Read and Tell Me » New Mexico

I Heart Victory Ranch

admin — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:23:44 +0000

Today I received an e-mail that summarized all of the wonderful things that have happened at one of my favorite places in the world, Victory Ranch in Mora, NM. Here are some of the highlights.

A brief overview of 2010:

THEY HAD 45 INCREDIBLE NEW CRIAS THIS YEAR!
The theme for our 2010 crias names was music.
SO we have a Marley, Gene Simmons, Sweet Caroline, Maestro, Axl Rose, Aretha, Lady Gaga, Marimba, Mozart, Victor Borge, Chaka Khan, Joan Jett, Credence, Iggy Pop, Otis Redding, Mariachi, La Bamba∑ oh, and, of course, a Maverick as there is always at least one that doesn‚t fit the theme!
For the first time, they sheared every alpaca on our ranch and many from alpaca farms near and far
They harvested over 4500 bales of our very own hay

They harvested close to 1000lbs of luxurious alpaca fiber
They won first place ribbons in every show we entered!

They became the largest alpaca yarn retailer in the U.S.!!! **I find this most exciting!

I have been out to this special place numerous times…..I think the first time I visited I was a Junior in High School….1995. My boys have grown up stopping by the Alpaca Farm every time we are in the area…..this year they even helped me beg Law Man on the way home from a long day in Taos.

Big Guy 2007

Big Guy 2010

All this being said, see for yourself….check out their website, follow them on Facebook or, better yet, stop by the next time you are near Taos or Santa Fe. It is worth it. You can also read more about this magical place in a book that features them, Shear Spirit.

If you buy it at the ranch, Darcy will autograph it for you!!

Trust me…..those wanting to comment….there will be something from Victory Ranch in my favorite things….so comment or better yet link!!!

Enchanting New Mexico

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:36:21 +0000

Rainbow in front of Hermit’s Peak

We spent our Fall Break in the mountains and to say it was beautiful does not do it justice. I have always said….”God lives in New Mexico” and I still….at 32 and a Masters of Religion under my belt…believe that is true.

The natural beauty abounds but where I really see God is in the people. I love the rich culture you get in every shop, every conversation, every minute of people watching. Most of all…..I love their accents. I would take thousands of picture of the variety of people, but I think that might ruin a good thing. So, here are some pictures of our trip sans the people….it is still gorgeous.

Fall Colors in the Santa Fe National Forest

We saw several deer from our car.

Of course, we had to stop by Victory Ranch….the Alpaca showed us a new trick.

The boys did just enough playing to wear themselves out….these are the drums at Twirl….another NM must.

We had a lot of family bonding…talking…and yes, wrestling.

A fair amount of cuddling….I am not sure how much longer I will be able to rock both of them at the same time.

I can’t leave out the beautiful food…..this was a Chili Relleno Nogado from the Relleno’s Cafe.

The beautiful fire we enjoyed every night.

And, of course….beautiful knitting.

A New Spin on Things

admin — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:43:40 +0000

Did I bring anything home from the Taos Wool Festival? Yes, yes, yes…..I also learned something new. I am now a knitter and a SPINNER.

First, Linda from Lonesome Stone taught us how to pick out good raw fleece, the fleece right off the animal, and roving, clean, combed and put into “tops”.

Then, Ruth from The Dizzy Ewe taught us to spin on a drop spindle. She was amazing….we learned how to pre-draft, draft, spin, ply, and skein…..in 3 hours. It was awesome.

Roving Pre-Drafted Roving Spun Wool Finished Yarn

I don’t have a picture of me spinning….but here is my partner in crime….Knitterista.

After the class….we forwent the drive home and went shopping for roving. I ended up with 6 ounces of Fudge and 6 ounces of Sunny with a Chance of Rain. Both 90% Alpaca and 10% Merino.

All and all….I *heart* spinning!!!

KNITCATION – We Saw

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:11:19 +0000

I had an amazing weekend with a dear friend on our First Ever….hopefully, First Annual KNITCATION. We spent two days monkeying around at the Taos Wool Festival.

There were all kinds of sheep, goats, yaks, and alpaca. They were beautiful….I especially loved the fluffy sheep.

There was roving, roving, and more roving…..again, beautiful.

Of course, there was yarn…beautiful yarn of all types and colors. I had to step away so not to break the bank on more stash.

There were all sorts of competitions. My favorite was this spinning competition. The man on the end used a drop spindle and won second place. It was amazing.

I saw a YAK.

We were mesmerized by the spinners. They were everywhere and their work was incredible.

Did I come home with anything? That is for later!!!!

Hot Tamales

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:44:32 +0000

Seriously, I made hot tamales and they were AWESOME!!! I love, love, love, New Mexican food….what is the difference between Mexican and New Mexican food, you ask. Green Chili!!!!

So, we were hosting a good 20+ people at the cabin over Memorial Weekend. I decided we would do an authentic meal to put us all in the mood so I made, Pasole, three types of enchiladas, tamales, tomatillo salsa, and on and on. I was familiar with most of these recipes….all except the tamales. I really had no idea how they were made. I just like to eat them. Well, let me tell you, it was a process. But, I loved every minute of it.

First, you soak the corn husks in boiling water.

Then there are a lot of preparations to have the inside delicious!!!

All mixed into a yummy sauce!

They are stuffed, wrapped, tied……and steamed, and steamed, and steamed….in whatever you have!

Finally, you get to eat them if you can get over how pretty they are!!!

I am not exagerating when I say they were the most delicious things I have ever made. They did take a lot of time, but it was so worth it. I am always looking for something that takes me all day to make since I don’t bake. Now I have something to make on those rainy weekends.

You want to try it? Well, here is the deal, I will post the recipe I used as soon as I get a dozen comments. So, if you like these, comment and pass it on.

Here are some pictures of the rest of the spread…..

Longing

admin — Sat, 15 May 2010 14:53:27 +0000

I can not believe it is the middle of May! Time is flying by….almost as fast as the “big guy’s” super duper ooper fast rocket ship he built out of Legos.

I woke up this morning to some unexpected personal time. The little guy has been sick and I anticipated holding a fussy, feverish boy. Instead, he woke up feeling great….just hungry. So, I debated going to the gym, knitting, and then I just sat down at the computer to reply to a few e-mails. The e-mails led to the calendar and then it dawned on me…..the summer calendar is filling up FAST! Faster than fast! We are booked almost every weekend.

So now, I am longing for Casa de Maria. I am ready for my first trip of the season. I am ready to see my mountain and hopefully the Lucy bird that kept me company last year. I am ready to see the locals and to tell the old metal roof goodbye…Yes, it is official….we are getting a new roof. I am ready for the peace of the canyon and the memories of trips past.

I still wish I could get together with a local writer….she currently writes about the happenings of Las Vegas, NM. Feel free to e-mail Birdie and let her know I am not a stalker….not really. I just get very excited about certain things and never let them go. Really, I am very normal.

FYI…. I really need to update the Casa de Maria website….so, if you have any antidotes or pictures to add….e-mail them to me. Thanks!

Me Monday…On Wednesday

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:55:27 +0000

Where has time gone? The boys have been cooped up since last Friday!!! It is amazing how debilitating an inch of ice can be on a mom and two shorties. Here is my picture of me for the week.

I love this picture. Not because I am looking very good, but because it took so much effort to get to sew outside, at my cabin, with my young children playing in the yard. How young were the boys you might ask? 6 Months and 22 Months. Was it worth it? YES Did I get any sewing done? No, but that is not the point! It is motherhood.

La Fiesta Parade

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:29:00 +0000

You don’t get more 4th of July than a small town parade and Las Vegas, NM knows how to do it right. They have an annual 4th of July celebration that is awesome. I have not been in a few years and this year did not disappoint. They had everything….loud music, candy in the streets, great floats, music, etc. View the whole set here then sit back and imagine the smell of a carnival and enchiladas mixed together.