begins
We’ve loaded the truck and will begin driving to New Mexico shortly. This is our first load of stuff that were bringing out there. Though it’s bound for storage, it’s fun to begin to imagine all this stuff in Casa
Hindu Temple, Taos, NM
Could we manage a garden like this one? It looks easy. Walking through the temple grounds.
Holy Hole
What kind of creature created this new hole? Maybe they’re for hire to help build the house.
Rain Talk With a Neighbor
Victor and our neighbor engage in a riveting dialogue about the number of inches it’s rained within the last week.
First Supper at the Casa
The 4th, Steven and Victor style.
Mica Hunting
Victor hikes in the hills near our land, by the telecommunications towers. He’s on the prowl for pieces of Mica which will make our fireplace sparkle (when mixed in with the plaster for finishing it)!
5 Minutes From Home
Panoramic view on the way up to the big hill with the signal towers.
Relaxing
Sunset in our living room.
Our Latest ‘Breaking Bad’ Experience Begins
Trailer delivered (borrowed from Aunt and Uncle). A perfect way to begin spending days and nights up here. No drug dealing, we promise.
Shed Delivery
And the shed arrives…
Shopping for Sheds
Thanks to Victor’s dad, we can temporarily keep a shed at his place until we move here long term. It is a great way for us to begin to store things we use when we come here- tools, tents, folding
New Mexico Sunset
Just another evening as we get ready for dinner. One of the many reasons we love this place.
Cactus Blossoms
The cacti are in bloom. A surreal contrast to the drying, dying foliage all around.
Drought Warrior
Victor attempts to ward off the death of our trees and bushes from lack of rain. Looks like he won’t be able to hit all 17 acres.