celebrating the present

I have just emerged from a three week period with various family members visiting. So wonderful.

Granddaughter Kira arrived with our great grandson Dante (3 1/2 years old) -- he's the guy in the BIG Mexican hat above...

Kira was 3 1/2 when she first visited New Mexico and stayed with us every summer for a few weeks until she was a teen. It was such a trip to have him here -- she unearthed her old toys (still stored in the box we put them in 10 years ago -- a bit dusty but serviceable) and he played with them (even Barbie)! Whew! talk about deja vu!

Brigadoon
One day we drove up to Victory Alpaca Ranch in Mora (the place I once called Brigadoon -- so remote-feeling and unchanged), through gorgeous mountain roads and areas where, since I moved here I've wished I was a geologist -- I want to know what those dramatic striations represent (next life maybe) and we arrived in time to feed the alpacas. I'd also promised myself to visit the ranch several times (usually around Wool Festival time in October), but never made it, so I was as psyched as Dante. He is a precocious child who knows a lot about every animal and was terribly excited to see actual alpacas. We arrived, waited in the registration/yarn shop area until the guide came for us. His mother and I talked about his affinity for animals and speculated that he might be a veterinarian someday. As soon as we stepped through the gate with cups of feed in our hands, about fifty or more alpacas started moving toward us like a high tide. Dante freaked out (so did I), dropped his cup and yelled, "I want to look at yarn!" Now how's that for a knitter's great grandson? I scooped him up and we headed for the exit and I said to his mother, who stayed on for awhile, forget the veterinarian idea!

Once in the yarn shop he happily touched the soft yarns and items made from it, commented on each and every color and feel and seemed to have no regrets that the "mean" alpacas had so surprised him. His mother admitted that among the gentle alpacas there was one white one who bared its teeth and looked mean. I think it was the one she later took a selfie with...he seems to be smiling...doesn't look mean at all...

While she was here, she totally reorganized my kitchen and helped me declutter. Now that she's gone, although I can't seem to find anything, all I have to do is channel her and it guides me to what I'm looking for. I'm grateful for her youthful energy and caring. Both visits perked Ron up considerably and we were all pleased that his oncologists reported, after tests earlier this month, that they are encouraged.

This was my birthday month and even at my advanced age, I consider birthday months special and celebratory. This one was. Kira and Dante went horseback riding and prior to that, the neighbors' horses showed up -- all much to the delight of my city-dwelling family.

"If I knew that this would be the last time I hear your voice, I'd take hold of each word to be able to hear it over and over again. If I knew this is the last time I see you, I'd tell you I love you, and would not just assume foolishly you know it already."
     Gabrial Garcia Marquez

bright moon musings

I can hardly believe that's it's been over a month since I last posted on this blog. A had another writing retreat in July and other things have happened, some good, some ifey (is there such a word?). The horses came back. That is good.

And they are super-friendly, hanging out at our wall.

Especially after my son and his granddaughter fed them apples and carrots and chatted them up.

They visited with us for a week (Chris and Megan, not the horses, they're gone already) and it was a lovely week. Good weather, good food and company. We did some sightseeing at Taos Pueblo, The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (600 feet down and the site of yet another suicide three days before we were there).

I tried to post a photo of the Gorge but it won't download so you'll just have to take my word that it's a long way down.

they're coming! they're coming!
Tomorrow my oldest granddaughter Kira arrives from NYC with great grandson Dante. Can't wait to see them. It will be his first visit to New Mexico. She came out every summer from the age of 3 1/2, until about sixteen and it was the happiest time of my year. Time marches on and a new generation will be here soon. He hasn't yet figured out what to call me and as far as I know I'm still greatgrammieinnewmexico. He and his cousin sang happy birthday (on a video post) to me recently using that long appellation. Maybe we will figure it out in the coming week while they're here. I'm thinking, GG. What do you think?

health news
Ron had a full body scan in early August and his doctors are encouraged. He's slowly gaining weight and spending more time in his studio every day. A very good thing. And I've had the help of a lovely man who has stepped in to do all the stuff around the property and the house that Ron hasn't been able to do for more than a year. Sean is a real treasure and managed to subdue the riot of weeds and grasses that had taken over the entire driveway and surrounding area. He removed a dead pine tree that we learned died after seven years because the plastic rope that held the burlap in place around the roots was never removed. We literally strangled the tree. Hopefully, we will plant another tree with a bit more knowledge this time. 

retreating more each day
I managed to get away to the New York area for a writing retreat in July. Also got to see the new Trade Center building and, in my opinion, it's beautiful. I was in Manhattan on a hot, humid, crowded day. I think the whole world was also there for the same reason.

I hope to get away again in September or October to visit friends and family and take a couple of solitary weeks for myself. I'm still aiming for Spring/Summer publication of my collection of essays and I have to get to work! The thing is that I really have to resume editing and rewriting or it won't happen. I don't seem able to do much at home at my desk where it is impossible for me to put aside diversions and things that have to be taken care of daily which include, among many other things, coffees and lunches with my friends! That's the good part and I won't list the bad ones. Ever hopeful, I'm expecting a general easement this Fall. And I will try to get back in the blog groove. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

On particularly bad days when I'm sure I can't possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%.
           anon.