Aaaand we're back

Yes, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. My weekend in Oh Fair New Mexico was wonderful, due in large part to good friends and good eats.

We stayed at a great little place in Ruidoso called Alto Hombre Gordito. It's wonderful. What it lacks in high class it makes up for in utter charm. This was my second stay there and it was even better than the first. We managed to book the last cabin at the end and felt truly away from it all.

My best friend cooked up a storm (the room had a full kitchen stocked with pots, pans and dishes). And the rellenos were truly divine.

Saturday was spent at Lincoln at the festival celebrating (if that's the right word) the Lincoln County War and the escape of Billy the Kid (immortalized, of course, in the movie Young Guns).

It was rained like a mutha and when not raining, humid as anything, so it was a tough day. Nothing that a little funnel cake didn't fix, however.

On the way back to our cabin we checked out the abandoned Fort Stanton and the Merchant Marine cemetary nearby. I'd never seen either or knew they were there, and neither had my friend, so it was awesome to explore a part of New Mexico we'd never seen.

That evening was spent seeing the Bellamy Brothers in concert at the Ruidoso Downs. I'd never been to the Downs before, so it was fun to see the venerable old track. It's probably seen better days, but all things considered, it was in good shape. The concert was great (I’m probably showing my age being such a fan of the Bellamys). My best good friend and I sang along to all the songs (we knew 'em all by heart). The Bellamys opened the show by saying "we're going to play some old songs....then again, all we have are old songs". Again, it was humid as anything, and I worked up a sweat dancing in my seat, but it was a great time!

Sunday was a leisurely drive back to Las Cruces, many hugs and kisses on my two beautiful goddaughters (they both got an iPod shuffle so I'm the BEST Nina in the history of Ninas...at least in their minds for a minute! :) ), then back to the El Paso airport to get my heiny home.

I passed through the Albuquerque airport and in the layover was able to spend stupid money at the store there affiliated with Casa de Avila. I have always loved their store in Old Town. They have amazing jewelry, a bit expensive, but it's the real (and good) stuff. A few years back when my dad was sick and I was flying in and out of Albuquerque quite a bit, I managed to treat myself to some beautiful pieces there. They didn't disappoint this time, I got some unique stuff and went home broker and happier than when I'd landed.

Was happy to return to the Bay Area, get tight squeezes from my man, and sleep in my own bed.

I'm still sick, but have less sinus pressure now after a course of antibiotics. Let me tell you, a sinus infection at cruising altitude is a new kind of pain. Torture.

But I'm back. Work still sucks, but I'm a little bit happier. I found something I'd lost while back in New Mexico. I got to remember, "where I come from" and got right again. It was a great trip, I'm so glad I went. Tonic for a tortured soul.......