Ruby Would Love it if You Officially Followed This Blog (and Here's How)!

                      Cray and I posing for a quick selfie.

People (actually just one woman, lol) have asked me how to follow my blog, so I thought I'd take a moment and blog about it. Currently, I've been posting a link on Facebook every time I publish a new post and I’ll continue to do that, but you can also be an official follower! Ruby and I would really love it if you were. 

Ok, first thing this morning I posted what I THOUGHT were the directions, but they didn’t work. My number one daughter said you need to be on your computer to follow me. You can get to the website version from your phone/mobile version if you scroll all the way to the bottom - play around with it or ask a child to help you! 

#1 daughter here- The lovely option to subscribe with your email is no longer available through Blogger. I’ve tried a couple of alternatives, but honestly, I’m not getting paid for this. 😂   

You will need to scroll to the bottom of the blog and choose web version if you are on your smart phone. 

I’ve set it up so you can:

Follow -this means that you will be shown as a person who enjoys this blog. By following other people will see you and can check out your blog as well. This is a good way to both show your support as well as do a little marketing for your own blog. 

Subscribe - If you wish to receive notifications when this blog is updated there is a subscribe option. It will NOT go straight  to your email though as they have gotten rid of that option. Perhaps we can start a petition for them to bring it back. Though it was not a simple task either as it required some basic embedding skills. 

Anyway…. There is now a subscribe button on the right navigation bar. It will get you set up on a RSS feed with updates from this blog. It’s then up to you to figure out how to access those. I believe you have to have a blogger account and then you can go to your profile and access your RSS feed there. 

Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor. -  Favorite Most Amazing First Born Daughter. 

I will leave you with this photo of me blogging. Well, actually I am looking at my phone, but this is where I usually write. I love Bonnie’s big bay window and all her plants and pretty glassware, plus it’s close to the coffee pot. 

Jasper Has My Heart, but Las Cruces Has My Attention.

Ruby didn't get mentioned in the blog title today, because our grandson Jasper turned Sweet Sixteen! My heart is heavy that we are missing this milestone, but we are definitely celebrating with him in spirit. 

Jasper proudly displaying his lost tooth...he is still easily entertained.

The year Jasper dressed like a giant chicken for Halloween and his sister, Sylvia, squeezed him really hard.

Jasper all dressed up for his first high school homecoming. I am so proud of the thoughtful, intelligent, loving & kind, young man he has morphed into.

Baby Jasper - seems like yesterday. Just look at that face and those little denim jeans! Today, he prefers to wear sweatpants and his NASA t-shirt, but his face is still super cute. Your gayma's love you, Jasper "County" Countryman, Happy Birthday.

Las Cruces undeniably has my attention.  We are having so much fun here. I love looking out the car window and seeing the Organ Mountains hovering on the horizon. We may not have mountains in Iowa, but we do have green grass. New Mexico mostly has rocks and prickly things. Ruby has a very hard time figuring out where to do her business. She hasn’t peed on a cactus yet, so that’s a relief (no pun intended). I have finally coaxed her into short morning walks where she spends most of her time exploring all the new smells and trying to find a soft spot to squat on. 

The dead tree across the street is a popular roost for White Winged Doves. Did you know that "White Winged Doves" is the title of a very popular Stevie Nicks song? I’ve listen to that song forever, but I never knew that’s what Stevie Nicks was singing. I thought it was “Just like the world we know sings a song sounds like they're singing -  ohh baby ohh baby ohh.” I’m glad to finally know the actual lyrics... 😂

The people of Las Cruces are so welcoming. Bonnie took me to her belly dancing class last week and we had a blast. When I said we needed a photo, the veteran dancers in the class promptly adorned us with proper belly dancing bling. A fun fact is that my mom and I took a belly dancing class together in the ‘70’s and she was a much better dancer than me. 

Cray and I posing with a very festive skeleton spotted strolling through the historic Mesilla plaza dressed as La Catrina, the famous lady of death, during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. 

The visiting Reverend Kamatara Johnson gave the talk at the Center for Spiritual Living last Sunday. In honor of Dia de los Muertos - a time when families gather to remember and honor their deceased loved ones - Rev Kamatara challenged us to consider all the people - past and present - that helped shape us into the who we are today. Her talk was very touching and I admittedly shed a few tears. 

The historic Mesilla plaza was full of decorative family altars, or La ofrendas, where local families displayed photos, mementos, and favorite foods of deceased loved ones. Bonnie said that pre-pandemic the Dia de los Muertos celebration included vendors, dancers, and loud music (think the Pixar movie, Coco), but this year it was a more somber event with families sitting together and quietly sharing memories. I felt really honored to be there, but at the same time like I was crashing a holy family reunion.

I will end with this photo. It’s no secret that I am afraid of snakes, and even though I’ve been told again and again since childhood that snakes are more afraid of me and that snakes are good for the environment and  that most snakes are harmless and that snakes represent sacred female energy- no amount of snake-shaming has changed my mind! The bottom line is this: I am don't like snakes! I also don't like sticks, ropes, cords, or any other other random item that resembles a snake, thus when I ran across this snake-like garden debris, I was surprised that it didn't even startle me! Mia said it was a sacred sign. I have been asking the Universe to protect me from my fear of snakes while visiting rattlesnake country (I was relieved to learn they will soon be hibernating for the winter) and, knock-on-wood, I have not been frightened by a single snake or any snake-like sounds or sensations since we arrived. Hopefully, I haven't just jinxed myself!

Buster & Ruby Travel on the Moon.

                                                

        

The Domes are a very unique Airbnb owned by Bonnie's friends, Liliane and Doug. They are located way up on a mountain near High Rollers, New Mexico. The Domes were built by Doug's parents and have been his home for thirty-some years. Liliane invited us to join them for dinner and to stay overnight. We didn't hesitate to accept her generous invitation and packed some food, a change of clothes, the dogs, and hit the road. The structure consists of three large connected geodesic domes that are separated by doors. Doug and Liliane live in the smallest dome and share the two larger domes as vacation rentals to individuals and for retreats (5000 square feet of coolness).  

The highway to the Domes passes by the White Sands Missile Range - the Department of Defense's largest open air missile range, research center, and training facility.  According to their website, they have a public museum that traces America's missile and space activity and you can learn about how the atomic age began. The first time we went to White Sands National Park we drove to front gate of the range to pick up Lynn, a physician friend of Bonnie's, who went with us to see the full moon over the white sand. Visible just past the super secure entrance is a public missile park. Lynn told us that the missle park displays all the different missiles and rockets tested there. White Sands Missile Range is where top secret military stuff happens and is 3,200 square miles of creepiness.

  

The highway continues right by White Sands National Park and we stopped to look around in the daylight and let Cray could get her National Park “Passport” stamped. We were greeted at the gate by a John Deere road grader clearing sand...just another reminder of my Iowa roots. Ruby and Buster loved climbing on the dunes, but Buster promptly peed on my leg! His vision is poor and I must have looked like a cactus.

We reached High Rollers before noon and began our trek up the mountain to our final destination. Bonnie had warned us about the road to the Domes, but nothing prepared me for how I would react to the experience. We started out on a curvy paved road with metal guard rails around each hairpin turn. I thought to myself, “This isn’t so bad!” Then the pavement ended and my horror began. I recalled having a similar experience in Denali National park where Micole and I rode on narrow gravel road, passing other buses so close to the edge of the cliff I thought for sure we were going to crash and die. Gratefully, there were no tour buses on this mountain road. 

Riding in the passenger’s seat put me on the valley side of the mountain, and while the views were spectacular, I could barely force myself to look! My cheeks were clenched tightly (not the ones on my face) and I was gripping the “oh shit” truck handle and trying not to hold my breath. We stopped briefly for a couple photo opportunities and I felt safer when the truck wasn't moving.

You can see the White Sands National Park in the distance. This photo does not capture how high up in the mountains we were.

Cray said the road was like driving on the moon. Buster and Ruby slept through most of it. The narrow, bumpy, winding, guard-rail-less, gravel road, hugged the mountain and made my stomach drop to my feet, but the trip was well worth it when we finally arrived to the Domes.

The dome ceilings are 27 feet high with tons of skylights and endless mountain views. 

Cray grilled beef and lamb burgers on the large deck that ran the length of the three domes.

Liliane is a gifted artist and her amazing work can be seen on the walls throughout the place. 

The deck was a perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

I took this sunset photo with my cell phone. I am much better with a phone than a camera - I'll leave that to Cray.  Liliane is also a talented photographer and it was fun to watch them bond over shop talk. 

One of the big dogs hanging out on the deck. 

We were greeted by two friendly white Great Pyrenees that guard the owners, their chickens, gardens, and guests from wild animals and any two legged predators that might wander onto the property. Ruby was scared to death of these giant dogs, but they just sniffed her you-know-what and walked away. 

It’s impossible to capture the beauty and peacefulness of his unique home; a treasure gently tucked in the mountain and surrounded by national forest. Doug and Liliane are ready to retire. They are in the process of building themselves a new house higher up the mountain - a Quonset hut home with even more spectacular views. The Domes, and several acres of surrounding land, are currently for sale. If we had the money I would buy this this place in a heartbeat, but I'd never leave because the trip up and down the mountain is just too darn scary! If you’re looking to buy let me know and I'll split the finders fee with you! 😂

What Does Ruby Want?

Ruby is always staring at us. We spend a lot of time trying to figure out what she wants. She controls us with her eyes, her bark, and her her high pitched annoying whine. She can be very demanding.  Ruby gets under our feet in the kitchen, begging us to drop something she can eat. Bonnie’s kitchen is often a hub of activity.

   We eat very well here.

The other night I pulled a coveted piece of Alaskan halibut from the camper freezer. My brother Mike caught it in Alaska last August when we traveled there to see his daughter, Sundance, and he shared a piece with me! (My niece is the bravest and most adventurous women I know, by the way, and is not afraid to travel alone in foreign countries. I hope she writes about her travels someday! )

We broiled the halibut, which became the centerpiece of our feast. Bonnie steamed fresh green beans from her garden. She had wheat berries in the fridge that she’d grown and prepared for eating. I added them to a salad along with a chopped apple, dried figs from the tree out front, a handful of assorted greens from the garden, Bonnies fresh cherry tomatoes, pecans, and a simple dressing made of olive oil, vinegar, lemon, honey, salt and pepper. Bonnie dipped slices of her green garden tomatoes in a perfectly seasoned, light corn meal batter, and fried them up as promised. Everything was so yummy and satisfying. 

Of course, we’ve had Mexican food several times, and according to all knowing Google, New Mexico cuisine is a blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo tastes. New Mexico is called the chile capital of the world and the chile is the official state vegetable (even though it’s really a fruit). Needless to say, chile is a staple in Bonnie’s kitchen. The little plastic containers in the to right corner of the photo are honey.  We were given a complementary order of sopaipillas, which reminded me of Indian fry bread. It’s was just what we needed after baskets of chips and salsa, but I enjoyed every last sticky bite.  

Ruby looks so innocent sleeping in this photo. When she isn’t scratching on a door to get in or out, barking at her water bowl for more water, whining at the couch because her treat or toy rolled under it, she is pretty darn cute. One night back home, I awoke to the bedroom door slamming against the wall, and as I glanced at the doorway there was Ruby staring at me with the hallway nightlight eerily illuminating her. She just stood there and stared. Little freak.

Ruby Refuses To Go For A Walk

Ruby refuses to walk around the block with me, but I’ll get to that story…

 

 

Ruby sticks close to Cray. Here they are taking an afternoon siesta. Bonnie loves all shades of purple and the colors flow throughout the house. She also loves books, plants, art, fish, and gardening. Her tiled floors and colorful palate, make her southwestern-style home comfortable and inviting. 

I love the double doors to Bonnie’s backyard where the last of her vegetables wait to be harvested. There are large green tomatoes that haven’t turned red and she promised to fry some up for us. Bonnie has a clothesline - and she uses it! We did laundry yesterday and I got to hang up cloths, which were miraculously dry in no time. You do did not need a dryer in New Mexico! She has a hose from her washing machine that runs the washer-water across her floor, out a dog door, and into her garden for watering. Of course she uses a nontoxic detergent, as well as composting and recycling everything. 

I love all the arched doorways. There are several skylights, and I keep thinking I forgot to turn off a light.

One of Crays first projects was to put this trundle bed together. Bonnie gave her a “honey-do” list and she is making her way through it. I love that Cray knows her way around carpentry, mechanics, and cooking. I’m a lucky woman!

The second night here we visited White Sands National Park to see the moon rise over the sand. The park stayed open late for the full moon and this was obviously a popular local event - like taking your family to the beach. It looked like snow and actually felt cold under your feet.

Cray in the moonlight. I love that face. 

 It was dark outside, so Cray took photos using a long exposure. I slid down the sand dune behind me on a plastic disk sled. I’m excited to go back when it’s light out and really get a running start on a bigger sand dune. The kids next to us were flying down the dune, of course they probably only weighed 40 lbs, lol. 

  

We tagged along with Bonnie to an annual birthday BBQ party. There was a live band that played the oldies (like before 1964), a fire pit, and gorgeous skies. I met an interesting German man and his wife. He had just hiked 3 hours on the mountain that borders Las Cruces called “Organ Mountain,” because of its unusual shape - I’ll post a photo at some point so you can see it. I asked about snakes and he said yes. 😳

One of Bonnie’s friends sent her this photo from the other evening. The skies are amazing here. 

Cray took this photo at the BBQ.

Sunday rolled around and we went to Bonnie’s church called the Center for Spiritual Living. We’ve been watching her preach virtually and it was fun to hear her in person. Their website says they are “creating a world that works for everyone.” Check out csl-lascruces.org

Me peeking behind Cray. 

Finally, I’ll talk about how Ruby won’t go for a walk with me. The corner of this couch has become her landing spot. Bonnie has a plethora of squeaky dog toys and Ruby is in doggy heaven, except she refuses to walk past the front of the house. She won’t go right or left. She just puts her brakes on. 

I think she is afraid of these Coyote vests. Apparently, small animals can get attacked by coyotes, hawks, and owls, so Bonnie has these protective vests hanging by the front door. Ruby is like, “No thank you, I’ll just stay in the yard.” 

Meet Reverend Bonnie & Ruby Meets Rosie

Be forewarned. I may know how to tell a good story, but I don't always know when to use a semicolon versus a comma. I sometimes write run-on sentences. I misspell and misuse words, even with spell check. If you are a grammar purist, my writing may annoy you, but I've determined that I have to write --- regardless of my skill level. I have so many stories to share!

                                                              Rev. Bonnie

Cray started dating Bonnie the year I graduated from high school in 1980. Bonnie was a student at Grinnell College. Grinnell is Crays hometown. Their relationship ended, but they stayed friends all these years. That's what lesbians do, in case you didn't know. Bonnie is professionally known as, Reverend Bonnie, and she is delightful. We've been trying to visit since she lost her son, but Covid kept us away. The photos above are of her house. Her front door is hidden from the street by a gated courtyard. This is where Rosie, the desert tortoise, lives freely amongst the trees, flowers, cacti, birdhouses, patio furniture and festive twinkling outdoor hanging lights. 

Ruby looked terrified the first time she met Rosie.

Rosie moves pretty fast for a turtle AND Rosie is actually a boy. Bonnie didn’t know that until he grew up and his head turned green and his eyes turned red. He already knew his name, so he stayed Rosie. He likes to meet new people and animals. He will sniff your toes, which kind of freaks me out. I grew up with snapping turtles after all!