We have had one of those wonderful 3-day weekends where I am already looking back and am amazed at the variety of events that were crammed into 36 hours. Even better, we have been able to spend it with loved ones from afar. Life is good!
Friday night Pam and Kelly arrived from Portland. It was late enough that we visited for just a short time and then all went to bed. The morning started early with granola and Swiss porridge for breakfast, and then Keven and Kelly aerated the front and back lawns. Pam and I enjoyed catching up (I know, such hard, hard work....). Kris joined us on a fun trip to Old Mesilla, which included a stop along the way at the Stahmann Farms gift shop for yummy nuts and chocolates (thanks for treating, Kelly - I owe you!). We enjoyed walking around the plaza and looking in the different shops, and then eating at the Double Eagle Restaurant. The weather, conversation and company were oh, so delightful!
We finished the day by going to see Ironman 2. I believe Kris enjoyed it the most, but we all had a good time.
Sunday morning Keven treated us to his fabulous waffles, and they were perfection. Following church Scott and Mary Louise came over for fajitas, queso, salads, berry shortcake, and more good visiting. We had time to all go together to take flowers to Aunt Joy's gravesite before taking the Oregonians to the airport. Such a short trip - but such a very meaningful one.
Boo hoo, we were so busy talking that we did not take a single picture.
Monday morning I ran 4 miles, and for the 1st time in several weeks had no pain! I was thrilled even though it was still HARD. I was distracted, though, by the many beautiful hot air balloons I could watch the entire time, thanks to the KLAQ Balloon Fest. At one time I counted 17: two bumblebees, several bright solid-colored ones, and the rest beautiful bright pied and checkered patterns. Two of them crossed right over me as I ran, probably about 200 feet overhead, and I could tell that one was descending into the newly sprouting cotton field right next to me. Immediately the chase crew came zooming along and pulled up almost at the same instant the balloon touched down, just a few feet away! It was very impressive - and then, as I was almost parallel, it ascended again and kept going, at the same speed I was running (not very fast at all); and so we ran along together about 1/2 mile before I turned onto another path. The balloon touched down in the field right behind our home, and as I ran past Marie's home she came out and we went over to the edge of the field to watch. They called us to come over, so of course we did. It was quite interesting to look up into the balloon, which had to be kept inflated until the chase crew arrived. Marie and I went out to Westside Road to show the crew which dirt road to use to get to the balloon. They were so friendly, and let me help them get the balloon folded up and into the bag. It was so much easier than breaking down a tent and getting it into a bag, truly. And I have an invitation to go up with them at the Albuquerque festival! Who knows, maybe it will happen....
Now, if Ayrel and I can get all the things done on the to-do list we have created....is it possible we will have time to make lemon meringue pies, pressure can two kinds of salsa, work on some sewing projects she brought, take the dogs to the vet, and shop for her running shoes and a few other things? In addition to the time she has planned to spend with Ben's family and some friends? Hmmm, sure hope so!
It's time for bed, but I can't end without stating how grateful I am to be an American citizen, and how very grateful I am for the men and women who have and who are currently sacrificing their very lives and the comforts of family and home to preserve and protect my freedoms. I hope that I never take for granted what it means to have these blessings.
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