Hi Friends,
It was a beautiful bluebird day so we went out to Sitting Bulls Falls today and did a seven mile loop hike. We've hiked out there before; it's more popular in the summer because of the falls. Today, we never saw anyone else on the hiking trails, which is fine by us!
This week, the weather is supposed to turn. In fact, we are expecting snow on Tuesday and or Wednesday. This will be accompanied by lows as cold as the single digits! :( BRRRRR The storm which will bring us snow, will most likely visit most of you as well. So bundle up.
That's it for now. Got to check clothes in the dryer...
Miss ya,
VAL & JOHN
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Seasonal Employment
Hi Friends,
It seems that as a seasonal employee with the National Park Service, you spend most of your time not working looking for your next job. Summer seasonal jobs start anywhere from March to June and last from a few weeks to six months. I've been fortunate that here at Carlsbad, the season runs six months.
I've been filling out applications for months now, hoping to find another position for the summer. Sometimes you have to make tough choices; do you leave the job you know for something else??? I can stay here at Carlsbad for the summer, or I can try to find a job elsewhere. Referrals are starting to come in, but that still doesn't guarantee you a job - it just means you made the cut.
My heart is in the mountains as many of you know. My first choice, of course is Glacier! Been waiting impatiently for a referral to that park. Although there are many other parks, Grand Teton, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain, etc, that I'd be happy to spend the summer.
I need to decide whether to move on for the summer by Friday. I'd prefer to return to Carlsbad again for the winter season. Learned a lot here, have many new friends here at the cave, but I'm leaning towards moving on to new experiences...
Your thoughts are always welcome.
Love ya,
VAL
It seems that as a seasonal employee with the National Park Service, you spend most of your time not working looking for your next job. Summer seasonal jobs start anywhere from March to June and last from a few weeks to six months. I've been fortunate that here at Carlsbad, the season runs six months.
I've been filling out applications for months now, hoping to find another position for the summer. Sometimes you have to make tough choices; do you leave the job you know for something else??? I can stay here at Carlsbad for the summer, or I can try to find a job elsewhere. Referrals are starting to come in, but that still doesn't guarantee you a job - it just means you made the cut.
My heart is in the mountains as many of you know. My first choice, of course is Glacier! Been waiting impatiently for a referral to that park. Although there are many other parks, Grand Teton, Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain, etc, that I'd be happy to spend the summer.
I need to decide whether to move on for the summer by Friday. I'd prefer to return to Carlsbad again for the winter season. Learned a lot here, have many new friends here at the cave, but I'm leaning towards moving on to new experiences...
Your thoughts are always welcome.
Love ya,
VAL
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Weekend
Went hiking today at Guadalupe National Park It's a fee free weekend at all National Parks, so if you live near one - go visit it! Beautiful day here today, warmed us quite a bit from the cold week. It felt good to be out in the sun and hiking.
Last weekend, we went to Midland/Odessa, TX. Notice the windmills in the background. Lots of wind farms out here, which is useful considering the wind. One of the few problems with windmills, is they kill a lot of bats!
Thought the clouds were rather interesting. Some days you can see for miles around here...
Love to all,
Val & John
Last weekend, we went to Midland/Odessa, TX. Notice the windmills in the background. Lots of wind farms out here, which is useful considering the wind. One of the few problems with windmills, is they kill a lot of bats!
Thought the clouds were rather interesting. Some days you can see for miles around here...Love to all,
Val & John
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cold
Hi friends,
It's been cold here. Yesterday, it only reached 38 degrees. Now, that might not seem cold to some of you, but we're in the southwest desest, living in a RV. Ask Sassy, our eldest cat, who sat on the heat vent the past two days, she was NOT happy!
This morning, it was down to the teens. Unfortunately, our water line, which is wrapped in insulated foam with a special heater, stopped working, and yes, our line froze. We had to make the short walk to the bathrooms this morning. It was a minor inconvenience to me, but a big PIA to John who had to repair it. Tonight, we thankfully have running water again. John did a wonderful job!
It's supposed to warm up this weekend, back to the 60's in the day and bright blue sunshine. We're both looking forward to that and perhaps a nice hike in the mountains.
Hope you're all staying safe and warm with all the snow that has been flying.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN
It's been cold here. Yesterday, it only reached 38 degrees. Now, that might not seem cold to some of you, but we're in the southwest desest, living in a RV. Ask Sassy, our eldest cat, who sat on the heat vent the past two days, she was NOT happy!
This morning, it was down to the teens. Unfortunately, our water line, which is wrapped in insulated foam with a special heater, stopped working, and yes, our line froze. We had to make the short walk to the bathrooms this morning. It was a minor inconvenience to me, but a big PIA to John who had to repair it. Tonight, we thankfully have running water again. John did a wonderful job!
It's supposed to warm up this weekend, back to the 60's in the day and bright blue sunshine. We're both looking forward to that and perhaps a nice hike in the mountains.
Hope you're all staying safe and warm with all the snow that has been flying.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Sour dough
Living in Carlsbad has some definite disadvantages. With very few choices in shopping, we have limited access to things we enjoy eating. Of course, if you like Mexican food, this isn't a bad place to live. Unfortunately, I'm not big on Mexican food!
We bought a ham for Christmas, and went shopping for a simple rye bread. I really wanted a ham sandwich on rye. Sadly, the one John bought didn't taste anything like rye bread to me! :-( I mentioned this issue to a friend who offered me some sour dough starter. The starter supposedly is rather old stock, which sounded intriguing!
Now, I have not made bread (other than banana bread) in many years. If fact, I can't remember the last time I made bread. But with the internet, it wasn't that difficult to find a recipe. John and I followed the directions to 'feed' the starter. In a few days, we had happy starter, and John made a rather tasty sour dough bread!
We have a nice stock now of starter, and the basic knowledge of how it's done. We look forward to making more bread in the weeks to come.
Hope you're all keeping warm and having a great new year.
Love,
Val & John
We bought a ham for Christmas, and went shopping for a simple rye bread. I really wanted a ham sandwich on rye. Sadly, the one John bought didn't taste anything like rye bread to me! :-( I mentioned this issue to a friend who offered me some sour dough starter. The starter supposedly is rather old stock, which sounded intriguing!
Now, I have not made bread (other than banana bread) in many years. If fact, I can't remember the last time I made bread. But with the internet, it wasn't that difficult to find a recipe. John and I followed the directions to 'feed' the starter. In a few days, we had happy starter, and John made a rather tasty sour dough bread!
We have a nice stock now of starter, and the basic knowledge of how it's done. We look forward to making more bread in the weeks to come.
Hope you're all keeping warm and having a great new year.
Love,
Val & John
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year
Dear Friends,
We never expected to find myself in Carlsbad NM for New Years. Yet, here we are continuing our 'summer adventure' now in the new year. So happy 2011 to each and every one of you. We do miss you, but we are still enjoying our adventure.
The year closed out with snow flurries at the cave. It was a bitter cold and windy day. The new year is bringing near record cold to all of New Mexico. The fireplace is on and the gas heat kicks on every few minutes. We are expecting to reach the low 50's this afternoon.
The cats have been managing in the cold. Lots of blankets, baskets, and of course the bed to cuddle on. Sassy, at this very moment is cuddled on the heat vent (she's a smart little kitty!).
Momma cat is up on the top of the chair, curled up, and Spot is cuddled up on my arm. helping me type. Shadow, our long haired cat seems to be the only one who doesn't mind the cold. Although Scooter doesn't seem to concerned about it either.
John and I are relaxing today in our sweat pants andflannel shirts. Not much to do in this town on the weekend, let alone a holiday. So we'll keep it a low key day of rest and relaxing.
We send our loves and best wishes for you all. We hope that 2011 brings you health, happiness and perhaps some strength in the economy.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!
We never expected to find myself in Carlsbad NM for New Years. Yet, here we are continuing our 'summer adventure' now in the new year. So happy 2011 to each and every one of you. We do miss you, but we are still enjoying our adventure.
The year closed out with snow flurries at the cave. It was a bitter cold and windy day. The new year is bringing near record cold to all of New Mexico. The fireplace is on and the gas heat kicks on every few minutes. We are expecting to reach the low 50's this afternoon.
The cats have been managing in the cold. Lots of blankets, baskets, and of course the bed to cuddle on. Sassy, at this very moment is cuddled on the heat vent (she's a smart little kitty!).
Momma cat is up on the top of the chair, curled up, and Spot is cuddled up on my arm. helping me type. Shadow, our long haired cat seems to be the only one who doesn't mind the cold. Although Scooter doesn't seem to concerned about it either.
John and I are relaxing today in our sweat pants andflannel shirts. Not much to do in this town on the weekend, let alone a holiday. So we'll keep it a low key day of rest and relaxing.
We send our loves and best wishes for you all. We hope that 2011 brings you health, happiness and perhaps some strength in the economy.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!
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