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So today... after making friends with some of my fellow motel customers (a very nice couple from Tennessee and their newborn daughter)... and some of the hotel staff (2 very nice ladies in the hotel office that talked with me about rescue dogs and Smartcars and such...)... I got some fresh coffee for the road and headed out.

This overnight stay has sort of changed my perspective a little on Texas... and that is a good thing.

Driving through the desert is a wonderful experience. And I was rather surprised at how happy I was to be back in New Mexico. Not just because I happen to live here and was coming home... although that is certainly a crucial factor. But it was more that New Mexico seems to be such a sacred kind of place. Yes, the economy sucks. And yes, there are certainly distressing things about living here... but it is also a very serene kind of place... almost eerily so at times. It's like you can feel the land and the stories it is trying to tell...

And so... I got home late in the afternoon... and it was an awesome thing to behold.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

cool nights on the west mesa

**photos by Elaine A. Russell

Today has been an interesting day. I have been sick for a couple weeks with what I thought were allergy symptoms, and now I'm thinking that maybe it has been the flu all along. Who knows. Either way, I was very happy that the re-model crew decided to take the day off and allow me to sleep. And sleep I did. Awesome.

Then I got a bunch of calls from people I don't know.. and a bunch from people I do know... but my phone was on vibrate.. and I missed them all. eeks.

I got a call from the Harwood Art Center to see if I wanted to attend a class (tomorrow!) as someone cancelled... ummmm.. YES!> So I went down to pay for my class. While I was there.. I got to see the 12x12 show (again). It is soooooooooo good. And there are actually a few art pieces yet that haven't sold!!!

Then the daughter and I went to Elephant Bar Restaurant. I have never been there.. and WOW was it good. A bit pricey... but worth it. $62 got us 2 drinks, an appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert to share. I had macadamia encrusted Mahi-Mahi...talk about fabulous.

Then we went to Trader Joe's in Uptown. (I didn't know there was one there). We found the most beautiful wreathe for $12, and got some snacks and fruit, cheese and treats....always fun.

And now I am home ... a fire in the fireplace, and warm tea.... a perfect end to a great day.

See you all tomorrow!