December 21, 2024

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. That’s because both Alan and I took on a lot of work this fall, jobs that are just now beginning to wind down, thank goodness. The work had nothing to do with 4Fords, but padded the bank account, so we can’t complain (much).

We did have a couple of adventures this fall. One was the annual Christmas Tree Expedition and Picnic, which was a grand success. I can’t tell you how many years we have been doing this, but it has been many, and has always been a pleasure. A lot of thought and meandering through the woods goes into choosing just the right tree. This year we found a lovely Blue Spruce.

Another adventure was the gift of some fresh elk, shot on the Jicarilla Tribal Lands by a local. We hung, deboned, and processed about 45# of prime burger, steaks, and roasts. It was quite a job with our limited tools for such work, but we got it done. The dogs kept a very close eye on us throughout.

We also stole a few days to visit Taos, which has become our annual Holiday shopping mecca. Taos remains one of our favorite towns; although the traffic is horrid, the food is awesome, the old town fun, and the people kind.

We got a couple of lovely hikes in along the gorge, one had many petroglyphs.

The Winter Solstice is today. Meteorological Winter began on Dec. 1, so we are, according to the weather folks, already 3 weeks into winter, although we have yet to see snow here. A little fell around Thanksgiving, but then nothing for weeks, leaving the canyon dusty and dry. Nearly zero at night, up in the 50s during the day, makes it nice for hiking, playing with Zane and Clair outside, and chopping firewood, but Alan and I are very ready for some white stuff.

I like the Meteorological Calendar because going by those dates means we are already well into winter, and my birthday, March 1, marks the first day of spring. But I love the Solstices and Equinoxes too because of their significance in history and their neat division of light and dark. A reminder that this Earth of ours is truly a bit off-kilter. Anyway, we will be celebrating the solstice this evening as we watch the sunset on Monero Cliff and look forward to longer days to come.

Our plans include a vacation to SW Arizona after New Year’s Day to visit the RTR (Rubber Tramp Rendezvous), where I have signed up to volunteer as a therapist and support person. I have wanted to visit this event for many years. Not sure why, but I feel a connection to the people who live full-time in their cars, vans, and RVs. At any rate, we will check it out and enjoy some warm weather before coming home to hunker down through winter.

We wish you a brilliant solstice, a renewal of light, some snow and a cozy fire, and a wonderful holiday season! — Alan and Rusty