Hi All,
This will be my last entry into the Carlsbad adventure. The last two + years have been quite an adventure, but I'm happy to move on. Yesterday was a difficult day, leaving friends who have become like family in Carlsbad. There were more than a few tears shed by me and my friends, but hopefully they will visit us in Colorado.
I will be in Colorado in a few hours and I will start my new job with the Forest Service in Silverthorne CO. We will be living in the neighboring town of Dillon, CO. We will email you all with the address as soon as we have a P. O. Box.
The RV will be put in storage on the front range for the winter. We were both concerned about the snow loads on the roof up in the mountains and figured it would be better for the rig to be out of the mountains.
Not sure that I'm going to make a new blog or just update you all on Facebook and emails. It's hard to find the time to do it all, so we will see what the next few weeks bring.
Miss you all,
Love VAL, JOHN and the kitties!!!!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Back to Carlsbad
Hi All,
On Monday, I will return to Carlsbad for my last two weeks of work. John will stay in Colorado with the RV and cats until I return. It didn't make sense to drive the RV 600 miles this week and turn around and do it again next week.
We've got John camping in St. Vrains State Park, http://www.parks.state.co.us/parks/stvrain/Pages/StVrainHome.aspx
which is about 30 miles north of Denver. He has a beautiful (although smoke filled view of the Rockies) and looks out over a field with leaves beginning to turn gold. It's rather nice view, and being a state park, the price is right too!
I'll be returning to work on Tuesday for my last two weeks at CAVE. I will miss some wonderful friends that I have made there. The caverns are an extraordinary place, but I've been there for over two years now, and I'm ready for a change. It will be nice to see sunsets again, as the view in the cave never changes.
My new job is with the Forest Service at White River National Forest in Silverthorne, CO. My first day is October 9th. It's about 70 miles west of Denver in the mountains. Silverthorne (not to be confused with Silverton in the SW part of the state) is high in the Rocky Mountains at 8000'. It's only a few miles from my favorite ski area: Copper Mountain http://www.coppercolorado.com/winter/index.html as well as Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and about 30 miles to Vail.
Winter will be setting in there soon, and I hope we get settled beforehand. After two and a half years living in an RV we moving into government housing (still no address and no idea what the house looks like or what condition it is in...) More details to follow.
That's about it for now. So much to do before I leave tomorrow.
Love to all...
Val & John and the kitties!!!!
On Monday, I will return to Carlsbad for my last two weeks of work. John will stay in Colorado with the RV and cats until I return. It didn't make sense to drive the RV 600 miles this week and turn around and do it again next week.
We've got John camping in St. Vrains State Park, http://www.parks.state.co.us/parks/stvrain/Pages/StVrainHome.aspx
which is about 30 miles north of Denver. He has a beautiful (although smoke filled view of the Rockies) and looks out over a field with leaves beginning to turn gold. It's rather nice view, and being a state park, the price is right too!
I'll be returning to work on Tuesday for my last two weeks at CAVE. I will miss some wonderful friends that I have made there. The caverns are an extraordinary place, but I've been there for over two years now, and I'm ready for a change. It will be nice to see sunsets again, as the view in the cave never changes.
My new job is with the Forest Service at White River National Forest in Silverthorne, CO. My first day is October 9th. It's about 70 miles west of Denver in the mountains. Silverthorne (not to be confused with Silverton in the SW part of the state) is high in the Rocky Mountains at 8000'. It's only a few miles from my favorite ski area: Copper Mountain http://www.coppercolorado.com/winter/index.html as well as Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and about 30 miles to Vail.
Winter will be setting in there soon, and I hope we get settled beforehand. After two and a half years living in an RV we moving into government housing (still no address and no idea what the house looks like or what condition it is in...) More details to follow.
That's about it for now. So much to do before I leave tomorrow.
Love to all...
Val & John and the kitties!!!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Hiking the Belly River Trail
Hi Friends,
Been doing miles and miles of hiking. Here are some more of my pictures from our recent hike. John has a few as well, but he's still working on them. So you'll have to settle for mine! The hike to the Ranger Station is a little over six miles (each way). As you can see, the leaves are turning colors up here...
Been doing miles and miles of hiking. Here are some more of my pictures from our recent hike. John has a few as well, but he's still working on them. So you'll have to settle for mine! The hike to the Ranger Station is a little over six miles (each way). As you can see, the leaves are turning colors up here...
Belly River
Horses on the trail
Flag at Ranger Station
Ranger Station
Panorama view from Ranger Station
Fall colors on the trail
More fall colors
John on the trail
Val on the trail
Time for bed... Night all!
Love VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!
Friday, September 14, 2012
More Glacier
Hi All,
Been doing lots of hiking. Saw a few grizzly bears today - two from the trail we were hiking on. Here are a few pictures...
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Been doing lots of hiking. Saw a few grizzly bears today - two from the trail we were hiking on. Here are a few pictures...
Hidden Lake
Squirrel eating elderberries
Grizzly bear
Same grizzly bear
Iceberg Lake
More pictures when we take em!
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Pictures from Glacier
Hi Friends,
Here are some pictures of our first few days in Glacier! We've done a few hikes so far...
Me and John at the Glacier.
Here are some pictures of our first few days in Glacier! We've done a few hikes so far...
Panorama view on our way to Grinnell Glacier
Many Glacier Hotel from Snow Moon Trail
View of lakes from Grinnell Glacier trail.
Mural in St. Mary Visitor Center. It was created last year by over 700 visitors (including me and John). I painted the eagle wing!
Enjoy...
Love, VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Glacier
Hi All,
We have finally arrived in Glacier. The truck decided to break down over the holiday weekend in Albuquerque. It was towed to the local Ford dealership where it sat until Tuesday morning. When they turned on the engine that day, it worked fine. No idea what was wrong with the truck during the weekend. Go figure???
We did manage to make the best of our weekend in Albuquerque. We went to Chaco Culture. http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm This place pre-dates Mesa Verde in Colorado. My friend Robby joined us. He spent a semester there volunteering in an archeological dig. Thanks, Robby!
We also visited Bandelier http://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm which we'd been to before. It was a hot day there, and threatening rain, so we didn't spend as much time as we would have liked. It was nice to see it again even if it was brief.
We are glad to be in Glacier. Unfortunately, there is a lot of smoke around from the fires in Idaho. There is a front coming in tonight with high winds. Although it might blow the wind out of here, my guess it will only further fuel the fires burning throughout the NW. Very dry this season. They need rain.
Did a hike this morning up past the saddle at Oberlin Mountain. The views, normally remarkable were reduced by smoke. Plan to go for a drive in a little while up to Many Glacier. Saw a couple of bears yesterday when we drove through there. At first they were eating on the side of the road. Later, they were running and playing down by the bank of the lake. It was fun to observe.
That's it for now. Going to head out for more adventures. Pictures soon, I promise!
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
We have finally arrived in Glacier. The truck decided to break down over the holiday weekend in Albuquerque. It was towed to the local Ford dealership where it sat until Tuesday morning. When they turned on the engine that day, it worked fine. No idea what was wrong with the truck during the weekend. Go figure???
We did manage to make the best of our weekend in Albuquerque. We went to Chaco Culture. http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm This place pre-dates Mesa Verde in Colorado. My friend Robby joined us. He spent a semester there volunteering in an archeological dig. Thanks, Robby!
We also visited Bandelier http://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm which we'd been to before. It was a hot day there, and threatening rain, so we didn't spend as much time as we would have liked. It was nice to see it again even if it was brief.
We are glad to be in Glacier. Unfortunately, there is a lot of smoke around from the fires in Idaho. There is a front coming in tonight with high winds. Although it might blow the wind out of here, my guess it will only further fuel the fires burning throughout the NW. Very dry this season. They need rain.
Did a hike this morning up past the saddle at Oberlin Mountain. The views, normally remarkable were reduced by smoke. Plan to go for a drive in a little while up to Many Glacier. Saw a couple of bears yesterday when we drove through there. At first they were eating on the side of the road. Later, they were running and playing down by the bank of the lake. It was fun to observe.
That's it for now. Going to head out for more adventures. Pictures soon, I promise!
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Exciting news
Hi All,
It's been a crazy week as we prepare for our vacation/furlough - three weeks in Glacier!!! Being apart during the week makes things more difficult. Then on Tuesday AM I got a call about a job I had interviewed for months ago. I was offered and accepted a job in COLORADO!!! Of course, they wanted me to start mid-September, but that wasn't going to happen. After negotiating things, I will be starting my new job in Dillon CO in October.
I will be leaving the National Park Service and switching over to the Forest Service. Naturally, there is lots of paperwork involved so I'm swimming in emails and faxes - ugh! But in the long run we will be exiting the desert to head to the mountains where both John and I love (Shadow cat should like it too, Sassy... not so much, Scooter and Spot ???)
We will be living in government housing, which given the resort area is expensive is very nice. I will be working in Visitor's Services, basically at the information desk and doing some public relations stuff. All good things to add to my government resume.
Tomorrow we will leave for Glacier, MT. We will head back south late in the month where John, the RV, and the cats will stay until I finish my last two weeks at Carlsbad. Then I will drive back to Colorado and out to Dillon.
For those of you who don't know, Dillon is near several major ski resorts including our favorite: Copper Mountain. If you like to ski, snowboard or spend time playing in the white stuff, keep in touch!
Love to all,
Val & John & the kitties!
It's been a crazy week as we prepare for our vacation/furlough - three weeks in Glacier!!! Being apart during the week makes things more difficult. Then on Tuesday AM I got a call about a job I had interviewed for months ago. I was offered and accepted a job in COLORADO!!! Of course, they wanted me to start mid-September, but that wasn't going to happen. After negotiating things, I will be starting my new job in Dillon CO in October.
I will be leaving the National Park Service and switching over to the Forest Service. Naturally, there is lots of paperwork involved so I'm swimming in emails and faxes - ugh! But in the long run we will be exiting the desert to head to the mountains where both John and I love (Shadow cat should like it too, Sassy... not so much, Scooter and Spot ???)
We will be living in government housing, which given the resort area is expensive is very nice. I will be working in Visitor's Services, basically at the information desk and doing some public relations stuff. All good things to add to my government resume.
Tomorrow we will leave for Glacier, MT. We will head back south late in the month where John, the RV, and the cats will stay until I finish my last two weeks at Carlsbad. Then I will drive back to Colorado and out to Dillon.
For those of you who don't know, Dillon is near several major ski resorts including our favorite: Copper Mountain. If you like to ski, snowboard or spend time playing in the white stuff, keep in touch!
Love to all,
Val & John & the kitties!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Last weekend in Alto
Hi All,
It's hard to believe that our summer in Alto is almost over. It has been a good retreat from the heat of Carlsbad, and John has enjoyed being up here. I'll be glad when we are all back together full time and I don't have to drive three hours to get to and from work!
Next Saturday morning (Sept 1st), we will be leaving Little Creek RV Park in Alto and heading north to Montana. We plan to spend about two weeks in Glacier before we return to Carlsbad. We're leaving my car here in Alto, and will pick it up upon our return.
Today we did a couple of short hikes in Ruidoso. The weather is beautiful - low 70's with only a few clouds and a nice breeze. Almost a touch of fall in the air. As we were hiking this morning I heard an elk bugle. If you've ever heard this sound, you won't forget it. A ritual of the fall as bull elk call the females and start their breeding cycle. We hiked another half hour and we heard another elk bugle even closer than the first. Looked around to see if we could spot the elk, but he was well hidden in the thicket.
Hope you all had a wonderful summer. For my family and friends in Florida, stay safe with the storm brewing in the Gulf.
Love to all,
Val & John and the kitties!!!!
It's hard to believe that our summer in Alto is almost over. It has been a good retreat from the heat of Carlsbad, and John has enjoyed being up here. I'll be glad when we are all back together full time and I don't have to drive three hours to get to and from work!
Next Saturday morning (Sept 1st), we will be leaving Little Creek RV Park in Alto and heading north to Montana. We plan to spend about two weeks in Glacier before we return to Carlsbad. We're leaving my car here in Alto, and will pick it up upon our return.
Today we did a couple of short hikes in Ruidoso. The weather is beautiful - low 70's with only a few clouds and a nice breeze. Almost a touch of fall in the air. As we were hiking this morning I heard an elk bugle. If you've ever heard this sound, you won't forget it. A ritual of the fall as bull elk call the females and start their breeding cycle. We hiked another half hour and we heard another elk bugle even closer than the first. Looked around to see if we could spot the elk, but he was well hidden in the thicket.
Hope you all had a wonderful summer. For my family and friends in Florida, stay safe with the storm brewing in the Gulf.
Love to all,
Val & John and the kitties!!!!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Bad week
Hi All,
It was a bad week last week for CAVE personnel. Started last Sunday when the parents of two rangers were in a car accident. Their car was t-boned on the way home from church. Sadly, their father died on Wednesday, and their mother died on Friday as a result of the injuries they sustained in the accident.
On Thursday morning, my good friend and the woman who lets me room with her during the week had a heart attack. Medical care in Carlsbad is substandard. The hospital couldn't handle her case and had to fly her to Lubbock TX. She had open heart surgery on Thursday.
Early reports on Friday came back that she had no brain activity. I was heartsick, not wanting to believe it. Later that day, reports from her daughter (instead of her sister) that she was responding slightly. A call on Saturday AM from our Chief Ranger says she is still improving, slowly.
Sunday, the CAVE opening was delayed due to flooding. Since the fire in June of 2011 at the park, there is little plant life to hold the silt and water from washing over the road. Not sure how much rain they got, but it doesn't take much to flood. Luckily, I was up in Alto with John and missed this flood.
We've spent most of the weekend hiking. It's been a great stress reliever. Seen lots of deer, some interesting tracks and scat (bear, bobcat, cougar etc). Up here in Alto we do carry Bear Spray when hiking.
We leave for Glacier on September 1st. CAN'T WAIT!
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!
It was a bad week last week for CAVE personnel. Started last Sunday when the parents of two rangers were in a car accident. Their car was t-boned on the way home from church. Sadly, their father died on Wednesday, and their mother died on Friday as a result of the injuries they sustained in the accident.
On Thursday morning, my good friend and the woman who lets me room with her during the week had a heart attack. Medical care in Carlsbad is substandard. The hospital couldn't handle her case and had to fly her to Lubbock TX. She had open heart surgery on Thursday.
Early reports on Friday came back that she had no brain activity. I was heartsick, not wanting to believe it. Later that day, reports from her daughter (instead of her sister) that she was responding slightly. A call on Saturday AM from our Chief Ranger says she is still improving, slowly.
Sunday, the CAVE opening was delayed due to flooding. Since the fire in June of 2011 at the park, there is little plant life to hold the silt and water from washing over the road. Not sure how much rain they got, but it doesn't take much to flood. Luckily, I was up in Alto with John and missed this flood.
We've spent most of the weekend hiking. It's been a great stress reliever. Seen lots of deer, some interesting tracks and scat (bear, bobcat, cougar etc). Up here in Alto we do carry Bear Spray when hiking.
We leave for Glacier on September 1st. CAN'T WAIT!
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Perseid Meteor Showers
Hi Friends,
This past weekend was the peak of the Perseid Meteor Showers. A favorite of mine since I was a kid growing up in NJ. Being up in the mountains, John and I went up towards the Capitan area - very secluded and dark.
It was a beaituful clean night on Saturday and the temperature was perfect. John set up his tripod and we watched for about two hours. Of course, trying to observe meteors is hard enough. Trying to catch them on a camera lens even more difficult!
He caught two of them, with several near misses. Thought I'd share this one with you all...
This past weekend was the peak of the Perseid Meteor Showers. A favorite of mine since I was a kid growing up in NJ. Being up in the mountains, John and I went up towards the Capitan area - very secluded and dark.
It was a beaituful clean night on Saturday and the temperature was perfect. John set up his tripod and we watched for about two hours. Of course, trying to observe meteors is hard enough. Trying to catch them on a camera lens even more difficult!
He caught two of them, with several near misses. Thought I'd share this one with you all...
Hope you have a great week. We're going out for a hike before it gets hot!
Love to all, Val and John and the kitties!!!!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Wild Horses
Hi All,
New Mexico is one of the western states that have wild horses roaming around. We often see them in and around Carlsbad. However, John and I were hiking up in Ruidoso and we came across a beautiful white horse. It was rather skiddish, but I managed to get a couple of pictures of it.
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
New Mexico is one of the western states that have wild horses roaming around. We often see them in and around Carlsbad. However, John and I were hiking up in Ruidoso and we came across a beautiful white horse. It was rather skiddish, but I managed to get a couple of pictures of it.
Weather has been hot in Carlsbad, triple digits. Warm in the mountains, but only in the 80's! Only a few more weeks in Alto before our vacation. We are going to Glacier National Park in Montana for a few weeks. Can't wait!
Love to you all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
CAVE
Hi Everyone,
It's been a difficult week at the Cave. Last Friday when I left work, I had a sore throat, a nasty headache and sinus pain. John was kind enough to make me some homemade chicken soup when I got home. As the weekend went along, my 'cold' seems to get worse.
On Sunday, I noticed some posts on Facebook from my friends who said a lot of rangers had gone home sick with headaches, and other assorted ailments. Monday brought more sick rangers at Carlsbad, and eventually the Visitor's Center and Cave was closed. I was supposed to return to work on Tuesday, but was called Monday night to be warned that the Cave would probably remain closed. Sure enough, it was closed all day Tuesday. Just was well, I was still sick.
Wednesday morning the park superintendant, decided they'd reopen the cave at or about Noon. I arrived at the park about 11:30, still not feeling great, but a little better. There were several OSHA investigators (both State and Federal) monitoring the air quality... Seems that the elevator contractor was painting something in the elevator shaft. The compound wasn't approved by NPS. Then, they left rags with the solvent of some kind in the elevator shaft over the weekend. The odors from the paint (or solvent, or whatever) was flowing into the Visitor's Center (the cave breathes naturally, and the air often races up the elevator shaft on windy days into the VC). The odor was toxic, and has caused various reactions to our staff, ranging from chemical pneumonia, vomiting, dizziness, sinus irritation and headaches.
Apparently, the fumes had been around Wednesday of last week (maybe earlier) and lasted until the following Monday when the cave was officially closed. Our park superintendant was asked to close the cave on Sunday, when our staff figured out what was going on, but he refused. By Monday he had no choice. Safety first... right... well, only if it's convenient!
Now the contractor will have to pay the medical bills of all the staff (around 50+) who were sickened, or exposed to the paint, solvent, whatever. Some of the chemicals we were exposed to were known carcinogens. Since we were all only exposed for a few days, the symptoms we were experiencing may be the only effects we will feel. Long term effects to staff... ???
Thursday I was sent for bloodwork to be monitored for ill effects. My 'cold' was most likely my bodies defense from the chemicals. Lucky for me, the Sunday and Monday were the worst days of exposure and they are my days off! Yesterday, Friday, I was hoarse from doing a tour the day before, and really felt like crap so I stayed home. Being in a damp wet cave really isn't good for a cold (or whatever I had).
Of course, now that the contractor will most likely be sued, I'm not sure when they will finish the elevators. They were supposed to be done soon (although we've heard that before), but I'm sure they didn't plan on this latest issue.
Today, I'm feeling much better. I'm not back to work again until Tuesday. That should be sufficient time to get rid of the lingering effects.
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!
It's been a difficult week at the Cave. Last Friday when I left work, I had a sore throat, a nasty headache and sinus pain. John was kind enough to make me some homemade chicken soup when I got home. As the weekend went along, my 'cold' seems to get worse.
On Sunday, I noticed some posts on Facebook from my friends who said a lot of rangers had gone home sick with headaches, and other assorted ailments. Monday brought more sick rangers at Carlsbad, and eventually the Visitor's Center and Cave was closed. I was supposed to return to work on Tuesday, but was called Monday night to be warned that the Cave would probably remain closed. Sure enough, it was closed all day Tuesday. Just was well, I was still sick.
Wednesday morning the park superintendant, decided they'd reopen the cave at or about Noon. I arrived at the park about 11:30, still not feeling great, but a little better. There were several OSHA investigators (both State and Federal) monitoring the air quality... Seems that the elevator contractor was painting something in the elevator shaft. The compound wasn't approved by NPS. Then, they left rags with the solvent of some kind in the elevator shaft over the weekend. The odors from the paint (or solvent, or whatever) was flowing into the Visitor's Center (the cave breathes naturally, and the air often races up the elevator shaft on windy days into the VC). The odor was toxic, and has caused various reactions to our staff, ranging from chemical pneumonia, vomiting, dizziness, sinus irritation and headaches.
Apparently, the fumes had been around Wednesday of last week (maybe earlier) and lasted until the following Monday when the cave was officially closed. Our park superintendant was asked to close the cave on Sunday, when our staff figured out what was going on, but he refused. By Monday he had no choice. Safety first... right... well, only if it's convenient!
Now the contractor will have to pay the medical bills of all the staff (around 50+) who were sickened, or exposed to the paint, solvent, whatever. Some of the chemicals we were exposed to were known carcinogens. Since we were all only exposed for a few days, the symptoms we were experiencing may be the only effects we will feel. Long term effects to staff... ???
Thursday I was sent for bloodwork to be monitored for ill effects. My 'cold' was most likely my bodies defense from the chemicals. Lucky for me, the Sunday and Monday were the worst days of exposure and they are my days off! Yesterday, Friday, I was hoarse from doing a tour the day before, and really felt like crap so I stayed home. Being in a damp wet cave really isn't good for a cold (or whatever I had).
Of course, now that the contractor will most likely be sued, I'm not sure when they will finish the elevators. They were supposed to be done soon (although we've heard that before), but I'm sure they didn't plan on this latest issue.
Today, I'm feeling much better. I'm not back to work again until Tuesday. That should be sufficient time to get rid of the lingering effects.
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Cat days of summer
Hello All,
Been a hectic month with sick cats: ear infections, GI infections, sprained tail (who knew it could happen?). At the moment they are hanging in there, but we certainly are hoping for less problems. We try to keep them entertained with the local wildlife...
Today we went to White Oaks, NM which they call a ghost town, but people still live there. It was once a bustling town when they found gold, but as with most gold strike towns, once the main vein was mined most people left.
That's it for now. Miss you all!
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!
Been a hectic month with sick cats: ear infections, GI infections, sprained tail (who knew it could happen?). At the moment they are hanging in there, but we certainly are hoping for less problems. We try to keep them entertained with the local wildlife...
Cat watching the elk...
Shadow and Spot watching a deer
John and I get out on the weekend too. Here are some pictures of us at Valley of Fire National Monument near Carizozo...
Today we went to White Oaks, NM which they call a ghost town, but people still live there. It was once a bustling town when they found gold, but as with most gold strike towns, once the main vein was mined most people left.
That's it for now. Miss you all!
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
July
Hi All,
I took a few days off this week so I could be up in the mountains for 4th of July. It's much cooler here (in the 80's during the day) vs. the 100+ that we kept hitting in Carlsbad. This week it is cooler in Carlsbad - down to the 90's.
The cats are doing better. Shadow's ear infection has cleared up, and Sassy upset stomach is back to normal. Scooter and Spot are also fine.
Most of the state is in extreme fire danger, so I don't believe there will be any fireworks. We don't mind that as the cats don't like the noise.
The fire here is now 90% contained and we haven't had any smoke issues for a while now. There is a fire in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but it's not near the cave. It's way off in the wild part of the park, and not threatening any structures. Most of the park is wild and there are few structures to burn other than those within a half mile of the cave's entrance.
We've been doing some hiking up here, although the major area we wanted to hike is still closed due to the fire. What we've seen is heart wrenching. The "Little Bear" fire did burn over 40,000 acres last I heard and took out over 240 homes. I know a few people who have lost their homes.
Back to work on Thursday, after the holiday. Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
I took a few days off this week so I could be up in the mountains for 4th of July. It's much cooler here (in the 80's during the day) vs. the 100+ that we kept hitting in Carlsbad. This week it is cooler in Carlsbad - down to the 90's.
The cats are doing better. Shadow's ear infection has cleared up, and Sassy upset stomach is back to normal. Scooter and Spot are also fine.
Most of the state is in extreme fire danger, so I don't believe there will be any fireworks. We don't mind that as the cats don't like the noise.
The fire here is now 90% contained and we haven't had any smoke issues for a while now. There is a fire in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but it's not near the cave. It's way off in the wild part of the park, and not threatening any structures. Most of the park is wild and there are few structures to burn other than those within a half mile of the cave's entrance.
We've been doing some hiking up here, although the major area we wanted to hike is still closed due to the fire. What we've seen is heart wrenching. The "Little Bear" fire did burn over 40,000 acres last I heard and took out over 240 homes. I know a few people who have lost their homes.
Back to work on Thursday, after the holiday. Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Hectic week
Hi Everyone,
It was a busy week as summer finally arrived. When I left to return to work, we noticed Shadow's ear was oozing. We cleaned it out before I left, but it didn't improve. John took her to the vet on Thursday. She has a bacterial infection and was given drops. She's doing better.
On Friday, it was Sassy's turn to become the patient again and she is not a good patient (hence her name: Sassy - short for Assasin). She had to be sedated to be examined. She'd thrown up a hairball (a huge one) and had the runs. She's on medicine for intestinal issues. She is still not feeling great, but she has stabilized.
When I left the RV park last week, it was still half empty. When I returned home last night, it was almost packed. Right now, another 5th wheel is attempting to set up next to us. John's going out to offer some help.
The heat is on in NM, triple digits in most of the state. Around here, we'll be in the 80's. Much nicer, but we are still extremely dry. The "Little Bear" fire is now over 75% contained. Parts of the forest is opening up for hiking. We'd both like to get out and see what the fire left.
Visitation at the cave has increased. We are still using the freight elevators for passengers. The project is now14 months overdue and we don't expect to get the main elevators back until August... Yesterday we had over an hour wait to exit the cave. I lead an off trail adventure tour (Hall of the White Giant). We hiked out of the cave at the end of the tour to avoid the line. It will only get more crowded as the July 4th holiday approaches. I've taken the 4th of July off. More time to spend in the mountains!
Today's task - find a replacement caster for John's work chair. One of them broke. The chair is ten years old, so we're having trouble finding the right size. Nothing is ever easy.
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
It was a busy week as summer finally arrived. When I left to return to work, we noticed Shadow's ear was oozing. We cleaned it out before I left, but it didn't improve. John took her to the vet on Thursday. She has a bacterial infection and was given drops. She's doing better.
On Friday, it was Sassy's turn to become the patient again and she is not a good patient (hence her name: Sassy - short for Assasin). She had to be sedated to be examined. She'd thrown up a hairball (a huge one) and had the runs. She's on medicine for intestinal issues. She is still not feeling great, but she has stabilized.
When I left the RV park last week, it was still half empty. When I returned home last night, it was almost packed. Right now, another 5th wheel is attempting to set up next to us. John's going out to offer some help.
The heat is on in NM, triple digits in most of the state. Around here, we'll be in the 80's. Much nicer, but we are still extremely dry. The "Little Bear" fire is now over 75% contained. Parts of the forest is opening up for hiking. We'd both like to get out and see what the fire left.
Visitation at the cave has increased. We are still using the freight elevators for passengers. The project is now14 months overdue and we don't expect to get the main elevators back until August... Yesterday we had over an hour wait to exit the cave. I lead an off trail adventure tour (Hall of the White Giant). We hiked out of the cave at the end of the tour to avoid the line. It will only get more crowded as the July 4th holiday approaches. I've taken the 4th of July off. More time to spend in the mountains!
Today's task - find a replacement caster for John's work chair. One of them broke. The chair is ten years old, so we're having trouble finding the right size. Nothing is ever easy.
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Back to Alto
Hi Family and Friends,
We moved back to Alto yesterday after spending a hot week John was in Roswell with the RV, I was in Carlsbad working (it went up to 108 in Carlsbad). The mountains are much cooler.
As we drove back on Saturday AM, we could see the scars from the fire (which was 50% contained yesterday AM) on the mountain in the distance. There wasn't much smoke in the air, just a trace of that acrid smell after a fire. When it's calm you notice if. If there's a breeze, it's not bad at all.
We had rain and hail for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon. It really came down for a while and had to help the fire. Cooled things down enough I put on sweat pants! In the late afternoon we drove to WalMart to pick up some essentials. We saw where the fire had crossed the road and came within 1/2 mile of the campground.
Today we drove out to the Rim of Fire in Carizzozzo and Bosque de Apache Wildlife Refuge near Socorro. Both very interesting places. On the way, we drove past one of the areas hit hard by the fire last weekend. It was heart breaking. Fire, like tornadoes and hurricanes can hit one area hard, and leave a house around it unscathed. There were whole neighborhoods that were nothing but ashes and the occasion melted metal roof left behind and a few feet away, another house left in perfect condition among the charred rubble. Some mountainsides were totally blackened, other swaths of trees left without a trace of fire. Eerie...
Fire fighters from around the state are still around. After yesterday's rain they were concerned for flash flooding. Local news around here is minimal. We hear more about small fires around Albuquerque than the 'Little Bear' fire which destroyed over 200 homes. The internet is our best source for news on the fire and closures.
We're glad things have settled down a bit. We are all hopeful we can settle in here for the next few weeks...
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
We moved back to Alto yesterday after spending a hot week John was in Roswell with the RV, I was in Carlsbad working (it went up to 108 in Carlsbad). The mountains are much cooler.
As we drove back on Saturday AM, we could see the scars from the fire (which was 50% contained yesterday AM) on the mountain in the distance. There wasn't much smoke in the air, just a trace of that acrid smell after a fire. When it's calm you notice if. If there's a breeze, it's not bad at all.
We had rain and hail for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon. It really came down for a while and had to help the fire. Cooled things down enough I put on sweat pants! In the late afternoon we drove to WalMart to pick up some essentials. We saw where the fire had crossed the road and came within 1/2 mile of the campground.
Today we drove out to the Rim of Fire in Carizzozzo and Bosque de Apache Wildlife Refuge near Socorro. Both very interesting places. On the way, we drove past one of the areas hit hard by the fire last weekend. It was heart breaking. Fire, like tornadoes and hurricanes can hit one area hard, and leave a house around it unscathed. There were whole neighborhoods that were nothing but ashes and the occasion melted metal roof left behind and a few feet away, another house left in perfect condition among the charred rubble. Some mountainsides were totally blackened, other swaths of trees left without a trace of fire. Eerie...
Fire fighters from around the state are still around. After yesterday's rain they were concerned for flash flooding. Local news around here is minimal. We hear more about small fires around Albuquerque than the 'Little Bear' fire which destroyed over 200 homes. The internet is our best source for news on the fire and closures.
We're glad things have settled down a bit. We are all hopeful we can settle in here for the next few weeks...
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
FIRE!!!
First off, we are safe, the cats are safe and the RV is fine. These two pictures were taken last night as I drove from Carlsbad up to Alto. The Little Bear fire started on Monday from a lightning strike. It had been 100% contained at one point, and then jumped fire lines.
Last night, you could see the flames from the RV park, but it was still far away. This morning, at 5AM, we heard the police sirens and then they started coming through our park with bullhorns telling us to evacuated.
It took us about an hour to get the RV packed, the cats crated, the truck hooked to the RV and then out of there. The local emergency people did a good job notifying us to get out. The winds today are supposed to be bad - 30+ MPH. There was ash everywhere, and really smoky. If the fire had been closer, we could have and would have left earlier and left some things behind.
We will be in Roswell, NM for the next two nights. After that... not sure where we will go. Today's high here in Roswell 104. Carlsbad is supposed to be 106. The RV park we are in now has got some trees to shade us, but the AC is already on.
Say a prayer for the firemen, the animals and the people who live there. We are lucky and can move our house, most don't have that option.
Love to all... we need a nap...
Val & John and the kitties!!!!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Alto, NM
We arrived yesterday to our summer home in Alto. It's about 80 west of Roswell, and next to the small mountain town of Ruidoso, NM, where there is shopping, a racetrack and an indian casino.
We have a nice view from the RV across a creek to the mountain:
Much cooler here, although hot for the area - in the 80's today. Carlsbad was expected to hit 100+ today. Glad we're not there. We did a short hike this morning before it got hot.
That's all for now. Going to sit back and relax...
Love to all,
Val, John and the kitties!!!!
We have a nice view from the RV across a creek to the mountain:
Last night we watched a skunk across the creek. This morning when I got up, there were some elk and deer grazing and the skunk was still there!
Much cooler here, although hot for the area - in the 80's today. Carlsbad was expected to hit 100+ today. Glad we're not there. We did a short hike this morning before it got hot.
That's all for now. Going to sit back and relax...
Love to all,
Val, John and the kitties!!!!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Moving day
Hello All,
Today we are moving up to Alto, NM. It's about 175 miles NW of Carlsbad, up in the mountains. John will be up there for June and July. I will be up there on weekends, and staying with friends for the next two months.
The temperatures will be much more tolerable for John and the cats in Alto. There is great hiking in the area, so when it's the weekend, we won't have to drive for three hours to find some pretty places.
We expect to leave here in about an hour. I have the inside of the RV ready to go. John is working on the outside of the RV. The cats know something is up - they are all hiding under the sofa!
More to come once we get settled in.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!
Today we are moving up to Alto, NM. It's about 175 miles NW of Carlsbad, up in the mountains. John will be up there for June and July. I will be up there on weekends, and staying with friends for the next two months.
The temperatures will be much more tolerable for John and the cats in Alto. There is great hiking in the area, so when it's the weekend, we won't have to drive for three hours to find some pretty places.
We expect to leave here in about an hour. I have the inside of the RV ready to go. John is working on the outside of the RV. The cats know something is up - they are all hiding under the sofa!
More to come once we get settled in.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Memorial Day
It's the official start of the summer season. At Carlsbad Caverns, we have switched over to summer hours with the visitor's center open until 7PM. The crowds showed up at the cave yesterday and it was crazy all day long. I was on the early shift, and was happy to go home.
Inside the cave on busy days it's loud, which detracts from the beauty of the cave. Outside, the heat is exhausting, and you can dehydrate quickly in 100 degree heat with little or no humidity.
John is surviving in the RV. If it goes over 100 we either BBQ outside or go out for dinner. Too hot to cook inside and keep the rig cool. He doesn't have the luxury of a 56 degree cave to work in.
Next Friday we move the rig to Alto, NM. It's a 3 hour drive north and west of Carlsbad, up in the mountains. Their summer temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees - a much more tolerable way to spend the summer. I'll be working 4 day work weeks for much of the summer (using my accrued vacation time) so I can spend long weekends with John. When in Carlsbad, I'll be staying with a friend some weeks, pet sitting other weeks for other rangers on vacation.
The cats are doing OK. They have adjusted to Momma Cats disappearance. She was cremated and is back with us. We miss her, but know it was her time.
Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Keep cool and if you're driving watch out for the other guy. We miss our family and friends the most on holiday weekends. Hugs to you all...
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties.
Inside the cave on busy days it's loud, which detracts from the beauty of the cave. Outside, the heat is exhausting, and you can dehydrate quickly in 100 degree heat with little or no humidity.
John is surviving in the RV. If it goes over 100 we either BBQ outside or go out for dinner. Too hot to cook inside and keep the rig cool. He doesn't have the luxury of a 56 degree cave to work in.
Next Friday we move the rig to Alto, NM. It's a 3 hour drive north and west of Carlsbad, up in the mountains. Their summer temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees - a much more tolerable way to spend the summer. I'll be working 4 day work weeks for much of the summer (using my accrued vacation time) so I can spend long weekends with John. When in Carlsbad, I'll be staying with a friend some weeks, pet sitting other weeks for other rangers on vacation.
The cats are doing OK. They have adjusted to Momma Cats disappearance. She was cremated and is back with us. We miss her, but know it was her time.
Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Keep cool and if you're driving watch out for the other guy. We miss our family and friends the most on holiday weekends. Hugs to you all...
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Solar Eclipse
Hi Family and friends,
Tomorrow there will be a solar eclipse in this part of the country. Here in Carlsbad, we are in the area of the partial eclipse, but we will drive north, up towards Roswell where the full eclipse will be visible.
We will have the specialized glasses to view the eclipse safely, but don't have the equipment to take pictures. John has been trying to get a lens for his camera, but being in the middle of the desert, not a lot of photo shops!
I don't remember the last time we've seen a solar eclipse. The past two lunar eclipses have been blocked by clouds. Tomorrow is supposed to be clear, and the eclipse is during the evening, just before sunset. Should be interesting!
That's all for now. Miss you and think of you often...
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!
Tomorrow there will be a solar eclipse in this part of the country. Here in Carlsbad, we are in the area of the partial eclipse, but we will drive north, up towards Roswell where the full eclipse will be visible.
We will have the specialized glasses to view the eclipse safely, but don't have the equipment to take pictures. John has been trying to get a lens for his camera, but being in the middle of the desert, not a lot of photo shops!
I don't remember the last time we've seen a solar eclipse. The past two lunar eclipses have been blocked by clouds. Tomorrow is supposed to be clear, and the eclipse is during the evening, just before sunset. Should be interesting!
That's all for now. Miss you and think of you often...
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Momma Cat
Hi All,
A very sad day for us today. This morning, John and I had to put Momma Cat to sleep. She has been with us for 15 years, and was probably 16 years old. She was born a feral cat, when she first came into our house, she was wild, but caring for newborn kittens. Over the weeks and months, she slowly became used to us and made her way not only into our home but our hearts.
She is survived by her three sisters: Sassy, Shadow and Scooter as well as a devoted brother, Spot. There will be an empty spot on her favorite blanket and a large hole in both John and my hearts.
The vet staff cried with us, as over the past few months she's visited them numerous times and was always the model pet. Despite starting life as a wild cat, she never scratched, hissed or even meowed during all her visits. In the recent weeks as John would give her insulin, she would run towards him meowing happily and purr as she was given her medicine. She was truly one in a million.
In lieu of catnip, please hug your pet, weather it has furr or feathers, two legs or four. The joy they bring to our lives is truly priceless.
I'll attach a few recent pictures of our beloved, Momma Cat!
Val, John, Sassy, Shadow, Scooter and Spot...
A very sad day for us today. This morning, John and I had to put Momma Cat to sleep. She has been with us for 15 years, and was probably 16 years old. She was born a feral cat, when she first came into our house, she was wild, but caring for newborn kittens. Over the weeks and months, she slowly became used to us and made her way not only into our home but our hearts.
She is survived by her three sisters: Sassy, Shadow and Scooter as well as a devoted brother, Spot. There will be an empty spot on her favorite blanket and a large hole in both John and my hearts.
The vet staff cried with us, as over the past few months she's visited them numerous times and was always the model pet. Despite starting life as a wild cat, she never scratched, hissed or even meowed during all her visits. In the recent weeks as John would give her insulin, she would run towards him meowing happily and purr as she was given her medicine. She was truly one in a million.
In lieu of catnip, please hug your pet, weather it has furr or feathers, two legs or four. The joy they bring to our lives is truly priceless.
I'll attach a few recent pictures of our beloved, Momma Cat!
Love to all,
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Summer is coming
Hi All,
Although it's only the middle of April, it's getting rather hot. This week we expect to hit 100 degrees. We hope this is not a signal for the way the summer is going to be. We're not looking forward to the summer heat. Last summer in Carlsbad, they had over 90 days of 100 degrees heat in a row! UGHHH
We plan to move John up to the mountains for June and July. I will stay with a friend during the week and join John on the weekend. Not the best scenario for either of us, but the RV is hard to keep cool when it's over 100 day in and day out. We found a nice RV park in Alto, NM and we will be backed up to a creek where we're told in the evenings deer and elk come down to feed. Up in the mountains, it will only be in the 80's as high. Much easier to handle. Plus, we'll be near plenty of hiking and trees.
That's it for now.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!
Although it's only the middle of April, it's getting rather hot. This week we expect to hit 100 degrees. We hope this is not a signal for the way the summer is going to be. We're not looking forward to the summer heat. Last summer in Carlsbad, they had over 90 days of 100 degrees heat in a row! UGHHH
We plan to move John up to the mountains for June and July. I will stay with a friend during the week and join John on the weekend. Not the best scenario for either of us, but the RV is hard to keep cool when it's over 100 day in and day out. We found a nice RV park in Alto, NM and we will be backed up to a creek where we're told in the evenings deer and elk come down to feed. Up in the mountains, it will only be in the 80's as high. Much easier to handle. Plus, we'll be near plenty of hiking and trees.
That's it for now.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
April showers!
Hi All,
This week we had three days in a row of rain. Not a lot, but the clouds started to build by lunchtime and in the late afternoon we had some showers - even some thunder and lighning. We will take any rain we can get, but we're still in an exceptional drought.
The forecast this morning says no rain for the upcoming week. Today the skies are blue and it's in the 60's right now. It would be a great day for a hike to see the flowers bloom, but I hurt my back (not sure how). The other issue is we are expecting storng winds later today. Yesterday it was so windy the sky was brown with dirt and dust.
The cats are doing OK. Shadow's medication was reduced, Momma Cat is now on injectable insulin. She seeems to tolerate that better than pills. For those of you who have tried to pill a cat, you know it's not easy. For those of you who have never had the FUN of pilling a cat - think of a squirming chain saw coming at your hand and face with sharp teeth and razor blade claws on all four paws! NOT FUN...
That's it for now. Hope you are all doing OK.
Miss ya and love ya,
VAL & JOHN & the five cats
This week we had three days in a row of rain. Not a lot, but the clouds started to build by lunchtime and in the late afternoon we had some showers - even some thunder and lighning. We will take any rain we can get, but we're still in an exceptional drought.
The forecast this morning says no rain for the upcoming week. Today the skies are blue and it's in the 60's right now. It would be a great day for a hike to see the flowers bloom, but I hurt my back (not sure how). The other issue is we are expecting storng winds later today. Yesterday it was so windy the sky was brown with dirt and dust.
The cats are doing OK. Shadow's medication was reduced, Momma Cat is now on injectable insulin. She seeems to tolerate that better than pills. For those of you who have tried to pill a cat, you know it's not easy. For those of you who have never had the FUN of pilling a cat - think of a squirming chain saw coming at your hand and face with sharp teeth and razor blade claws on all four paws! NOT FUN...
That's it for now. Hope you are all doing OK.
Miss ya and love ya,
VAL & JOHN & the five cats
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Culture
Hi All,
Living here in the desert we lack the finer things in life. Having grown up just outside of New York City, I was spoiled with a short train ride to see a Broadway play, a short drive to see a concert, and many other things that I once took for granted. Even living in Florida, we had the opportunity to see great concerts in small halls or even outdoors. Lots of entertainers enjoyed wintering and working in Florida.
Here in Carlsbad, we don't get much - the Cave is the big attraction. We have a small civic center which doesn't attract many big names. Last month's big headliner was Sinbad! Last night we went to see Roller Derby. Now I have to admit, I was a big fan growing up of the sport, but had never seen it in person. The local team (which I didn't know existed until last night) played the team from El Paso and got beat badly. It was fun to watch, and something different.
Today we drove up to Ruidoso to get out of the heat and enjoy a cooler day in the mountains. Back home now, and the wind is back. Dusty and hot. Cooling down tomorrow, but not for long. The summer heat will be just around the corner...
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!!
Living here in the desert we lack the finer things in life. Having grown up just outside of New York City, I was spoiled with a short train ride to see a Broadway play, a short drive to see a concert, and many other things that I once took for granted. Even living in Florida, we had the opportunity to see great concerts in small halls or even outdoors. Lots of entertainers enjoyed wintering and working in Florida.
Here in Carlsbad, we don't get much - the Cave is the big attraction. We have a small civic center which doesn't attract many big names. Last month's big headliner was Sinbad! Last night we went to see Roller Derby. Now I have to admit, I was a big fan growing up of the sport, but had never seen it in person. The local team (which I didn't know existed until last night) played the team from El Paso and got beat badly. It was fun to watch, and something different.
Today we drove up to Ruidoso to get out of the heat and enjoy a cooler day in the mountains. Back home now, and the wind is back. Dusty and hot. Cooling down tomorrow, but not for long. The summer heat will be just around the corner...
Miss you all,
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Spring...
Hi Friends,
I know it's been a while since we wrote. Last weekend was nothing short of a disaster. We attempted to move from the RV park we've been at since September to a lot nearby. We had electrical issues with the RV but finally got it moved. After leveling it at the new site, we couldn't get the electric to work at all. It was Sunday, so we were stuck. Luckily, a good friend let us spend the night with the cats in her spare room. Tight squeeze, but beggars can't be choosy.
On Monday we went to Roswell with the RV for repairs. They replaced a dead battery and installed a new converter. We returned to our new 'home', leveled the unit once again and tried to turn on the electric. Long story short, the electric on his property was not properly installed - supposed to be 50AMPs but not. So we are back here at the RV park temporarily.
We are still looking for a new 'home'. The RV park has changed hands and the new managers want to get rid of the monthly residents and replace us with the daily visitors instead. With little choices of where to go, we are not sure where we will end up. KOA north of town is a long drive and their water is awful. White's City is close to the CAVE but far from town where we have laundry and grocery stores. Maybe I'll get lucky and find another job somewhere else. Send good thoughts our way please!
Enough complaining. I did title this post 'spring' and the desert is starting to awake from it's winter hiatus. Mescal is blooming a fragrant purple flower. It reminds me of lilacs. Yuccas are also blooming a lovely white/creme color flower. We could certainly use some rain, less wind and less heat. We are already hitting the 90's. I guess a hot summer is just around the corner.
Thinking about all of you. Miss you and think of you often.
Love to all,
Val & John and the kitties.....
I know it's been a while since we wrote. Last weekend was nothing short of a disaster. We attempted to move from the RV park we've been at since September to a lot nearby. We had electrical issues with the RV but finally got it moved. After leveling it at the new site, we couldn't get the electric to work at all. It was Sunday, so we were stuck. Luckily, a good friend let us spend the night with the cats in her spare room. Tight squeeze, but beggars can't be choosy.
On Monday we went to Roswell with the RV for repairs. They replaced a dead battery and installed a new converter. We returned to our new 'home', leveled the unit once again and tried to turn on the electric. Long story short, the electric on his property was not properly installed - supposed to be 50AMPs but not. So we are back here at the RV park temporarily.
We are still looking for a new 'home'. The RV park has changed hands and the new managers want to get rid of the monthly residents and replace us with the daily visitors instead. With little choices of where to go, we are not sure where we will end up. KOA north of town is a long drive and their water is awful. White's City is close to the CAVE but far from town where we have laundry and grocery stores. Maybe I'll get lucky and find another job somewhere else. Send good thoughts our way please!
Enough complaining. I did title this post 'spring' and the desert is starting to awake from it's winter hiatus. Mescal is blooming a fragrant purple flower. It reminds me of lilacs. Yuccas are also blooming a lovely white/creme color flower. We could certainly use some rain, less wind and less heat. We are already hitting the 90's. I guess a hot summer is just around the corner.
Thinking about all of you. Miss you and think of you often.
Love to all,
Val & John and the kitties.....
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Wild Weather
Hi Family and Friends,
As we transition from winter to spring, the weather has gotten wild. When I got home from Florida, the weather was cool. Then it started to warm up and soon we went from the fireplace to the air conditioner.
It was so warm one night, we went to bed with the AC on, only to wake up cold and the wind was howling, causing the RV to shake. For two days we had winds gusting over 50 mph. The dust, sand and dirt around town made the sky an awful brown.
Then the weather turned cold and yesterday we had snow. Yup, just when we thought winter was over, we had more snow. Not enough to stick to the ground, but enough to watch as it flew in the air. Kept drinking tea to warm up. Today it's still cloudy, light drizzle and raw.
Wish we could find a happy medium with the weather, but all too soon I'm sure it will be hot and I'll be missing these cold snowy days. The summer around here in New Mexico are way too long and just around the corner.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!
As we transition from winter to spring, the weather has gotten wild. When I got home from Florida, the weather was cool. Then it started to warm up and soon we went from the fireplace to the air conditioner.
It was so warm one night, we went to bed with the AC on, only to wake up cold and the wind was howling, causing the RV to shake. For two days we had winds gusting over 50 mph. The dust, sand and dirt around town made the sky an awful brown.
Then the weather turned cold and yesterday we had snow. Yup, just when we thought winter was over, we had more snow. Not enough to stick to the ground, but enough to watch as it flew in the air. Kept drinking tea to warm up. Today it's still cloudy, light drizzle and raw.
Wish we could find a happy medium with the weather, but all too soon I'm sure it will be hot and I'll be missing these cold snowy days. The summer around here in New Mexico are way too long and just around the corner.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Florida Trip
Hi All,
I got back last night from my trip back home to Florida. Spent most of the week with my mother. It was hard to leave beautiful 'green' Florida to return to the dry desert.
Here are some of the pictures I took while I was home...
I got back last night from my trip back home to Florida. Spent most of the week with my mother. It was hard to leave beautiful 'green' Florida to return to the dry desert.
Here are some of the pictures I took while I was home...
Mom at Boca Grande Pass on the lighthouse deck
Panorama of Boca Grande Beach with Mom
Mom in front of Boca Grande Lighthouse
Mom and me at Boca Grande Pass
Mom at Venice Jetty on her birthday
Mom with her birthday flowers sent by Russ
That's all for now. It's a nice day here in the desert - sunny and no wind!
Love to all,
Val & John, Sassy, Shadow, Momma Cat, Scooter and Spot!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Mom's birthday
Hi Friends,
Today I'm lucky enough to be sharing the day weith my mom on her birthday. Later we will be driving up to Venice, FL to eat at her favorite restaurant, "The Crow's Nest" (Russ, eat your heart out!). It's a great seafood restaurant on the intercoastal waterwater.
Spent my first night in FL at my friend Carol's house. It was good to see her and her husband Paul. It's nice to know I have such great friends. Even to go lunch with another old friend Rita. Eating lots of great food here in FL. I'll be starving once I return to Carlsbad, NM.
It's been a good week so far, we've been to the beach twice, Boca Grande one day and Honeymoon Island yesterday. Even got to see my good friends, Joanne and Lynne. I got to visit with some of my other ranger friends as well. I do miss HISP, it's such a beautiful place. Saw the eagles, owl and tons of ospreys. Great day.
Need to get a move on it. I think Mom wants to go out shopping soon...
Love to all,
VAL - who misses John and her kitties!
Today I'm lucky enough to be sharing the day weith my mom on her birthday. Later we will be driving up to Venice, FL to eat at her favorite restaurant, "The Crow's Nest" (Russ, eat your heart out!). It's a great seafood restaurant on the intercoastal waterwater.
Spent my first night in FL at my friend Carol's house. It was good to see her and her husband Paul. It's nice to know I have such great friends. Even to go lunch with another old friend Rita. Eating lots of great food here in FL. I'll be starving once I return to Carlsbad, NM.
It's been a good week so far, we've been to the beach twice, Boca Grande one day and Honeymoon Island yesterday. Even got to see my good friends, Joanne and Lynne. I got to visit with some of my other ranger friends as well. I do miss HISP, it's such a beautiful place. Saw the eagles, owl and tons of ospreys. Great day.
Need to get a move on it. I think Mom wants to go out shopping soon...
Love to all,
VAL - who misses John and her kitties!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Florida trip
Hi All,
I'm heading to Florida next week to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday with her. Looking forward to seeing her and some of my friends. Wish the trip was longer and it will be a nice change from the desert, but John will be staying in NM with the cats.
Momma Cat is not doing well. Her diabetes is worse regardless of what we do. We think it's a tumor, but at age 16, there are limited things we can do other than attempt to make her comfortable. Won't go into details or I'll end up crying again...
Took some pictures of her though. She's such a wonderful cat...
I'm heading to Florida next week to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday with her. Looking forward to seeing her and some of my friends. Wish the trip was longer and it will be a nice change from the desert, but John will be staying in NM with the cats.
Momma Cat is not doing well. Her diabetes is worse regardless of what we do. We think it's a tumor, but at age 16, there are limited things we can do other than attempt to make her comfortable. Won't go into details or I'll end up crying again...
Took some pictures of her though. She's such a wonderful cat...
Miss you all.
Love VAL & JOHN
and the kitties!!!!!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
White Sands
Hi Everyone,
John and I had hoped to go skiing yesterday, but the weather had other plans. We got up early and drove to Ski Apache (where we skiied on Christmas). It was a beautiful sunny day and by the time we got there just before 10AM it was already in the 40's. The snow was more like shaved ice and melting. We decided to forego our ski trip and instead drove down to White Sands National Monument.
We've been to White Sands before, but it's a remarkable place. The sand is gypsum which has been crushed into a fine sand from the wind.
We did a short hike before the wind kicked up.
Miss you guys,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!!
John and I had hoped to go skiing yesterday, but the weather had other plans. We got up early and drove to Ski Apache (where we skiied on Christmas). It was a beautiful sunny day and by the time we got there just before 10AM it was already in the 40's. The snow was more like shaved ice and melting. We decided to forego our ski trip and instead drove down to White Sands National Monument.
We've been to White Sands before, but it's a remarkable place. The sand is gypsum which has been crushed into a fine sand from the wind.
We did a short hike before the wind kicked up.
We headed back home and plan to stay inside today. It's cold and damp - only in the upper 20's right now. We're expecting snow, sleet and freezing rain today. We've had sleet a couple of times already. Good day to read a book and cuddle up with the kitties by the fireplace.
Miss you guys,
Love,
VAL & JOHN and the kitties!!!!!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Tejas Trail
Hi Friends,
Last week John and I went for a hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in TX. We went to the Dog Canyon area and hiked the Tejas Trail. It's a very beautiful and extremely quiet part of the park. The sky was blue and you could see for miles. I took my camera and put it up to my binoculars to take this one picture. If you click on it and look closely, the snow covered mountain in the background is Ruidoso, over a 100 miles away!
We continue hiking up and as we rounded a bend, I spooked a large bird in a tree. It was a juvenile Golden Eagle. Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the bird, but it was huge! We also saw quite a few mule deer, lots of cougar tracks, and bones. So the cougars are eating well this winter.
Most of the trail was dry, although a few spots in the higher altitude still had snow or were muddy. I took a few pictures for you all...
Still rather chilly this morning. So no exciting plans for today. We'll be watching the Superbowl later - at least for a while.
Miss you all.
Love,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties.....
Last week John and I went for a hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in TX. We went to the Dog Canyon area and hiked the Tejas Trail. It's a very beautiful and extremely quiet part of the park. The sky was blue and you could see for miles. I took my camera and put it up to my binoculars to take this one picture. If you click on it and look closely, the snow covered mountain in the background is Ruidoso, over a 100 miles away!
We continue hiking up and as we rounded a bend, I spooked a large bird in a tree. It was a juvenile Golden Eagle. Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the bird, but it was huge! We also saw quite a few mule deer, lots of cougar tracks, and bones. So the cougars are eating well this winter.
Most of the trail was dry, although a few spots in the higher altitude still had snow or were muddy. I took a few pictures for you all...
Still rather chilly this morning. So no exciting plans for today. We'll be watching the Superbowl later - at least for a while.
Miss you all.
Love,
VAL & JOHN & the kitties.....
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