Rob and Amanda Passing Through Santa Fe

We're missing Bubonicon this year, fortunately our friends Rob and Amanda were able to spend the day here on their way to the con. Rob's always a gracious host when we're in Austin, good to be able to turn the tables.

Fourteen hours straight through, they arrived early enough last night for dinner out at Blue Corn. I was off today, ready to show them the sights. When Amanda requested a walk up the mountains … well, that wasn't in my plans. I mean, I'd considered a day at Tent Rocks, but figured we'd go to museums, the Plaza, the Railyard, galleries. Y'know, Santa Fe. Well, sure, Aspen Vista's accessible and of a flexible length.

And we did wind up downtown later in the afternoon, for a good break and nice conversation at San Francisco, a quick run through the Palace of the Governors and History Museum, a pass around and beyond the Plaza.



But that couple hours out on Aspen Vista. It was rainy last night, and the clouds actually lingered into the morning. Uncharacteristically overcast and breezy starting out; that passed soon enough, but it was refreshing. Wandering along at our own paces, Amanda ranging out ahead, Rob examining the flora and (insect) fauna. Visiting and talking and joking. The fluctuation in light and temperature, but still the clear mountain air. Pushing on to that rock to stop and sit and look over the horizon. A more quiet descent. In a way, Santa Fe.


Update: for the Facebook-inclined, Amanda's photos are posted.

Vote for my bunnies!

So, Spoonflower, yes? Fabric of the week contest, remember? It's been a while since I did one of these. This time, it's cut-and sew stuffed toys!

My entry is a quartet of business suit-fabric-bodied bunnies, although only the pinstripe-grey-with-green-highlights version shows on the contest page. It's called (imaginatively) Business Suit Bunnies. Please vote for me — voting is open through Wednesday, August 31.

All the designs appear in random order, so you'll probably have to page through a few screens (there are 9 total) before seeing mine. You can vote for as many or as few designs as you like (not just mine) by clicking on the images you like best. A green box will appear around the design(s) you select for voting. You submit all your votes on the last page. Any and all votes are appreciated!

UPDATE: These bunnies go to eleven! (Missed the top ten by 52 votes... dang!) Thanks to everyone who voted!

Own Tomatoes

Dinner tonight featured a couple of the Paul Robesons that Mon's been growing in our garden this year. Plenty of Sungolds, but shaping up to be a half-dozen or so of the Robesons.



Accompanied by Prosciutto-wrapped shrimp. Appropriate for watching the finale of Master Chef.

Update: some more garden news.

Day 336: A Close Call

Yesterday, actually kind of gray and cool and rainy. The thunderstorms started 'round 1:00 and, while they'd pretty much passed by evening walk time, Cheyenne emerged from hiding but was still having none of that.

Later, as she was finishing dinner leftovers, I got ready for her pre-bedtime outing. A quick pan with the flashlight … revealed a black and white furry thing in the far corner. By then, Cheyenne was outside — and, to her credit, stopped next to me when I told her "wait!"

My eyes still on the glowing eyes out in the yard, I herded her back to the door. Where she had no interest in going in; I had no interest arguing with her and even less in cleaning up after a skunking, so just carried her back in. She was not pleased with that.

With some urging, we got her out on a walk instead but, due to either the thunder-like sound of a passing plane or just general irritation with us, she cut it short and hurried home.

Sunday Afternoon Naps

A bunch of stuff this past weekend, trying to get to a post about it.

Actual Rain

Likely the last night of what's been some occasional, but sometimes pretty good, showers. It was enough, however, to send the dog between the chairs in the library.