You know the saying - the greatest plans...
The floor install in the kitchen ended up being more of a challenge than I thought it would be. I hate having to tear out work that I have done previously. When I put something together, I don't plan on it falling apart of being taken apart later - think I got that from my dad. Needless to say, I had some problems during the "demolition" part of the project. Broken molding and holes in the sheet rock were just a few of the time consuming problems that I had. Then there was the water shut off valve on the dishwasher that did not want to seal, so I ended up with a minor flood, filling the cabinet under the sink and getting the floor wet. All had to be dried out before the new floor could go in.
So, with all of this going on, I did not feel like working on pictures or this blog - I know, bad professionalism. So, I won't promise anything, but keep checking back and you will probably see posts on the Florida trip.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Florida trip posts are coming
I did not post daily while on our trip to Florida as I had planned. After a day of activity, just did not feel like going through, finding pictures to describe the day and writing a blog. So, now that we are back, I'll try to get so pictures and posts on the site. Try and get that done this weekend, between Thanksgiving and putting a new floor in the kitchen.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2011 - 40 Years Old
Balloon Fiesta 2011, the 40th year of this event. We had been here in 2006 and 2007, this time we had folks with us that had not attended in the past. Our journey started with an over night stay (Wednesday) in Santa Rosa, NM. Four of the other five couples joined us at the RV Park. From Santa Rosa it was about a two hour drive to the Balloon Fiesta Park.
We are staying on the grounds next to the International Balloon Museum. This location is a short walk down onto the south end of the launch field and vendor area. In the vendor area you can get your hair cut, get shirts, hats, lamps, jewelry and just about anything else you can imagine, including any kind of food that you might want.
Plans were made to meet at 6 AM (Friday) to go down on the launch field to watch the morning balloon ascent. Again the weather did not cooperate. About 3 A M, the rains came and it continued throughout the day.
After raining all night, the morning (Saturday) dawned clear and chilly. To the east the Sandia Mountains had a fresh coat in of snow that though very picturesque emphasized the chill of the morning.
After a cup of hot coffee it was down to the launch grounds for the morning activities. With more than 500 photographs at home from the last two balloon fiestas that we attended, I told myself that I did not need to take a large number of pictures. After all how many pictures of balloons does a person need? But, with a new camera and lenses, what can I expect? I took about 160 pictures on Saturday, probably about the same number that I have taken in the past (last count I took about 750 pictures total). This year there were a few shape balloons that I had not seen before, but pretty much all of the others were ones we had seen in the past. Of course the big draw was the atmosphere on the grounds. The noise, the excitement of watching the balloons inflate and take to the air.
The Dawn Patrol is three or more balloons that launch and basically go up and check out the wind currents. The next balloon up is the designated flag carrier. This chore is considered an honor, as it signifies the start of the balloon ascent by the other balloonists. This balloon carries the American Flag, unfurled below the gondola, it is accompanied by the playing or singing of the National Anthem.
Kind of like a ballgame, once the flag is raised, everyone else launches, in a predefined pattern generally determined by wind direction. The sun came out just as the officials gave the approval to launch the balloons. As the balloons rose and caught the sun, the site was amazing. The colors were extremely vibrant and bright. The shapes and sizes along with the colors make it a very amazing site.
That evening, we watched the balloon glow. This event takes place shortly after dusk, and the balloons inflate and then turn on the burners to make the balloon glow. It is very pretty. Following the balloon glow are fantastic fireworks.
Santa Rosa RV Park
We are staying on the grounds next to the International Balloon Museum. This location is a short walk down onto the south end of the launch field and vendor area. In the vendor area you can get your hair cut, get shirts, hats, lamps, jewelry and just about anything else you can imagine, including any kind of food that you might want.
VIP RV Parking next to Balloon Museum
Of course the weather did not cooperate well. It was cool and windy. This kind of ruined our plans to grill outside. So, off to one of the favorite eating places in Albuquerque, El Pinto restaurant. We were not the only ones that thought El Pinto was a great place to eat. With a wait time of 45 minutes, we opted to eat in the lounge. After a great meal, we returned to our Motorhome and hosted all our companions. With 12 people, it was a little crowded, and got more so after everyone filled up on Deb's Pumpkin Bars, fresh Banana Cake, and Chocolate Cake. Plans were made to meet at 6 AM (Friday) to go down on the launch field to watch the morning balloon ascent. Again the weather did not cooperate. About 3 A M, the rains came and it continued throughout the day.
Like every event, plans are always fluid, so it was decided to go to a restaurant called Weck's for brunch.
It is a chain of 10 locations throughout New Mexico. It serves "Home Cooking" and lots of it. It only serves breakfast and lunch. It was crowded, again a lot of other people had the same idea. After a short wait, we were seated at a large table and taken care of by a very attentive and capable waitress. After filling up on great food and coffee, it was off to Wal-Mart to pick up the odds and ends that we ran out of or forgot. Then back to the Balloon Fiesta Park, for a short respite, before the next adventure.
After a short rest, about half the group decided to make a trek to Old Town Albuquerque. Old Town is similar to the Old Town in Santa Fe or Taos. It is built around a common square, that has a Mission or Government building along one edge. The square is now, in most cases, a park that features entertainment during the weekend and holidays. Of course there is lots and lots of small shops featuring local artists selling everything you can imagine. Kind of like the Balloon Fiesta vendors.
The "Square"
200 year old San Felipe de Neri Church borders the "Square"
On the Boardwalk around the "Square"
Anything you can imagine
Courtyard along one edge of the "Square"
Street Vendors selling mostly jewelry
Then the rain started again and the events at the Balloon Fiesta scheduled for the evening were cancelled. So, we do what it seems like we do best, eat. Steaks on the grill with other side dishes prepared by the ladies in the group.
Outdoor Kitchen
Mike checks the steaks
After raining all night, the morning (Saturday) dawned clear and chilly. To the east the Sandia Mountains had a fresh coat in of snow that though very picturesque emphasized the chill of the morning.
After a cup of hot coffee it was down to the launch grounds for the morning activities. With more than 500 photographs at home from the last two balloon fiestas that we attended, I told myself that I did not need to take a large number of pictures. After all how many pictures of balloons does a person need? But, with a new camera and lenses, what can I expect? I took about 160 pictures on Saturday, probably about the same number that I have taken in the past (last count I took about 750 pictures total). This year there were a few shape balloons that I had not seen before, but pretty much all of the others were ones we had seen in the past. Of course the big draw was the atmosphere on the grounds. The noise, the excitement of watching the balloons inflate and take to the air.
The Dawn Patrol is three or more balloons that launch and basically go up and check out the wind currents. The next balloon up is the designated flag carrier. This chore is considered an honor, as it signifies the start of the balloon ascent by the other balloonists. This balloon carries the American Flag, unfurled below the gondola, it is accompanied by the playing or singing of the National Anthem.
Kind of like a ballgame, once the flag is raised, everyone else launches, in a predefined pattern generally determined by wind direction. The sun came out just as the officials gave the approval to launch the balloons. As the balloons rose and caught the sun, the site was amazing. The colors were extremely vibrant and bright. The shapes and sizes along with the colors make it a very amazing site.
That evening, we watched the balloon glow. This event takes place shortly after dusk, and the balloons inflate and then turn on the burners to make the balloon glow. It is very pretty. Following the balloon glow are fantastic fireworks.
Sunday dawned chilly with scattered clouds. This being the farewell ascent, and with drier field conditions, there were many more balloons launching. This time, I was by myself and did not venture as far “down field” as I had on Saturday. The filed is marked in a grid with a series of pylons marking the rows. I only went about a 1/3 of the way "down field" and tried to get into a position to concentrate on the process of a single balloon launch. That project entailed a whole bunch more pictures that I will display here. but, I did take a few.
The Navy provided sky divers that carried the American flag onto the field. This occurred (weather permitting) in the morning or afternoon.
Where were were in the VIP RV Area, we had an exceptional view of all the balloons going overhead on Sunday morning. You really did not need to go down onto the field to see it all.
So, by about 10:30AM Sunday, the show was over and we were headed out to an RV Park west of Albuquerque for the night. After three days of "dry" camping, we needed to empty tanks and relax before our long drive home on Monday morning. As we left on Monday Morning we did see about a dozen balloons that had launched after the official event. It was kind of like a farewell, until the next time.
The Navy provided sky divers that carried the American flag onto the field. This occurred (weather permitting) in the morning or afternoon.
Where were were in the VIP RV Area, we had an exceptional view of all the balloons going overhead on Sunday morning. You really did not need to go down onto the field to see it all.
So, by about 10:30AM Sunday, the show was over and we were headed out to an RV Park west of Albuquerque for the night. After three days of "dry" camping, we needed to empty tanks and relax before our long drive home on Monday morning. As we left on Monday Morning we did see about a dozen balloons that had launched after the official event. It was kind of like a farewell, until the next time.
Friday, September 23, 2011
No Activity
Don't take the fact that there have been no recent postings to indicate we have not been doing much : )
I have had a couple projects going involving the Dog (Annie) and the Gazebo - they kind of go hand-in-hand. We also spent Labor Day weekend at San Angelo State Park and that will be a post, hopefully by the end of the weekend (9/26/2011). This weekend I have a few chores to do on the Motorhome so that we will be ready to go the the 40th Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. That is on the books for October 5 through 10. Will try and do some daily posts with pictures while we are there.
So, don't get discouraged. We are still here, just have not taken the time to do any updating.
I have had a couple projects going involving the Dog (Annie) and the Gazebo - they kind of go hand-in-hand. We also spent Labor Day weekend at San Angelo State Park and that will be a post, hopefully by the end of the weekend (9/26/2011). This weekend I have a few chores to do on the Motorhome so that we will be ready to go the the 40th Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. That is on the books for October 5 through 10. Will try and do some daily posts with pictures while we are there.
So, don't get discouraged. We are still here, just have not taken the time to do any updating.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX or just Corpus is located on the gulf of Mexico. Though adjacent to the Gulf, it is semi protected by a couple of barrier islands, Mustang and Padre. This is the third time that I have visited Corpus. All three times in relation to a conference. The last time was in November of 2010 when we came in for a conference planning meeting. During that trip we got to explore a lot of the area, including the Port Aransas and Rockport areas. This time the only travel I have done is on foot, and mostly along the seawall.
As a lot of you know, Corpus Christi is home to the "Lady Lex" the aircraft carrier Lexington. This is a fascinating floating museum that I spent several hours in on the November trip.
The seawall in Corpus provides a great promenade along the bay. Two access roads take you into sections of the marina known as T-Heads. There are all manner of privately owned watercraft moored in Corpus, from sail to power.
The seawall was constructed in the late 1930's, early 1940's. It is poured concrete and effectively raised the land level by about 14 feet over previous storm surges. The original design apparently called for a statute of Christ to anchor the center of the 1.75 mile long seawall. Apparently disputes kept that statute from being included, though a church at the start of the seawall has a statute that I would bet was along the lines of what was envisioned.
The seawall starts on the south end at the Holiday Inn and goes north to the City Conference Center. It is deceptive to think that the seawall runs south to north, until you realize that while looking across the Corpus Christi Bay, you are actually looking east.
Walking through the marina area does give you some excellent views of the city skyline.
Corpus is a town that we like to visit. We are planning to come down in February 2012 and spend some time in the Port Aransas area.
As a lot of you know, Corpus Christi is home to the "Lady Lex" the aircraft carrier Lexington. This is a fascinating floating museum that I spent several hours in on the November trip.
The seawall in Corpus provides a great promenade along the bay. Two access roads take you into sections of the marina known as T-Heads. There are all manner of privately owned watercraft moored in Corpus, from sail to power.
The seawall was constructed in the late 1930's, early 1940's. It is poured concrete and effectively raised the land level by about 14 feet over previous storm surges. The original design apparently called for a statute of Christ to anchor the center of the 1.75 mile long seawall. Apparently disputes kept that statute from being included, though a church at the start of the seawall has a statute that I would bet was along the lines of what was envisioned.
Walking through the marina area does give you some excellent views of the city skyline.
Corpus is a town that we like to visit. We are planning to come down in February 2012 and spend some time in the Port Aransas area.
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Rains finally Came
Last Thursday (8/11/2011) we received the first measurable rain at our house since October 2010. Thursday night a thunderstorm came through that dropped more than 2.5 inches of rain in about a three hour period. Just for an example, this first picture is of a lake (or what was left of it) that we walk the dog around each evening.
A major difference. The water level rising has increased the distance of our walk as the lake has enlarged so much. This is just slightly higher than the "normal" lake level. We hope to see it stay this way for a while, at least until our next rain fall.
The down side of the storm was the damage that it did. One apartment house fire and two family home fires were started by lighting. Our next door neighbors took a lighting strike to their Pecan Tree in the back yard that created a 2 inch wide split almost the entire length. It also took out a control board in their HVAC system, the garage door opener, their cable Internet box, and several digital to analog converters on their Televisions. That tree is less than 60 feet from our back fence. We did lose a video conversion box due to that strike, but that is minor damage compared to everyone else.
As you can see there is not much water there. This photo was taken on Thursday evening about 45 minutes before the rain. In the 10+ years we have lived in Lubbock, we have never seen the lake this low, so, it deserved a picture. Below is how the lake looked two days after the storm.
A major difference. The water level rising has increased the distance of our walk as the lake has enlarged so much. This is just slightly higher than the "normal" lake level. We hope to see it stay this way for a while, at least until our next rain fall.
The down side of the storm was the damage that it did. One apartment house fire and two family home fires were started by lighting. Our next door neighbors took a lighting strike to their Pecan Tree in the back yard that created a 2 inch wide split almost the entire length. It also took out a control board in their HVAC system, the garage door opener, their cable Internet box, and several digital to analog converters on their Televisions. That tree is less than 60 feet from our back fence. We did lose a video conversion box due to that strike, but that is minor damage compared to everyone else.
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