Monthly Archives: October 2015

Bring on the Fall

21 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in General

≈ 17 Comments

We are sorry Mom has been a slacker and has not been current on our blog.  After we arrived home safely from our New Mexico adventure, there was tons of stuff to do.  Fall yard chores were first: trees trimmed, grass planted, garden beds cleared and another panel of fence went up.  We, of course, assisted in all of this.

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Dad went to Tulsa to see about Grand PaPa then they made a day dash to the War Eagle Crafts Fair in Arkansas.  It has been busy.  Dad relocated our Welcome sign that we received for Christmas last year from our friend Wendy Bowthorpe.  It looks good on our garden gate.

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He also installed the address Scottie that Mom had refurbished with a new powder coat and house numbers.

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The trees are just starting to change here.  Rain predicted for weekend.  Mom says we need it.  All we can say is “GoodBy Summer, Hello Fall.  It’s about time.” ~ Indy and Lucy

ROUTE 66

14 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in Road Trip

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The Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK is actually a complex of museums dedicated to transportation, pioneer life, blacksmiths, farms and ranches.  We have been through Elk City many times coming and going from Santa Fe but this is the first time we had ever visited the museum but it will not be the last.

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The transportation museum takes you on a journey through the 8 states that the Mother Road passed. There are antique cars, a mock drive in theater, the Joad’s pick up from the movie “Grapes of Wrath”, roadside attractions which lured people to pull over and many more things my parents remembered  traveling this road on vacations with their families.  They had some great memories.

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As you wander around the complex, you can immerse yourself in the lives of early pioneers of Western Oklahoma, visit a schoolhouse, opera house, doctor’s office, gas station, funeral parlor, stables, and more.  The farm, ranch and blacksmith sections feature a windmill collection, vast collection of tools used and/or made by these early settlers.  So if you have any interest in America’s Highway, you need to stop here.  We recommend it. ~ Indy and Lucy

The Great Balloon Fiasco

12 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by in Balloon Fiesta

≈ 27 Comments

Mom and Dad tried to go to the balloon fiesta when it first opened.  They got up at four o’clock, drove an hour, waited in a line of cars three hours only to have the gates closed when it was their turn to enter the park.  Did we mention they already had tickets and a parking pass?  Needless to say, Mom was hot.  However, she is a believer in perseverance so on Friday they returned.  This time they got up at  three and were in Albuquerque by when the gates opened.  Mom said it was a long cold wait till the balloons started flying but worth it.  Look for yourself.

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There was a laser show at the beginning followed by a Dawn Patrol.  A Dawn Patrol consists of a few balloons that go up first to see if conditions are favorable for flying that day.

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If it’s a go, a green flag is raised and the ceremonies begin.

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Mom said watching the Wells Fargo sponsor balloons carry the USA flag while the Star Spangled Banner was sung very moving.

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It was Special Shapes Rodeo day.

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Mom loved the pig and you can se a bit of the zebra back there.

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Dad liked the pirate ship.  See the turtle and penquins?

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Here’s a better look.

As you can see, it was a memorable time.  Mom said they used the parking pass once and only two of the 10 tickets so she figures it cost about $60 apiece for the balloon experience.  She said when she looks at it that way it’s more reasonable…not much more than theater ticket.  Hope you enjoyed it too. ~ Indy and Lucy

Mom say there were so many that it was impossible to take pictures of them all.

A Day’s Drive

10 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by in City Different: Santa Fe

≈ 13 Comments

Still on a leaf peeping quest, we decided to take the High Road to Taos, cut across the bottom of the Enchanted Circle to Angel Fire and then back to Santa Fe.  It would take most of the day.

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The aspens were spectular.

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Upon reaching Angel Fire, we visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park.  It had its origins in a battle near Con Thein, South Vietnam in which 16 men lost their lives in an ambush.  Among the men, was David Westphall, son of Victor and Jeanne Westphall.  Through their vision this memorial exists today not only to honor their son and others killed that day, May 22, 1968, but all members of America’s armed forces.  Thank you for your service. ~ Indy and Lucy

New Mexico Leaf Peeping

08 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by in City Different: Santa Fe

≈ 16 Comments

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The most significant spectacle of New Mexico’s high country is when the quaking aspens turn a vibrant shade of gold.

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The quaking aspen’s name refers to the leaves which tremble in the slightest breeze.

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One afternoon we decided to drive through the Santa Fe National Forest.  Between Hyde Memorial State Park and the ski basin, we were treated to views of many aspen groves.  Check it out. ~ Indy and Lucy