going to new mexico

“… well knuckled up with good strong claws.”

2012-01-29T14:30:00.004-07:00

Afternoon of Words

2012-01-22T21:26:00.020-07:00

The New Mexico History Museum, as a part of the spectacular St. John's Bible exhibit, presented Barry Moser and John Benson in a talk and demonstration today.

I recognized Moser — as you probably will too, if you click that link — kind of knowing and recognizing his work, but not really that knowledgable about it. Benson, a stonecarver … I think I was confusing with someone else.

After the usual introductions, two short movies were played — Moser's, an excerpt from a documentary about his Caxton Bible; Benson's, one that "focused on the work" from the late '70s. The former was a tight overview, actually answering a lot of the questions that pop into your head about something like that. The latter … was kind of hypnotic, with the attention paid to the chiseling of letters out of stone. It looked easy.

Then, in an experiment, they each then demonstrated their skills for the crowd. And proved themselves to be terrific performers, engaging, wry, humorous, inspiring masters of their craft.

Truly an experience to see people so thoroughly devoted to their art.

Also, both New Englanders. Benson, by birth, and totally informed by growing up studying the tombstones of Newport (which looked so much like those of my hometown). Moser, by way of a Baptist Southern upbringing, in his documentary, mentioned finishing having grinders with a friend.

Monica was working, making fonts to upload to YourFonts for their National Handwriting Day promotion. Which, given the inspiration I got today, I need to get going on myself.

I Don't Want to Say "Only in Santa Fe," But …

2012-01-20T19:49:00.009-07:00

… at the main branch of the library downtown today, I'd just paid 25¢ to park (no, that's not the "only in Santa Fe" part … it's in a central location in a busy spot, but, yes, how many other major city public libraries charge for parking, even a token amount?), and returned to my car to place the ticket and get my bag.

Entering the building, there were two women at the parking kiosk. As I passed, one turned to me and asked, "would you like a bookmark?" She held out a selection of about 6 for me.

I liked the red beret.

Recent Activities

2012-01-18T20:27:00.003-07:00

I spent another great afternoon with James, working up some letterpress prints. Plan is to fire up an Etsy store with this and some more of his work soon.

Mon was with Stacy taping another Mouth of Wonder (spotlight on: waffles!). That's on this Saturday at 10:30 MST, or catch it on the web site or iTunes.

From the Collection

2012-01-15T16:41:00.001-07:00

On display now at the Wethersfield Historical Society, a couple pieces my grandfather made in the "Wethersfield Woodworking" exhibit.

AAAV (Another Artist Alley Video)

2012-01-15T11:01:00.007-07:00

I spent Friday at the 7000 BC table at the Albuquerque Comic Con, in its new location south of the city at Hard Rock Casino. It was slow, as most Fridays are, so I again set the camera to "continuous" and ran through Artist Alley.

Photos at Flickr; give it a couple days, I hope to add some from Pete, ones that don't look like they were photographed through fog (what's up with that?).

learning Google Sketchup

2012-01-07T20:43:00.002-07:00

I thought I'd try to visualize what it would look like to get rid of our china cabinet and add some built-in (storage) seating in its place.

Now all I need is a banco, some expensive Eames chairs, a swanky drum pendant light, a new rug, and a Shaker table. Easy peasy!

Trying to Wake the Dog on a Winter's Morning

2012-01-04T17:58:00.005-07:00

Not visible in the video: teeth.

Woody Guthrie’s 1942 new year’s resolutions

2011-12-31T14:14:00.001-07:00

[click for larger]

work more and better
work by a schedule
wash teeth if any
shave
take bath
eat good – fruit – vegetables – milk
drink very scant if any
write a song a day
wear clean clothes – look good
shine shoes
change socks
change bed clothes often
read lots of good books
listen to radio a lot
learn people better
keep rancho clean
don’t get lonesome
stay glad
keep hoping machine running
dream good
bank all extra money
save dough
have company but don’t waste time
send Mary and kids money
play and sing good
dance better
help win war – beat fascism
love Mama
love Papa
love Pete
love everybody
make up your mind
wake up and fight

Happy 2012 everyone!

White Pre-Christmas

2011-12-23T15:43:00.010-07:00

Awoke this morning to about 4" of snow this morning, the nice powdery stuff this time. Shoveling and clearing the cars, then a sniff-ful walk across the river with the dog.

Afternoon at the museums downtown with M+D, targeting the Drake and St. John's Bible exhibits.

Temperature's dropping already, but snow's been melting away all day. And now a bumper sticker spotted on the way home has us wondering, "what, indeed?"

I probably ...

2011-12-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

... should call it something interior-decorator-ey like a "winter woodland" wreath.

You know, instead of calling it the "Siberian-elm-branches-I-pulled-out-of-the-pile-of-dead-brush-piled-up-next-to-the-shed-and-wired-up-into-a-ghetto-fabulous-wreath" wreath.

kiffles!

2011-12-22T20:41:00.003-07:00

So, so many kiffles. Dried cherry filling this year.

Gotcha Day!

2011-12-20T10:04:00.002-07:00

And yesterday, it was almost 50°

2011-12-19T10:38:00.003-07:00

And it thundered some in the middle of the night. Before bringing on the snow that's falling — and looks to be continuing to fall through tomorrow. Looks like M+D might catch a break driving up from Abq on Wednesday, but looking at more snow at the end of the week.

Big Adventure

2011-12-14T21:26:00.008-07:00

Our friend Kevin bought out Santa Fe's only comic shop at the beginning of September. He'd been a part owner of its predecessor and, after more than a year-and-a-half, is its sole owner. He began referring to the whole process as his big adventure, and one of the kids at the regular Magic gathering suggested that as name.

Danny designed the logo and we've been working with them to put it all together. A couple weeks later, Pronto was at the shop on a rainy, gray, windy Monday to install the sign. While the name was in question, Kevin just put up banner that said "COMICS" in big red; turns out, that brought in more people than anything the shop had ever done. The new logo was driven by that lesson.

It's been a real kick to get to work with Kevin on Big Adventure Comics, putting together the sign, business cards, ads — to watch his dream come together and be a part of it. Being an insider at the comic shop, well, that's just bonus.

Morning Walk Across the River

2011-12-04T10:30:00.005-07:00

The inch of snow that was on the ground yesterday morning pretty much melted over the course of the day. This is the remains of last night, which fell just about from the time we left town to go down La Bajada to friends' in Pena Blanca 'til the time we made our way home on the snow-packed roads.

Not too bad out in the sun. Tonight's calling for an unacceptable low of around 16° and it's not really supposed to warm up during Monday. And maybe up to 8" more.

Another Thanksgiving Dinner That Couldn't Be Beat

2011-11-25T10:38:00.012-07:00

At Stacy + Jim's for dinner last night, along with Bernice and friends and dogs. Way late, having too much fun.

No chance of a hike today; snowing big flakes (though not sticking), cold, gray, miserable. And so the last of the leaves will sit, wet and cold, for at least another week as well. We'll emerge from the house in a couple hours to go tape the Mouth of Wonder Breakfast for Dinner Extravaganza,* to be broadcast ~~on the 4th~~ Saturday. With any luck, the material for this year's Rula calendar will have arrived by the time we leave.

And speaking of with any luck — there may actually be a new Raised By Squirrels posted by the end of the weekend.

* Preview: frittata; chile cheese waffles; cheesy grits with eggs; monte cristo sandwich

Update: it's on Saturday the 26th — KSFR.org at 10:30 MST, or you can find Mouth of Wonder at iTunes.

Update to the update: Now available at the MOW site.

Pixies!

2011-11-22T22:23:00.002-07:00

Whoa. Last Wednesday already, The Pixies were in town as part of their Lost Cities Tour. Andy tipped me months ago; there was panic with an announcement of an immediate sellout, but we were able to get some of the last tickets a couple weeks later for us and Stacy and Jim.

So the deal was that it's the end of their Doolittle tour (the one that Dori saw last year), a live performance of the 20-year-old (!) album. For me, it's pretty much Surfer Rosa or nothing, but, hey, sure to be a good show.

We lingered over dinner at our place, then to the Convention Center, where we caught the end of The Imaginary Cities' quite-good set. Some milling about, and then the house lights dimmed. And Un Chien Andalou came up on the video screen. And then it went out. Started again. And then the Pixies came out on stage.

Kicked off with a couple B-sides — that they even admitted they didn't remember the A-sides they went to — and then launched into the album. Patter was, safe to say, at a minimum; Kim was in charge of addressing the crowd and, but for recurring commentary about the altitude, was pretty general.

But the sound was great. The way Frank and Kim's vocals played off each other has certainly lost none of its strength over the years, and was even better live. Best was, though, the wall of sound that the group produced, tight rhythm that you felt in your bones. Couldn't help but feel the energy.

With two encores, including a few Surfer Rosa tunes, wrapped up by 10:30.

Update: photos from closer to the stage at Santa Fe Reporter.

latest Spoonflower contest!

2011-11-11T16:50:00.001-07:00

So, Spoonflower, yes? Fabric of the week contest, remember? It's calendar towel time again!

My entry is called Mod Vine. Please vote for me — voting is open through Wednesday, November 16!

All the designs appear in random order, so you'll probably have to page through a few screens (there are 10 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!

Spy's Guide to Santa Fe

2011-11-10T22:27:00.008-07:00

Santa Fe. Spies. Pretty much perfect fit for me. William Held kicked off the Tony Hillerman Writers Conference with a talk on his Spy's Guide to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Hearing him, though … sure I'm looking forward to the cloak and dagger in the book, but it sounds like his focus is on the events that nobody pays attention that shape the way we live. Perfect fit.

So, after years of seeing it, I'm doing the conference. His talk and several names I recognize, and maybe bit more of a focus on the thriller and espionage, got me to register months ago. More later.

D&D Night

2011-11-08T15:56:00.013-07:00

Now that Kevin's running the shop, the long-discussed D&D night finally came together yesterday. Yes. Dungeons & Dragons. At Big Adventure Comics. Maybe the first of a weekly event. It doesn't get much more geeky than that.

Above, our band of adventurers; Steve's a great DM, very dry sense of humor; the one I threw trying to be stealthy, which resulted in my flare exploding.

Really, that "nerdy" tag down there's pretty redundant, isn't it?

Inaugural Sunday Houndie Walk, 2011 Edition

2011-11-06T17:10:00.004-07:00

Daylight Savings means Sunday Houndie Walk season. And she knew it.

A bit of snow up in the mountains there.

A Little Snow ...

2011-11-06T11:19:00.006-07:00

... yesterday morning. Would've been a much funnier photo about ten minutes earlier, when there was an actual quantity of snow on her head. Barely anything accumulated and was soon gone.

Past month's brought a bunch of sudden change, so we're making do. Will see about getting back to some regular posting, maybe even that vacation post that's in draft. You can also check out how the garden turned out.

Andy In Town

2011-10-17T12:46:00.005-06:00

Come and gone on his annual pass through town, but we did get out on, as it turned out, a pretty warm day to Tent Rocks.

Some shakeups here (and not just the earthquake); will be trying to get back on track.

ABQ Zine Fest and Beyond

2011-10-02T12:44:00.030-06:00

Lessee, last weekend there was the AIGA workshop on Saturday morning, basically a photographic scavenger hunt. A nice morning to be out walking; afternoon, crafts project, making some bulletin boards. Sunday, chores, before the dog park and Koo Koo's visit.

Yesterday, we headed to the Harwood in Albuquerque for the first ABQ Zine Fest.

A whole room full of zine producers and crafts makers with their wares. And us, along with Pete, with a table of comics from 7000 BC. Wasn't a huge crowd, but it was an awfully good time. In large part, because of the Zine Olympics.

Not quite sure what to expect, we sat out of the first event, the Speed Stapling. But then Mon swept in to tie for first in the Precision Folding. And then I took third in the individual and we took third in the team Cover Reversal*. Yep.

Nice lunch from the Good Food Eat Here truck. Fun, fast afternoon. Ducked over to check on the progress at 24 Hour Comics Day, at the Media Arts Collaborative Charter School. Only a few hours in, but was busy and looking good.

You can follow along, hour-by-hour, at Chuck's liveblog of the Albuquerque event. More photos from the Zine Fest here, 24 Hour Comics Day here.

Mon's outside working on the chair project; a beautiful fall day, sunny but a little cool. Trying to figure out something that's productive and outdoors, but doesn't involve clearing leaves or dealing with all the weeds that are proliferating. And suppose I should do something about posting those vacation photos …

* Sure, in these events, there were only four competitors/teams. But still.

The Good News Is

2011-09-29T20:47:00.006-06:00

There's a new donut shop in town, and it's by the Chocolatesmith folks. We stopped by Whoo's Donuts for their open house and sampled the bacon/chile/eclair treat, and now we've got a couple others waiting for dessert.

I miss real donuts. When last I was in Connecticut, turns out all the old bakeries are gone.

Andy, we'll be stopping by here at least once.

A Visit

2011-09-26T21:32:00.005-06:00

From Koo Koo, with her people Stacy and Jim. She's settling in well in her new home, and last night, settled into ours for a visit. By this time, our dog had just wandered off to another room to sleep.

1209 Miles, 843 Photos

2011-09-17T17:46:00.003-06:00

Back home, by way of Four Corners (above).

Chippy Messing Up Our Timed Photo

2011-09-14T16:08:00.004-06:00

Though we did finally get it. And then one at the park sign on the way out, just before the real downpour started.

In Arches

2011-09-13T13:33:00.004-06:00

In Moab right now, but were in Arches National Park this morning. Started out in Durango on Saturday, we'll be here another day and then further south into Utah.

Signs of Autumn:

2011-09-05T13:37:00.032-06:00

1. Cool enough to take the dog on a hike …

Dropped from the weeks of near-record heat to pretty cool yesterday. Mostly because of the clouds that, luckily. held their rain until we got home.

2. where the aspens are turning

The first sign of color up in the mountains.

3. A new birthday tshirt from Monica

She did the drawing this time, too.

4. Indian Market

A few weeks back; I biked over to catch the last hours.

5. Wildflowers blooming

And blocking the path to the back yard.

6. Jamie's annual gallery show

Traditional Jamie In Front Of His Painting portrait here.

7. Asking for Zozobra donations

You saw this, right?

8. Hummingbirds passing through

Not at our house. We haven't refilled the feeder since putting it out over a month ago. This is at Jim + Stacy's.

9. The arrival of the summer monsoons

Wait, what? The last month's more than quadrupled our annual rainfall. Still not even halfway to where we should be.

10. Bubonicon

Which we skipped this year, but Pete took pictures.

11. Anniversary evening out

Started with Chris lighting Monica's drink on fire.

12. Doing one giant post wrapping up the past weeks' worth of activities.

it's that time again...

2011-09-03T09:28:00.000-06:00

Anyone who wants to send us any gloom to have burned at Zozobra, get that stuff in the mail to us asap! The burninating is September 8!

Rob and Amanda Passing Through Santa Fe

2011-08-25T22:23:00.006-06:00

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!

2011-08-25T08:14:00.002-06:00

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

2011-08-16T22:24:00.009-06:00

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

2011-08-14T09:25:00.006-06:00

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

2011-08-10T22:38:00.004-06:00

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

Actual Rain

2011-08-05T22:25:00.003-06:00

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.

Vintage Cars on the Plaza, 2011

2011-07-23T11:24:00.009-06:00

Among the reasons I got home late last night was Santa Fe Vintage Car Club's annual Cruise Night on the Plaza.

Because I was already late, only time for another one of those running continuous photo movies. Anyone else as amused as I am by these?

Favorites include the Saab Sonnet, the (not really vintage) Aston DB9, and that Charger again.

The Due Return

2011-07-21T20:50:00.001-06:00

Saturday — finally, would've missed it if the exhibit hadn't gotten extended — to the The Due Return, a production of the local arts collective Meow Wolf at the Muñoz Waxman Gallery.

Open 'til 10:00! Madness! What's open 'til 10:00 in Santa Fe?

"An inter-dimensional ship has settled on an alien landscape. Once a seafaring vessel, it now bares [sic] the marks of its previous voyages; a hodgepodge of transport devices and retro-fitted technologies."

With a pitch that sounds like it could be a booth at Comic-Con and a having dominated a first-of-its-kind fundraiser, I was dubious. The phrase "self-indulgent" came to mind, and this is from a guy who loses money printing his own comics about flying spies.

There was due to be a performance that evening, but we weren't necessarily planning around that. Really, had no idea what to expect.

It defies easy explanation. It's boat, really. I mean, it's not whole, it can't float, but there's a two-level boat built in this space. You can walk into it, climb up and down and explore its various rooms. And it's just the backdrop for the display of all kinds of artifacts. Set in a space with adobe caves constructed around, and odd creatures surrounding.

When we arrived 'round 8:00, Round Mountain had already started their performance. The duo's music gave us a Great Big Sea meets Devotchka kind of vibe and was a great accompaniment to exploring the nooks and crannies of the ship. On the top deck, there was quite a crowd.

We hung out there for more than an hour, stopping to listen to the band, back down to wander through the ship and the rest of the installation. To take photos.

I counted well over 100 people there. Plenty of of all ages listening to the band, art patrons also not knowing what to expect, teenagers hanging out (looking to me like that's how they'd been spending their summer nights, at the gallery), kids scrambling all over the boat, high school friends catching up. The Due Return is an accomplishment, even more impressive for the crowd and the atmosphere it creates.

Worst-Dressed?

2011-07-17T09:29:00.031-06:00

Photo by Gary from their recent visit; you be the judge if this relates to the post's title at all

This past week, Santa Fe was named the 16th worst-dressed city in America by GQ. Predictably, this being New Mexico, the news has been greeted … well, by not much, really. Mostly I'm just offended that the writeups aren't funnier and the photos rarely illustrate the point.

Santa Fe Style is a cliché, and playing off cities' stereotypes is easy and harmless. Sure, we got more cowboy boots and hats, bolo ties, long flowy outfits, turquoise, and big silver belts than most, but from where I sit, it's mostly kind of gear-y like Boulder, as well as plenty of dudes in brown flip-flops. Near my office, a good number of gray suits, and lots of tourists to skew the results. Last night at an art event* — on the lookout, thinking about this post — most of what was worn really could have been found anywhere; the teens, especially.

But at least we're not Boston.

* Working on that post next

The Post-Dinner Ritual

2011-07-16T09:40:00.009-06:00

For some reason, it's not as important after breakfast. Hey, there hasn't been a dog post in, like, forever.

New Shelves, Completed

2011-07-10T15:54:00.015-06:00

Since Mon was getting some good photos for Jim's Web site, here are the finished shelves:

Click for much larger; seemed a shame to waste all that high-res Photoshop work.

And for the truly ~~bored~~ ~~curious~~ Raph, here's how it's arranged; left to right, top to bottom:

McSweeneys 4, 6, 7, 10, 13–19 (2 is on the signed shelf; unsure what happened to the rest); wedding pottery from Kevin and Amy, all relocated from the living room, making space for a couple Lydias
painting Joey gave us as thanks for a drafting table years ago
Emigre 16–32
gardening books; tin of seeds
home decorating/repair books
assorted fiction
turned wood bowl from Ange + Gary; two pottery bowls made by my grandfather
the looted art library; reproduction Eastern European icon
assorted travel books; Drac-in-a-Box
to-read shelf
trade paperbacks
trade paperbacks
trade paperbacks
trade paperbacks
trade paperbacks
trade paperbacks with room for expansion; Spinney and Critter
trade paperbacks
oversized comics
paperback books, mostly guilty pleasures

It's best not to look too closely at what's behind the doors, but at least one is collectible magazines.

Another view here; and since she was doing all the staging and rephotographing, a new one of the table Jim made a couple years back

Shakes on a Train!

2011-07-09T18:47:00.013-06:00

Featuring New Glasses!

(Shown here in their not-transitioned, indoor mode).

Hopped the train with Danny to the 7000 BC meeting in Albuquerque, on one of its last days of weekend service.

And on the way back — got ourselves into the car behind the engine for Shakespeare on the Rail:

It started last year, but the schedule never worked for this; I didn't even check, thinking it wouldn't again, but Jeff pointed it out. Four love scenes from three plays (Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummers Night's Dream). About a half-hour, good fun watching the scenes unfold up and down the aisles and around the crowd.

2011-07-04T09:23:00.003-06:00

Yep. Squirrel starts fire at Los Alamos.

In all seriousness, we're grateful that the fire's progress has slowed and that residents are returning to Los Alamos. And there's still danger, especially to some historical sites, but I'm hopeful.

New Shelves …

2011-07-02T14:09:00.004-06:00

… being assembled right now.

The future home of all this. And probably more, since it looks like yet another bookshelf reorg will follow.

The First ACE

2011-07-01T14:56:00.002-06:00

Albuquerque had its own first major comic con this past weekend, the Albuquerque Comic Expo. Like most of the members of 7000 BC, we got our own table in Artist Alley. The group still had a booth on the main floor, and I figured it'd be best served as kind of an indie comic lounge to show off the work of our members and friends and direct attendees to our booth. Thanks to Jeff and his scenic design shop, it happened:

We arrived after 10:30 on Friday morning; Mon got to setting up the first ever Panel Press table, and I got to blowing up balloons. It was her idea to give yellow helium-filled balloons to those associated with 7000 BC (our local members, plus some out-of-town friends we've met along the way) to make them easier to find. It was all a mad blur there for a couple hours, but then we settled into our table between Jamie and guest artists Mitch and Bettie. We were along a row with a few members and some Coloradans we know, and across from Danny, Ryk, and Dale who had some long-awaited new releases.

As expected, a slow day. Got time to explore a bit, visit, figure out what we were doing and where the closest Subway was. The evening rolled around, and we found our way to a bit of a Drink and Draw at the newly renovated Hotel Andaluz. A fun time sketching, making fun of sketches, visiting and hearing publishing stories from Larry and Sharon. It got late, we hadn't eaten anything proper in quite some time, so decided to just duck over to the hotel restaurant (still seating at 10:00!). A late arrival to the party looked like he needed a meal, so we invited him along. And so passed a fascinating evening with Brady, hearing about his path through the Air Force, physics, and skeleton to independent publishing.

Stayed at one of the con hotels; up reasonably early but delayed at breakfast, but still there in plenty of time. Again with the balloons (learning the afternoon previous how quickly the helium dissipates) and making sure that Pete was well set with help at the booth, then back to our table for the day. But for a couple hours it never got busy, but there was mostly steady interest through the afternoon. Slowed down during the day, offering time to visit with Brian and some others at the booth.

As the day ended, I didn't want to be in charge of the whole group of members and friends, but also wanted to offer something to do. We went our separate ways to snack, then headed over to Anodyne, where gradually a group gathered. It was gratifying to see people meet and catch up, but at a certain point we needed to head on for dinner. Opted to return to the hotel, but here's the crazy thing: at 10:30, there were places still open. We forget what that's like here in Santa Fe, where after 9:00, you're down to just a couple options if you're lucky. And the streets were even teeming with activity! Madness.

Sunday, more balloons, and then underway. There was good (and repeat) traffic, our sales for the two days were about equal. Somewhere along the way, I realized that we'd never really been around for the end of a con (other than STAPLE!) because we had to travel out Sunday evening, so we were finally privy to the secret con closing activities.

Helped Jeff pack out some of the booth, but had to dash to get the houndie. On the drive, we first spotted that plume that's now been causing so much trouble. But last night — and no idea how much or if it helped — actual rain for almost 20 minutes.

The con? An awful lot of fun, always meeting new folks but getting to spend some time with friends. It was clear this was the city's first show like this, attendees clearly unprepared for what awaited them. But they're on for next year, and so are we.

As noted, more photos at Flickr; still trying to wrangle a few more out of other people.

Another Run Through Another Artist Alley

2011-06-28T17:23:00.006-06:00

Had too much fun last time, so tried it again this weekend at ACE; I think I actually went too fast. Photos from the con at 7000 BC's Flickr.

They help keep the mind off this.

Ugh, This Not Be Good

2011-06-26T22:26:00.008-06:00

The vision that greeted us returning from ACE in Albuquerque tonight. A new fire, compounding the difficult fire season we're already having.

Update almost immediately after posting: Ugh.

Comicpalooza 2011

2011-06-16T19:38:00.001-06:00

So, then, our trip to Comicpalooza in Houston Memorial Day weekend; almost a month later, and as our attention is turning to our appearance at ACE.

2:00 departure out of ABQ meant that we dropped the dog at Camp P__. and still had plenty of time. Quick two hours into HOU, almost a half-hour waiting for bags (free on Southwest, so three suitcases of books from 7000 BC), then to the hotel. Rob and Amanda were still on the road from Austin and it wasn't dinner time yet. At cons, have found it's valuable to learn what's in the neighborhood — so when the time comes to get a group out to dinner, or to finder a cheaper lunch venue, you're not completely lost.

Hotel's connected to the convention center, but still about a three-block walk to where the con was. Though there was supposed to be the option to load in, only saw a few frantic looking con staff around, and the big hall was still be cleared out of the previous exhibitors. Downstairs and out … into the 100° weather, with about 75% humidity. Forgotten what that's like. Walked a few blocks, scoped out the area — a downtown business district, also forgotten what that's like.

Back to await our friends' arrival at the bar seemed much more sensible. Where we noticed that all the other people in the hotel didn't really seem like the typical comic con crowd. Sure, all guys, but more fit, kind of athletic … and that's when we pieced together that logo on display, NAGVA was at the convention center, too. When Rob arrived, we figured out the way to a Vietnamese restaurant he'd been to last year, walked there for dinner and visiting.

Next morning, I was anxious; our info packet had dire warnings about being set up in time for the VIP entrance at the risk of losing table space. That hall we saw the previous night … wasn't much more cleared out. Found a con volunteer, himself looking for his badge, to show us that the big empty hall was where the roller derby and Quidditch would be, the dealers room was actually on the other side. Located our table … disturbingly over on the far side of things, quested to get our badges, got set up as the other dealers and eventually attendees found their way in.

The con was experimenting with a new layout; you could see the line of reasoning, the good intentions. The entry to the con started you in Artists' Alley, which was kind of a switchback of turns past the tables, ultimately depositing you at the entry to the booths and other exhibitors. Thing was, we were another turn past a big table and away from that entry; our position near the food concession meant we got some wandering by, but it wasn't a successful day. Good time visiting with Scott and Anthony, exhibiting at their first con. We'd been cautioned that Friday would be slow, and Saturday last year was huge, but I walked off that evening eyeing all the unoccupied tables.

The previous night, we'd located a likely candidate for a group dinner. These things, as they often do, grew as friends invited friends and next thing you know you're in charge of feeding a whole bunch you've never even met before. Though there was a wait, we got a table and setup that accommodated our group; even, kind of per Miss Manners, we managed to split up the people who all came together so we got to know the new folks we were dining with.

Next morning, tried out the nearby mall's food court; only one restaurant was open, but it had breakfast tacos. Again, we were too early at the con, but already talking to organizers about moving. It was clear that we were going to get passed by (the original intention was for gaming to be over in that corner, but it just wound up being cafeteria tables). Egged on and overly caffeinated, I got us into an open table.

Where we discovered it wasn't the location, it was us. No, actually, nobody in Artists' Alley was having a good time. I don't think the setup can entirely be blamed, there just wasn't buying happening — now the third con this year that, either from experience or anecdotally, was a dramatic dropoff from the previous. Dinner that evening, we just headed downtown, over by the Chron's presses with Charles and Karen, who we'd met at STAPLE. Found our way to a fun, outdoor spot for a second night of fish tacos and passed an enjoyable evening on, as it turns out, their anniversary.

By Sunday, there wasn't much incentive to get going early, but we had to pack up and check out. Lingered over breakfast with other exhibitors, and then to the table. Where the day passed … a few people who promised to return did, visited with our neighbor Mark, but it went slowly. Packed up, last goodbyes, out into the heat, and back to the airport.

The dog had apparently spent pretty much all the time outside except for eating. I think she was so tired, she couldn't object to returning. Monday was a slow, easy day for all of us. Didn't do much beyond posting the con photos at Flickr and making that still movie thing.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Since then, a lot of yardwork and house organizing and cleaning as well as starting grilling season. I was at a fencing clinic last Saturday as Monica was on Mouth of Wonder's pledge show. We headed out with Stacy, Jim, and Bernice to see the AlphaCats last show at the El Dorado.

And, pretty much as I'm posting this, Mon's parents and Oma should be arriving into Albuquerque. They'll be here Friday–Monday for their first visit to Santa Fe.

Any photos that have both of us: by Rob

Back In My Day, We Had To Paint Our Own Legos

2011-06-07T22:50:00.006-06:00

Stapled to a telephone pole in the neighborhood.

Note: click to enlarge photo.
Further note: I never painted my Legos.

Sure Looks Like The End Times

2011-06-06T20:05:00.007-06:00

Headed out about an hour ago for dog walk, since it was clouding up and cooling off. And so we were outside to watch the wildfire smoke sweep in, gradually blocking out the sun, finally obscuring the mountains.

"One Trusted with Private or Secret Matters"

2011-06-04T16:17:00.026-06:00

The title Administrative Assistant (or Personal Assistant, I hear more working with Europe), now much more in fashion than Secretary. There's baggage that goes with the term — but its origin as one who is entrusted with keeping secrets (post's title from Dictionary.com) has a noble heritage. Jefferson was secretary of state; that's good enough for me to be secretary of our comic nonprofit.

More than a decade ago, my grandparents had the family claim the household items we wanted for when the time came. I'd already taken some photos, some arts and crafts they made, put my name on a few more, but there was only one piece of furniture that I wanted:

The secretary had always sat in the living room. Grandpa built it in 1947. Its trip to Santa Fe last month did not go well; the accompanying chair (at the left, above) sustained some damage, but a local furniture restorer was able to repair it seamlessly.

For now, it resides in the spare room, also in a bit of flux. When I got it into the house, I just started opening and closing all the drawers, looking in the little cubby holes designed for pens and pencils and stamps and letter openers and checkbooks and whatnot. It dates from a time when your office was a corner of whatever room you could fit in; but now, we've got whole room with a sprawling desk, file cabinets and bookshelves. I use maybe one check a month, bills don't get mailed. The laptop could sit on top, probably fit on the open desktop, but any co-worker can attest how hard I hit the keyboard.

I was showing it off to the furniture restorer, who just kept going on about the craftsmanship, what great shape it's in (seriously, it was like Antiques Roadshow), how he wanted to shake Grandpa's hand. Just oil and take care of it, and it would outlast us all — it's the kind of piece that becomes an antique.

There's a separate bookshelf unit for the top that I'm admittedly conflicted about. We don't need shelves there. It's very, very Colonial. And, really, it changes the whole nature of the piece; I enjoy the compactness of it, its dimensions without the shelves. Originally I had thought to repurpose the shelf unit — the way the wood from the coffee table I also wound up with was repurposed from a TV cabinet. But after the restorer's comments, I don't know if I should break up the set.

I oiled it today, moved it to its location for the foreseeable future. For now, the secretary is kind of awaiting its purpose. Some of the domestic office work may find its way there, or it may wind up being for guests. It's proven itself trustworthy, and somehow it'll find its way to handling private and secret matters again.

Cons Are Always Kind of a Blur

2011-05-30T12:02:00.014-06:00

Back from a weekend representing 7000 BC at Comicpalooza in Houston. Above, a quick run through Artists' Alley on Sunday afternoon, beginning with our friends Rob and Amanda and ending with our new buddies (and briefly, neighbors) the Clown Commandos.

More later. Photos already up at Flickr.

Much more bearable here than the 100°-ish temps with 70-some-odd-percent humidity, but shaping up to be too windy to grill tonight.

"René Descartes was a jackass."

2011-05-14T21:12:00.003-06:00

Wednesday night, went to a talk at Santa Fe Complex by Steven Kotler. We'd caught him on the Radio Café a while back talking about his book A Small Furry Prayer and again in advance of this. As it sounded like from his most recent appearance, this was still part of the book tour, but, as he noted that night, he presented all the stuff he hadn't been talking about.

More specifically, he focused on the cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary biology behind the approach taken at Rancho de Chihuahua,* the small-dog sanctuary he runs with his wife Joy. Can I sum up not having taken notes? Let's see. If you're not a dog person, this is going to be a particularly long post.

Old evidence points to the domestication of dogs around 14,000 years ago; later evidence says around 36,000. And then there's some newer findings that say 140,000 years. Meaning that we spent a lot of time evolving alongside the canids. That empathy that we feel defines our humanity? Actually, not really present among our primate relatives — but found in wolves. Were we learning from them as they found a way into our families and homes?

The title's quote comes from Kotler's idea that, 'round about 10,000 years ago when we became agrarian, we moved away from being equal with the natural world — something still found in primitive cultures — and started to define animals as "other," something we had dominion over and could control. Rationalizing why some animals were food and some were friends, why some plants were beneficial and some were weeds. Milllennia later, Descartes comes along and brings scientific legitimacy to the notion that animals are inferior because they can't think.

Do dogs have emotions like we do? Who can say? But, turns out, they've got pretty much the same powerful mix of neurochemicals that we do that drive our behavior. The things that make us feel a particular way, react to situations — and of particular interest to the Rancho — the things that our brains do to heal us, there's a lot in common. For damaged dogs, there's a lot to be said for the value of insane runs around the arroyos and cliffs with a pack:

The Five Dog Workout from Outside Magazine on Vimeo.

Am I paraphrasing and getting a lot of this wrong? Probably. But here's one of the thoughts that stuck with me: even if he's only partly right about our co-evolution of our two species … we came a long way by working as partners. "Bootstrapping" our way up together. In modern times, by redefining our relationship we've cut ourselves off from our potential. If we change the way we think about our dogs, return to the way we related for so long, what more could we both become?

Best believe Cheyenne to got sit up on the couch that night.

* I know, right? Chihuahuas? Apparently, after the Pitties and other "bully breeds," the most likely not to make it out of a shelter alive.

Updated to correct the specific type of ass that Descartes is, based on last night's reading in A Small Furry Prayer.

Bernice's 80th

2011-05-08T21:17:00.004-06:00

Geez, I hope we're not getting in trouble for revealing the number … last Sunday, we were at Bernice's 80th birthday party.

Stacy put out quite the spread, with breakfast nosh and a whole table of chocolate for dessert.

A good turnout of all the friends Bernice has made since moving to New Mexico; we're lucky to be counted among them.

The Joy of Popping Bubble Wrap Knows No Species

2011-04-27T19:35:00.004-06:00

$1864.25

2011-04-24T17:58:00.001-06:00

You may have noticed this post about our new car. What some of you may not know is that we got it because the Sentra is gone.

[Click on any photo for larger]

So, back in February I was coming home from work and a nice older woman — who, afterwards, said she "heard [my] horn, but didn't see [me]," — ran into me with her Mercedes SUV. Her fault, her insurance company agreed, and the damage to the driver-side front quarter panel around the wheel where she hit me cost more to fix than my car was worth. The Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest decided to total my 1991, 2-door, 5-speed manual transmission, Sentra XE for just under two thousand bucks.

As my co-worker Susan noted, I am weird: I have had one car my entire adult life so far. Where most people get a new car every few years, I have driven the same car for 20 years.



When I graduated from college in 1991, my parents bought me this car. Dad and I went on lots of test drives, of quite a few different makes and models. I remember driving Suzukis, Toyotas, but ever since Dad got a Datsun our family had driven Nissans. The doors on the Sentra sounded solid, not tinny, when closed. I liked the stick shift and the blue color. It came with cruise control and — unlike the Datsun (which I had driven in college) — air conditioning and a tape deck! Also, unlike the Datsun, it had no sunroof, no tachometer, and no folding back seats. Well, don't look a gift car in the mouth.



The first road trip I took with the Sentra was with Bram to Massachusetts, to visit Andy. We went to see Lollapalooza (its first year!) at Great Woods. Minor panic in the parking lot when we couldn't get the trunk to close: slam hard, bounced back without latching; close gently, wouldn't latch. My car trunk lid was Goldilocks.

I put a fair amount of miles on it, living in Phoenix, MD; working in Baltimore and then later Owings Mills, MD; weekends with Bram in Arlington, VA. The weekend trip was about 75 miles each way. Friday nights on the way to Arlington, depending on traffic it could take anywhere from an hour and a half to more than three hours. One trip down, in a snowstorm, was the most harrowing I ever had: at one point I was sure I was going to be rear-ended into the stopped traffic in front of me. On Sunday nights, coming home, I had it down to 1 hour, 10 minutes. I remember listening to a lot of Nine Inch Nails.

Once I'd moved down to Virginia, however, I took the Metro to work. For almost 10 years, it was primarily used for weekend errands. There was the one Saturday morning when Bram and I headed out to get breakfast, and the car wouldn't move — the front, passenger-side wheel had been stolen. I had to tell the cops that it could have been taken anytime during the previous week.

There were other mishaps. Like the time I rear-ended a guy (driving his boss' car) on Wisconsin Avenue, as I was heading back to Georgetown from a job interview in Bethesda. In stop-and-go traffic, I was distracted, looking some old neon signage and didn't stop in time. Or the dent in the front bumper I got from hitting the corner of a brick building (tried to make that turn, didn't quite make it). The scraped-up back bumper from the office-supply-store parking lot, where I learned: it was still my fault, because I was backing out of a parking space. Even though the other guy was going way too fast.

After about 10 years, the paint started peeling. Teh intarwebs told me that 1991 was a bad year for Nissan clear-coat: it broke down in UV light. You know, sunlight. My never-garaged car was starting to rust. So I bought some masking tape, a small roller, and a couple cans of light blue Rustoleum paint. Yes, I painted my car. The roller gave it a kind of funky, hammered-metal look. After a few years in the New Mexico sun, it had started to peel again.



When we moved to New Mexico, I wasn't sure my car could make the 2000-plus miles from Arlington to Santa Fe. So we drove Bram's VW Golf and had the Sentra shipped out. We picked it up in Albuquerque and I drove it back to Santa Fe. Except for one surreptitious trip to Albuquerque to pick up a surprise Christmas gift, and one trip to Ojo Caliente, that car never left Santa Fe. I just didn't feel safe in it at highway speeds anymore.

That doesn't mean it wasn't reliable. It always started and did plenty of schlepping around town. Got me to work every day, ran errands, carried deliveries of large-scale graphics from vendors to museums for my job. Having a 2-door sedan without rear folding seats made it fun to get other things in there as well. Like the time I bought eight bales of straw to make sides for our compost pile. The guys at the Feed Bin took one look at the Sentra and busted out laughing. At my direction, they crammed three bales in the trunk (left open), two in the back seat, and one in the front passenger seat. I had to go back for the other two (trunk). The inside of the car was at least three inches deep in straw by the time I got everything unloaded.

After the accident, I had to go to an auto body shop to get an estimate for the insurance company. The guy there took photos using different colored, arrow-shaped, post-its to differentiate the accident damage from "existing damage." It was a little embarrassing. He also kept asking me things in disbelief like: "There's no keyless entry?" and "No airbags, huh?" and "It only has two doors?" Dude, it's a 20-year-old car! On entering my info into the computer, his co-worker said "It keeps coming up as 'classic'."



So, the insurance company totaled it. I was instructed to leave the keys in the glove box or under the floor mat. I pulled the plates, moved all the maps, the jumper cables, and my Official Nissan Equipment floor mats to the Vibe. Left the folder with all the repair records in the glove box with the keys. The salvage company came and got it while I was at work. When I came home, it was gone. Here's the last time I saw my car:

My plan was to drive it into the ground. My pipe dream (since moving to New Mexico, the land of 300-plus-days-a-year-of-sun) was to convert my Sentra into an electric car with solar panels on top and/or take it up to Española and have all the needed bodywork done and get a nice pearly, low-rider paint job.

Thank you Mom and Dad, I think I got your money's worth out of it.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T16:02:00.003-06:00

Mon's co-worker's kids raise chickens and sell the — really quite beautiful — eggs.

Well, it is the Herb Bed

2011-04-13T22:20:00.002-06:00

Shadow Fencing

2011-04-09T09:05:00.010-06:00

Jamey got a call at the beginning of the week from a student at the College of Art and Design looking to film a couple fencers. The goal is to show activities that aren't considered dance but share its qualities, shot as shadows; it'll all get edited together, possibly without music, and shown this summer at an exhibit at El Museo Cultural.

Last night, Suzi and I were the first performers there; after a trial and some readjustment, shot two one-minute segments, then were on our way. Looked like a man doing Tai Chi was on deck.

Watchin' Greyhound Videos

2011-04-07T21:26:00.000-06:00

Mary!

2011-04-03T11:45:00.008-06:00

It took a yoga teacher training class, but Mary finally made it out to Santa Fe.

Bad news is that it was a pretty full trip; we only had a little while with her last night — over to Secreto for drinks and light dinner, then home to meet the dog and visit more. Good news is that she's already making her plans for next time.

Grabbed some burritos this morning, headed to the dog park. Where it was very windy. Now … taxes! And yardwork! Yay!

Nathan's Book Premiere

2011-03-30T22:02:00.006-06:00

Our friend Nathan — a cartoonist who's been living in New Mexico for the past few months (with his sister, a former co-worker of Monica's, actually) — had a little event at True Believers tonight. In advance of its release at MoCCA, the latest installment of Power Out was available.

Good time hanging out with Kevin and some other comics folks at the shop, and then an entertaining crowd out afterward at dinner.

-=-=-=-=-

Returned Sunday night from a few days back in Connecticut. Lotta packing up of comics, among other things.

First Day of Spring …Last Sunday Houndie Walk of the Season?

2011-03-20T18:15:00.007-06:00

Though it's clouding up now, it was sunny and well above 60° when we headed out. Somebody's got to get re-acclimated to the heat and lose some winter fur, she was dragging even on our walk this morning.

I'll be away next Sunday in Connecticut; when time comes to resume that first weekend in April, may be too hot. But Sunday Houndie Walk's done its job for another season, getting us through to the longer days.

Day's End

2011-03-19T23:16:00.003-06:00

There was sleeping in, but it was a busy day of GCNM meet'n'greet, a crazy busy 7000 BC meeting, and a trip to the dog park at sunset.

This Year's Austin Trip

2011-03-13T19:06:00.037-06:00

Two major discoveries — well, not discoveries to a lot of people, and not really that new to me — made some differences this year: rolling and breakfast tacos:

When Liz was packing to depart, everything was rolled to go into the suitcase. I'd also read the NYT article that prompted it, but hadn't yet put into practice yet. I do love my packing cubes, all organize-y and stuff, but the rolling does make a huge difference.

And breakfast tacos. They were mentioned in response to a question our first year; I thought, "we've got breakfast burritos here, what's the big deal?" Last year, we tried some out, and then that article appeared with the guide and history. So this year, jumped full-on into the whole breakfast taco thing, and am a convert. Cheap, tasty, varied. We need that stuff here.

Easy departure out of SAF, arrival into AUS Friday night. The trip on I-35 during rush hour was enough of a novelty that the traffic wasn't a big ordeal. To the con hotel, a little time to rest, then out to dinner with Rob and his assistant Amanda. Since we were early for reservations and they needed to be caffeinated, the inevitable annual stop at Kick Butt, where there looked to be a school of rock kind of performance going on. Then a terrific dinner and visiting at Chez Zee.

Returned to Elsi's for Saturday's breakfast tacos in the gray windy morning, then to the newly renamed Marchesa for this year's STAPLE!. A slow start that never really picked up … was it the beautiful sunny day that turned out? The reduced urgency of a two-day event? Didn't matter, we had some great neighbors, so had plenty of fun.

On one side, Samax, who warned us he could talk. David, who we met last year in Phoenix, came with Charles and Karen, who brought their sense of humor. Behind us, Chet and Julie, new to the con scene, had beautiful products and plenty of stories. Rob and Amanda, a few tables down. Shopping for sequels of Guinea, P.I. and Buffalo Speedway.

Again, the con organized a dinner at Franklin Barbecue (apparently in that location for their last night). The espresso barbecue sauce was on the tables, the portions were generous, but it was awfully cold. Dinner with David, Charles, and Karen was rushed. I was smug because I was the only one who finished; next morning, I was seeing their wisdom.

Sunday began with … you should see where this is going … breakfast tacos. At one of Torchy's locations, at the trailer park near Rob's. Leisurely start to what turned out to be a leisurely kind of day at the show again. No matter, much fun still. Kabobs for dinner with Rob, graciously acting as tour guide one last time.

We took some time getting out Monday after going out for … wait for it … breakfast tacos at Rosie's Tamale House (I think my favorite of the trip). We were moving hotels so we could stay more downtown Austin. A planned culture outing, the only museum open in the cluster on/near the UT campus was The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Yes, it was Texas-sized — a lot of reading, but educational.

We'd splurged on a room at the Kimber Modern, one of the boutique hotels near South Congress. Figured it suited our sensibilities, and we'd try a night at this sort of thing (which, like most memes, is hitting the real cities and only barely filtering its way here).

Amazing. Noted subsequently by Carol, seems kind of sterile — but actually nicely integrated with nature, with some very human touches. Big, beautiful courtyard; by the time we returned from a stroll of SoCo, hung out there for their little reception. Out to Perla's for seafood dinner at the bar, just around the corner. Next morning, though there was a (dangerously healthy) breakfast provided, walked over to Jo's for … breakfast tacos. With a noon checkout, we just sat around the courtyard, reading and hanging out, 'til about 11:53.

Then to the Blanton, by way of lunch at Chi'Lantro. At the museum, their, we're assuming, art project of knitted tree cozies; certainly not needed on the warm morning.

Couple hours in the exhibits. We both loved the entryway, an installation that references Judd.

And over to the Henry Ransom Center to see their Gutenberg and collection of their writers' papers.

Time for cupcakes, then on the road out to Carol and Doug's. Doug's sister-in-law's there for a while in the process of moving; Saralee joined us for a wonderful dinner.

Next morning, we lingered, toured the winery that's coming together — by our visit next year, we should be barrel tasting their own wine — and meeting Juliet(te?), Carol's new horse (not the one that threw her) and visiting with Shine.

Quick trip out to Pedernales Falls, where there was really no water.

It's forbidden, but we figured pretty safe, to venture out into the middle of the river. Beautiful in its own way, only the riverbed exposed; an hour or so scrambling around the rocks. Errands and to Saralee's house.

Visiting there for a while, touring her new lovely home, then dinner with the family again. Time for some sitting and reading before bed. Next morning, we had a leisurely start with time for more visiting and walking around before the — again, thankfully uneventful — trip home. Where the dogsitter and the housesitter had things well under control.

Whew

2011-03-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Fortunately, the dog seems not to object.

Pedernales Falls

2011-03-11T20:20:00.002-07:00

Early afternoon, Wednesday. We're in the middle of the river. The falls were not falling.

We're also trying to reconstruct the proper pronunciation; per the locals, there's fewer syllables than you'd think.

Returned

2011-03-10T19:10:00.006-07:00

Back from our annual Austin trip — thought it was probably the least financially successful STAPLE outing yet, I think it was the most fun in our four years.

Amazingly, the dog was happy to see us and return home.

More later.

Annual Presidents' Day Hike

2011-02-21T20:06:00.014-07:00

This year, on a co-worker's recommendation (and with her directions), headed over to the Dale Ball South trail by the Audubon Center, via the store closing store at Borders.

Up and up and over: 29 to 30; a little jog up 32, but returned via the loop at 31; nothing level. Sunny, but still cool, but the terrain alternately had me in sun or shade, sweating or slipping on snow. Just shy of an hour-and-a-half.

The traditional posed portrait here; the treats got her in front of the camera, but not facing it.

Sunday Morning Walk in the River

2011-02-20T20:53:00.005-07:00

There's got to be some advantage to, on a gray, windy morning, having a riverbed without any actual water in it.

Sparkler in the Snow

2011-02-10T18:48:00.006-07:00

'Cause why not? You've got a couple sparklers you found in road some months back, and a little bit of snow left.

-=-=-=-=-

Also, I remember Marfa before it was a tshirt subject at Sundance. And before Wikipedia, for that matter.

Living With Art, Furthermore

2011-02-05T21:42:00.006-07:00

She's a much better fit in many ways, but there's still some discussion.

Part of the appeal is how she looks with the winter sunset; but here's a more straightforward shot.

Plus it has the dog.

Speaking of which; even though this is appealing, I'm not sure it's going to work to (or is even necessary to) clean our Greyhound.

Finally

2011-02-02T08:31:00.002-07:00

Though the 6–12" that the forecasts were calling to be on the ground by now is just about an inch of light powder.

This is the unacceptable part:

Souper Bowl Saturday

2011-01-30T13:20:00.034-07:00

Our first time at an annual event here in Santa Fe — the Souper Bowl, a fundraising competition for The Food Depot held before the big game. Jon and Susanne invited us along to check it out this year.

Day started with a quick stop by an estate sale, one that Monica and a coworker had visited the day before. The home of an architect, it was interesting to see; a few finds, but nothing too exciting.

Downtown to see the A Noble Legacy: The USS “New Mexico” exhibit that opened last weekend. A WWII-era battleship, long decommissioned, and a new submarine bear the state's name.

Two scale models are the centerpiece of the exhibit, with scale silhouettes down the hallway.

With some time still, visited with James in The Palace Print Shop. Catching up, finding out a new-ish addition is a platen press manufactured by Colt back in the ol' hometown (well, next to the ol' hometown).

The Souper Bowl was pretty huge, in the ballroom at the Convention Center.

Turned out to be manageable, but those little cups of soup add up pretty quickly; I don't think any one of us were able to sample all the offerings. There a little over an hour, running into friends, eating soup. So much soup. By the time we were voting, a general consensus had emerged on our favorites.

Walk back to the car took us by the Gaga for the Holidays display at Design Warehouse that I somehow missed these past months. First I've heard of them, so look forward to what Sojourn Collective does next.

Back to Jon and Susanne's. Where we made it through Zardoz.

Today? Working to get back into making comics this year, and that stop at the Print Shop was inspirational … but I've been getting jealous of the organization Raph's been bringing to his library. Maybe the bookshelves?

Top Comics of 2010

2011-01-25T21:55:00.003-07:00

(Cross-posted, later than ever, from Raised By Squirrels)

Self-imposed rules mandate that I can't repeat titles from last year (though I'm exploiting a loophole), so this list comes up a bit short. Partly because I'm sticking with ongoing series, but also because I did experiment some more and it didn't always work out. But I'm glad I tried, though my list again, winds up being appallingly mainstream and definitely escapist, overlooking plenty of the worthy, nonfiction and independent comics released this past year. In no order:

1. Planetary by Warren Ellis and John Cassady — been collecting this in trade paperback (emphasis on the paperback, which was the last format released; thanks, DC), so it's been six years since I read a new installment. The reimagination of more than a century of pulp/pop history has always been way too much fun to read, an insider's reinvention of the comic world we know. But reading the whole run in one sitting, I was struck with what an impressively human, small-scale story Ellis was putting together; my criticism of him has always been he sacrifices the character development for the big idea, but the sprawling narrative turns out to be only the backdrop in this series.

2. The Sixth Gun by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt — this supernatural Western that stands out in a genre that isn't as uncommon as it used to be. A lot of moving parts that come together smartly with a few unexpected twists on the unexpected twists. The characters' personalities are just hinted at, but believable, with room to grow and more stories to tell. Artist Brian Hurtt was one of the things that drew me to the Free Comic Book Day preview — which was the full first issue and, for reference to those wondering how to do FCBD, pulled me into the ongoing series.

3. Stumptown by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth — it's story of a down-and-out P.I. taking a case to get out of trouble, but running into more and getting beat around on the way while surrounded by colorful characters with their own baggage. What sounds like a familiar formula is given Rucka's deft interpretation, with a compelling leading character and a setting that brings depth to the tale. Matthew Southworth's art is a treat, beautiful loose brushwork that brings real personality to the characters and, as he details in his essays, meticulous research provides a sense of place that grounds the narrative.

4. Bulletproof Coffin by David Hine and Shaky Kane — a twisted, postmodern blend of fictional comic history and the real world that kind of defies easy explanation. It's all a big comics in-joke, but there's a story to carry through the self-reference that has you pulling for the main character through the punch line. Shaky Kane's art contributes a terrific feel to the story, evoking Kirby and others of the Golden Age, but with a strong, graphic line and approach.

5. Taskmaster by Fred Van Lente and Jefte Palo — this miniseries takes a C-list (though cool-looking) Marvel villain who, I gather, has gotten more exposure in the past few years and recasts him as a tragic player in Marvel continuity. Van Lente combines a spy thriller, a rewrite of history — and a healthy dose of slapstick, sophomoric humor in the way that he does so well — providing a wink and a nod to longtime fanboys while surreptitiously delivering a sympathetic story. Palo continues Marvel's welcome trend of loosening up, with gestural, expressive art that you wouldn't expect from the heavily rendered covers.

6. Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye 1: Hamster and Cheese by Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue — on last-minute impulse, as we were packing up at STAPLE, I ran across the aisle to buy this book from that table that'd been having way too much fun all day. And, at the last minute, had it inscribed to my goddaughter — a good thing, because she never would've gotten it otherwise. The tale of a guinea pig, reluctantly thrown into the role of investigator at a pet shop with a truly clueless owner, is a true all-ages treat. Not the kind that's for kids and throws in "clever" references to try and placate the adults, but the kind that's legitimately funny for smart readers of all ages.

7. Batman by Grant Morrison and assorted artists — last year, Batman & Robin was in the top ten; this year, I'm expanding to the whole suite of Batman work that Morrison's done over the past few years, starting with The Black Glove and using the 2010 release of Batman R.I.P. and The Return of Bruce Wayne as a way onto the list. He's spent the last years building a strange, obliquely told, interconnected, Silver Age-influenced tale that really provides a new way of looking at the mythos. It doesn't always succeed, but I do appreciate what Morrison is willing to leave out or leave unexplained, and the way he gives us a Batman that is no longer in Frank Miller's shadow.

-=-=-=-=-

Aw, really, it concluded in 2009?:

100 Bullets by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso — I did finally sit down and read over five days of vacation; simultaneously the best way to follow the whole story and an unrelenting dark look at humanity. No mistake, it's a difficult read — but what it accomplishes, I feel, almost places it above criticism. The high-concept premise alone would fuel a series in Azzarello's hands; but it's not really about those 100 bullets (except when it is), as we discover through a shifting series of shifty characters and an unpleasant look at the world they inhabit in story where nothing's wasted and everything comes together. As the sole artist over those 100 issues, Risso's influence on its success can't be overstated, a master at capturing personality and laying out a page.

-=-=-=-=-

Honorable Mention:

Ex Machina by Brian K. Vaughn and Tony Moore — I've followed this for years in the trades to its conclusion this year. Some of the arcs were formulaic, but it's always been a compelling take on the real-world superhero. Though I wasn't entirely satisfied with how it concluded, a trip worth taking.

Power Girl by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Amanda Conner — bringing back some fun to a character who's too often a punch line, with a well-crafted arc that brings up and ties together a range of stories and characters. Conner's facial expressions alone probably would've landed this in this list, with art that drives so much of what makes the narrative work.

The Brave and the Bold: The Lost Issues by Ross — even more inventive since it's become Marvel Two-in-One: The Lost issues, this blog delivers a daily teamup from an alternate comic world; Raph pointed me to it.

Fantasic Four by Jonathan Hickman and David Eaglesham — the imagination on display here is impressive, bringing a fresh take on the FF and, to me, a real reinterpretation of this classic group. The individual storylines though, aren't quite equal to the big ideas on display.

SHIELD by Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver — see above. A brilliant, big-picture reinvention of the Marvel Universe. The smaller scale isn't holding up as well, but the (re-) imagination at work here is amazing.

Frog and Owl by Molly Lawless — while we're waiting for her historical baseball comic, it's welcome to see her wry sensibilities on a regular basis.

This panel specifically (with an NSFW word) from Kate Sherron and Aaron Shoults-Wilson's 1322 Knob Lick Lane.

-=-=-=-=-

Haven't read, but feel confident it would've been on the list if I knew about the release in time:

Castle Waiting Volume 2 by Linda Medley

-=-=-=-=-

Recently discovered and now understand what the big deal is:

Jack Staff by Paul Grist

-=-=-=-=-=-

Special goodbye:

My Cage by Ed Power and Melissa DeJesus — unceremoniously and unforgivably dropped from syndication. This daily strip brought fresh humor and a smart viewpoint to a medium dominated by the same old. And, seriously, does anybody think that Charles Shultz would be happy that his strip is still running while ones like this are disposed of?

-=-=-=-=-=-

Current Thor miniseries that may, unexpectedly, find their way onto next year's list:

Ultimate Thor by Jonathan Hickman and Carlos Pacheco

Warriors Three by Bill Willingham and Neil Edwards

-=-=-=-=-=-

Still:

Chew by John Layman and Rob Guillory

Chris Sims' blogging, now at Comics Alliance

Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson

Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton

Midnight Fiction by Richard Krauss

Richard Stark's Parker series by Darwyn Cooke; special mention to the filler The Man With the Getaway Face, a beautiful piece of design which, if not for my no-repeat rule, probably would've made the best of for just being such a well-done object

Scalped by Jason Aaron and various artists

-=-=-=-=-=-

Where have you gone?:

Umbrella Academy by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá

One Ring to Rule Them All?

2011-01-23T15:16:00.004-07:00

The dog, who never does such things, started digging in what used to be the garden. This is what she unearthed.

No Camera

2011-01-19T18:18:00.005-07:00

Turning the corner on dog walk tonight and looking back up the street, the sliver of full moon was peeking over the top of the mountain. We watched for a minute, its ascent visible. And by the time we crossed the river and had a good view again, it was clear of the mountains and rising into the clouds.

Stuff This Weekend

2011-01-17T21:58:00.013-07:00

After a slow start, spent the Saturday taking the dog places.

The GCNM meet and greet, Petco for dog food, and then, 'cause we were needing a break, C.G. Higgins for a snack.

Knocked a few things off the to-do list, including arranging our trip to Austin for STAPLE and my trip to Connecticut at the end of March.

And then Sunday, we left her to staff the 7000 BC table at the Albuquerque Comic Con. A brand-new show, we had no idea what to expect — but we heard that Saturday's attendance exceeded everyone's expectations and that sales were amazing. Sunday was a bit slower, but still a terrific time, the crowd was great, a bunch of intersted folks, and we might've set a new sales record. Photos, mostly by Pete (like the one above), and mostly of the costumes that came by, at 7000 BC's Flickr stream.

Living With Art, Continued

2011-01-09T18:50:00.009-07:00

Everyone was agreed — even Jamie — that though the painting's great, it wasn't right for the room. It just took us a couple years to get around to looking for another one.

And then it wouldn't fit into the car, the one we both liked and want to try. But we couldn't let the wall go bare until we can get someone with a truck to transport the square painting we're looking at.

Note: above, obviously not hanging yet, and upside down.

New Year's

2010-12-31T17:38:00.002-07:00

Not pictured: dog.

Happy one, everybody.

The Tree, Christmas

2010-12-31T13:58:00.002-07:00

For years, I resisted getting a tree in our little apartment in Arlington. When we moved to the condo, Monica prevailed; the first year, decorating with P+T was, I think, the origin of the traditional Christmas Tree Decorating Trader Vic's Mai Tai.

But the decorating aesthetic, that was a point of contention — simple and elegant or a haphazard mishmash of the assorted ornaments acquired over the years? I was a proponent of the latter and, once Monica made it Connecticut for Christmas one year and experienced Joan and Ken's tree, she saw the light.

For as long as I can remember, they've had an impossibly large tree that dominates a corner of their house, pressing against the ceiling and spilling out into the room. And it's covered, covered with decades of ornaments of all shapes and sizes. It makes for a giant, warm, family Christmas display. Since then, our quest was for Joan-and-Ken-ness in our (definitely smaller) tree, and they've been happy to help by providing ornaments.

So, then, that first year we had Cheyenne, we finally left her alone after about a week. Just for an hour or so to go out to dinner. And when we returned, she'd pulled a bunch of ornaments off the tree and "collected" them. To this day, she still collects things, bringing them to her bed in the bedroom, giving them a few chews, and leaving them. When it's socks, or fabric, or those Envirosax (she loves those), it's not really a big deal. Glass ornaments, or ones with pins or made of wood — that's reason for worry. We undecorated the tree immediately that night.

And last year, wondering what to do, never really quite got around to making a decision about having a tree. This year, we did buy one and, wondering if we should pull out some ornaments, put up the lights and garland. And by then, it was late and the tree looked just fine and bright and safe for houndies. And so it stood this year, but for a couple of Joan and Ken's recent ornaments, a photo of their tree from last year, and a few birds Monica made, to watch over our celebrations.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

M+D arrived into Santa Fe Airport last Tuesday afternoon; Monica was off for a few days to bake last week, but I was working.

Christmas Eve we spent catching up on stuff and preparing for the coming days; after a visit to deliver cupcakes, M+D headed back out for the Farolito Walk. Ribs for dinner, then Jon and Susanne joined us to help with all the cookies that Monica baked and M brought.

Christmas day began with pastries from Clafoutis, presents mostly of the warm and fuzzy clothing variety (and a skunk fetish to commemorate the year), and a dog walk. Then over to Stacy and Jim's for Christmas dinner with Bernice. Who made Cheyenne a sweater!

A good time, wonderful dinner (the pheasant came to the table as breasts, no beaks in sight) and dessert, a lot of fun visiting. And some planning for our taping of Mouth of Wonder on Monday — which took some extra work, because it's an extra half-hour.

Sunday, we headed out for brunch at Tesuque Village Market and then, at J+J's suggestion, to Ohkay Owingeh for the Turtle Dance there. Been years since we'd gone to the dances and with actual activities on Christmas, made more sense to go the following day. Over an hour there, in the warm day, following the lines of dancers as they moved around the town square. Home to rest up for a soak, and then dinner.

Monday, we recorded the show — listen in to hear our favorite Web foodie sites, my interview with Stacy, and M and Stacy planning out brunch. You can tune in to 101.1 FM or catch the stream this Saturday, 10:00 MST.

Tuesday, we checked out the History Museum and spent some time with the amazing documents at Threads of Memory. Posole for dinner.

Wednesday, M+D got delayed flying out SFE because of poor visibility with the incoming storm; cleared enough that they were still able to get out and make their (also delayed) connection and get home. We headed out to Secreto with Rob for some visiting.

Yesterday and today held a lot of loafing, kicked off by all sleeping in as the snow fell yesterday morning. Starting Wednesday night, accumulation was 4-5"; subfreezing temps have made for some nasty going out there. Piled on the long underwear; dog got two jackets for this morning's walk.

Planning on reading the whole 100 Bullets straight through (in anticipation of adding it to this year's top ten) sitting in front of a fire, a quiet evening in. Jon and Susanne over tomorrow. That's the plan.

The Most Awfulest Time of the Year

2010-12-18T10:02:00.001-07:00

sit. stay. beg for votes!

2010-12-17T20:13:00.006-07:00

So, Spoonflower, yes? Fabric of the week contest, remember? This week, it's Dogs (no cats allowed).

My pattern is made from a I sketch did years ago of P + T's dear, (now) departed dog Annie. She had a little stump tail (the Wagometer) and she would wag it while doing her downward- and upward-facing dog stretches. She was great little dog, and I miss her. ♥ ♥ ♥

All the designs appear in random order, so you'll probably have to page through a few screens (there are 8 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: Nanners made the top ten! Thanks to everyone who voted!

Finally

2010-12-17T11:56:00.006-07:00

Snow started yesterday, but wasn't until late afternoon that it started sticking. This morning, looked to be about 5" on the ground, the Ski Basin's reporting 14". This really the first precipitation of any kind we've had since that little dusting at the beginning of November.

I'm taking today off and, running errands about an hour ago, the snow's let up and already melting. By Sunday, forecast is calling for a chance of showers, it's going to be so warm.

confidential to Melanie

2010-12-13T15:37:00.004-07:00

Hi sweetie! It was great to hear your voice on the ol' answering machine. BUT, we don't have caller ID so I don't know what number you called from, and I'm not sure I still have your (old?) phone number... Drop me an email (or a comment here) with your deets so we can chat! :) xoxo Gossip Girl

Checking Who's Naughty and Who's Nice

2010-12-11T14:56:00.003-07:00

Working on the Christmas card list on the train, returning from the monthly 7000 BC meeting. In North Carolina this past week for press check, where it was colder (like, record-setting colder) than in Santa Fe.

Area Dog is Calendar Girl

2010-12-09T21:12:00.006-07:00

If you were to want, say, a calendar featuring a whole bunch of Greyhounds you've never even heard of, and a couple of photos of one that you may have read about (or even met) featured in the snow and sleeping, you could check out the 2011 Greytalk calendar.

Does Not Like the Way the Pig is Looking at Her

2010-12-01T21:10:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving Weekend So Far: A Mixed Bag

2010-11-28T10:40:00.036-07:00

Wednesday
Both got a bit of an early release. Monica used the time to make herself a birthday cake. Don't judge me! I'm just not a baker, she has the traditional family birthday cake recipe worked out for the altitude, and wanted to experiment with the frosting. Is this the time for me to try to learn something new? I thought you'd agree.

Dinner out a La Boca, a nice, tasty time after some seating problems. Back home for the aforementioned cake. Which was really, really good.

Thursday
A nice sleep in. Sitting about catching up on newspapers(!) and Greytalk, watching parades and dog show on the TV. Time for some reading before heading over to Stacy and Jim's for dinner.

Joined again by her friend from Brooklyn and his girlfriend, Bernice, and other friends. A delicious dinner (which I failed to photograph this year) and a great time socializing.

Turns out Stacy was not only at Flash Flood last weekend along with Bernice, but was a volunteer; there's some of her and more of the event in this movie, though I'm still waiting for someone to post a video of the river turning blue.

Friday
Even more sleeping in, which meant a later start to the post-Thanksgiving hike. Not necessarily a bad thing, we were having some pretty cold temperatures; decided on Atalaya, not to go all the way, but because it was likely to keep us in the sun.

Unfortunately, the breakfast burrito before was betraying me; I was dragging the whole time and I don't think any of us were particularly into this hike. An hour up, then an hour back retracing our steps. To True Believers for their Blackest Friday sale, stocking up on gifts and few new releases. Back to nap, which the dog never really bothered to get back up from. Read some of the haul, but I called it an early night.

Saturday
Shaky, but getting better, I was starting to clean up some when a call came in from a friend, out of state with his family for the weekend. His dog wasn't well and wanted to know if we could help his mother, house- and dog-sitting, get him to the vet. The pickup got complicated, I'd forgotten how big this dog is; we'd sat for him in the past, seen him some, and I wouldn't have characterized him as particularly active, but he was lagging noticeably. To the emergency vet where he was admitted for critical care.

Monica later noted what a weird time warp it is there. Simultaneously dragging and speeding, there's a rhythm of activity and sitting, never able to actually concentrate on reading. Noticing we were in one of the agitating cycles after a couple hours, we were updated on the tests' progress by a vet tech. And then, a while later, when the vet herself came out, we could tell it wasn't going to be good.

There was one more test to run, but he probably only had hours and would have to be put to sleep. We took a break, home to get some food, and Mon and I headed back to the office when the worst was confirmed. We were able to sit with him for about an hour, feed him the peanut butter, squeeze cheese, and turkey the doctor gave us, crying as we held him as he got the injections and went quietly and peacefully. He was a beloved family dog, 11 years old, I'm just sorry his people couldn't be there and hope we were some sort of comfort.

Sunday
Another slow start, we're just really not doing mornings this weekend. In a little while we'll be J+J's guests for Circus Luminous, a post-Thanksgiving tradition here in town. We've never been — and, actually, have never even been to The Lensic, so looking forward to a nice time and dinner out this evening.

The Weekend So Far: Arty, Leafy, Houndy

2010-11-20T21:16:00.028-07:00

Last night, one of the shows Monica's been working on for the New Mexico Museum of Art had its opening. Case Studies from the Bureau of Contemporary Art presents works from the permanent collection as if they were pulled from the files of the fictional department; her designs draw from historical sources.

Outside, Axle Art was set up, where we were certified as art lovers. Inside, the event was well attended, the crowds treated to performance art pieces by The Rubber Lady and Tim in his Orangeman guise.

Got to visit some, see the art, and still make it home at a respectable time. And then we were up (relatively speaking, for a weekend) early to participate in Flash Flood.

The plan was to turn the Santa Fe River — singled out in 2007 as the most endangered river in the country, what with it not actually having any water in it — blue for a passing satellite photo. Participants would hold up blue-painted cardboard to create a living river, flipping the brown side to animate the process.

We grabbed some takeout burritos and headed over to SFAI to pick up the shuttle (provided by the city with volunteer drivers), which arrived after some delay, to San Ysidro crossing for the event. It was probably 10-ish by the time we arrived and the staging was well underway.

Seems that somewhere along the line, blue tarps kind of started taking the place of the cardboard, so, for a half-hour or so, it was all about coordinating tarps for maximum coverage, practicing running the corners together for a dry river and then apart for blue.

Quite the festival atmosphere, with mariachi, Buffalo Dancers, a helicopter circling overhead, chanting, much laughter, and a crane with a videographer; the latter was there to capture our simulation of a running river. A gorgeous day, approaching 60° with a few clouds. Santa Fe New Mexican's saying around 1000 participants of all kinds, including the dog that walked on water.

At 10:53 the satellite passed overhead (we were told), so we all held up the blue for a while before and after; then it was turning the brown river blue, in various directions, a few times, following the directions of the organizers on the ridge and the runners with flags along the riverbed. I hope that video's going to be easily available sometime soon, would love to know how it all turned out.

Update: photos and coverage at 350.org

We were back home by about noon, in time to bring Monica and Cheyenne to GCNM's monthly meet and greet. I tackled the leaves that had finally dropped off the apricot tree. A trash barrel and two leaf bags later, I made it over to the greatly diminished crowd. Apparently had totaled 15 Greyhounds at one time, including the new couple in town with the two dogs, one of whom looks like Cheyenne, causing confusion (as it did on this evening's walk) among our neighborhood's dog owners.

Quiet night in, posole, the makings bought while the oven was broken earlier this week. Chores tomorrow.

Sigh

2010-11-15T20:16:00.003-07:00

The view outside right now.

Bonus: ghostly dog in the snow.

Of Course, a Sunday Walk …

2010-11-09T22:26:00.005-07:00

tires a houndie out.

Sunday Houndie Walk

2010-11-08T19:51:00.025-07:00

This time of year's rough for me. The early darkness, the cold; as impossible as it seems to believe, I get even grumpier when Daylight Savings Time ends. It takes just about everything I have (and many manufactured projects) to keep myself from just coming home and going to bed, skipping dinner. Especially on Mondays.

It kind of started the first year we had Cheyenne, and was institutionalized last winter: Sunday evening, she and I head out for a big walk.

Over a block, up the street; a short, but steep, climb up to the ridge. Through the open space to the dog park (the irony — a dog park within walking distance where, because of the lack of fencing, she can't go off leash). Down through the park and back up the other side, past the memorial and back into the open space. There's two paths out, and from there at least two routes, so plenty of room for variation depending on the weather and our mood. No girls allowed, except for the dog.

It's become important, this ending to the weekend. Something to look forward to, something that puts an end to the weekend's activities. Something where nothing happens except putting one foot in front of the other. And enjoying the sights and sniffs.

These first few weeks, nice; but winter sets in quickly and the walk gets cold. It's timed to make sure that we still have sun up on the ridge and, hopefully, a bit in the park. Though the sun can warm, the wind blows up on the hill. The park's protected — but dusk lingers, making distinguishing figures in the gloaming difficult; from what I understand, this is the way dogs always see. Through the dark neighborhoods on our way home, the sensible people are inside.

The season's changes become evident. Up through New Year's, it's rough, obvious why we have the holidays to bring us light at that time of year. But soon enough, it may not be warming or even nicer, but the sun's out longer. Still have to skip This American Life to make it, but the progress to the longer days is visible.

I romanticize, I'm sure — we'll be dragging ourselves on this walk soon enough, both bundled up against the cold. Muscling through to the solstice. Maybe we'll enjoy a little a snowstorm or two, maybe watch one just obscuring the mountains. The return to the warm, lit house for the evening's last chores, then dinner, always a welcome treat.

Last Sunday, Cheyenne was thrown off by the false start to Sunday Houndie Walk season, not particularly wanting follow me through the neighborhoods instead. Yesterday, as I worked at the computer, she came in to lie down in the office; not unusual, but unexpected. But, soon enough, agitated, egged on by Monica telling her to demand a walk. When we set out, there was no hesitation, no question about direction at the end of the driveway. She was, except for some distractions, at the end of the leash from the beginning to the very end (a rarity these days as she loses her conditioning). It's important to me, this walk; even moreso now that it is to her, too.

Too Nice Not Too, 2010 Edition

2010-11-06T13:25:00.017-06:00

Seems that we were given another nice weekend this year. Sleep in, then a walk over to Tart's Treats. A long, leisurely morning out.

The Halloween Report
Much more yard- and housework last weekend, but wrapped up Sunday early enough to take the dog through the neighborhood to check out the various Halloween decorations.

Didn't get anyone until almost 6:00, I was figuring it'd start up earlier to take advantage of the light and nice, warm afternoon. James was over for dinner, disappointed he didn't manage to scare any of kids. Compared, I guess to that first year, it again seemed light, but we went through five bags of candy, dispensing one piece at a time, in just about two-and-a-half hours.

Some fun costumes, the only one managed to get a photo of was the skunk family. When Cheyenne ran out to see what was going on, I cautioned them that she was looking for some payback.

And How It All Worked Out
So the data's as back as it's going to get. Mozy had it all and was able to get it; but, even still, it's tough to give them an "A" for this — the retrieval was way more lengthy and stressful than it needed to be.

The backup's accessed through a Web interface; that first weekend, nothing was loading. Rather than risk being a foul mood for Andy and Liz's visit, just waited to get into it all until they left. To Mozy's credit, they escalated my problem quickly and got me on the phone with a senior tech guy. His opinion, which I have no reason to doubt, is that server upgrades were giving everyone access problems; and, again, to their credit, only the user can access the data, so they couldn't go about restoring it for me, but could assure me it was all there (though my worry at that point was what "all" was). There were days of workarounds, afternoons spent on the phone mucking about with the account. And then suddenly it worked and I could order a drive shipped with everything.

Which was another week of waiting, but a tremendous relief when I saw all our photos, portfolio, and music. Some stuff was straightforward to re-file; some, like the iTunes library, turned out to be a little tricky; some, like fonts, haven't even really gotten into. Quicken data continued to elude me for a couple weeks; how Mozy restores via disk or the Web doesn't agree with the format; but some more support, some re-tooling and an alternate method of retrieval, and it worked. Problem was — and I suppose I have myself to blame — I can't figure out for the life of me where the current data file is. Best I've got is a manual backup from mid-August, which looks like it will have to do.

So I've stopped carrying around that retrieved data everywhere, set up a new backup drive in a different room, and everything's backing up to Mozy again. Still waiting to hear from the insurance company about the settlement.

Moral: can't outright recommend Mozy, but it did all work out. So whether them, or Carbonite, or some other thing, take a cold afternoon soon and get your computer backed up somewhere outside your house. This would've been so much worse if we hadn't made, what seems like now, that pretty small investment.

more voting!

2010-11-04T10:36:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone! Are you tired of campaign ads? Too bad! Here's one more: Please vote for my design (at left, there) that's in the current "Fabric of the Week" contest over at Spoonflower! All those other designs are Washington Insiders who Want to Raise Your Taxes and Eat Puppies for Lunch.

This week it's 2011 calendar towels. I hope Rula isn't angry at me for not entering her favorite!

All the designs appear in random order, so you'll probably have to page through a few screens (there are 10 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!

The American Coalition for Awesome Tea Towels is responsible for the content of this post.

UPDATE: Made the top ten again! Thanks to everyone who voted!

For Halloween: Disembodied Head in a Box!

2010-10-31T12:24:00.006-06:00

New fencing mask's arrived, greatly diminishing the chance of facial injury due to failure of my 10-plus-year-old one. An investment, but I think worth it.

James'll be over for dinner tonight and to assist with the Halloween hordes.

Following up on a conversation with Andy …

2010-10-28T20:23:00.008-06:00

… from months ago, it occurred to me to search for this: Greyhound versus sports car. With the home track advantage, not really a fair race — but, still 40 MPH in less than a minute? As we noted to the guy we met on dog walk tonight, that's why she's never off leash out in the open.

Andy and Liz

2010-10-25T21:24:00.005-06:00

So, it's been a while. Spent a weekend in there getting the recovered from Mozy — it worked out ultimately, but was more work and more stressful that it needed. But luckily there was a nice Sunday night party at La Choza, thrown by J+J.

The usual weekly goings-on, the following weekend was still waiting for old data and new computer, so I refereed at a youth competition at NMFF and Monica went to the GCNM gathering, where all the other houndies were in costume. Finished out the weekend with yard chores, mostly of the ending-of-the-season and closing-up-the-house variety.

Been restoring the computer this week and this weekend, just about everything is back; spent some time figuring out that, I think, however Mozy stores data does not agree with how Quicken stores data. But there still might be hope. More house and yard chores, Monica harvesting the green tomatoes (which are right now becoming chutney). A little get-together with Stacy and Jim to visit and deliver the Rula calendars.

Also? Now there's snow up on the mountains. Just a bit, but still.

-=-=-=-

So, couple weeks ago, Andy and Liz. Which started with that Friday. Saturday, up to finish cleaning up and make it to Santa Fe Airport for their 11:30-ish arrival.

At that point, they'd been going for almost 12 hours, so headed back to the house to visit and rest for a bit before going downtown. Strolled the Plaza, ducked into the Palace to see Tom printing up posters, checked out the exhibits. Fortified ourselves and then continued on through the stores before heading home to prepare for an evening at Secreto.

Passed a couple fun hours with Chris concocting for us, then to pick up some snacks at Flying Star — where we got to see the stormtrooper stopping by what looked like a wedding reception — then home to call it a night.

After a leisurely breakfast back at Flying Star, to Tesuque Flea Market; a friend had recommended it to Liz, and it'd be a while since we'd been. The weather had turned Friday, but it was still a beautiful, unseasonably warm autumn day. Good to be outside and there were some finds.

I'd declared Sunday culture day, so we set off to Museum Hill, first MIAC, where I haven't been in probably over a year. Snacks, and then on to Folk Art. That big Girard collection is overwhelming, the days had been long, so one can be forgiven for needing a break. Back home where Monica tackled the sudden plumbing problem in the guest sink, I worked up (probably the last for the season) grilling. We did eventually wind up with some time to sit and visit, moving outside to enjoy the evening by the fire pit.

Monday, confirmed that the month-long construction that started in July out at Tent Rocks was still keeping it closed.

So started out at the traditional pre-hike Santa Fe Baking Company, then up to the Ski Basin. Lift to the top, where, again, surprised at how warm it still was.

View was amazing, with some of the aspens turned, some turning, some still green, making for a beautiful tableau. We headed further up a bit, then down the mountain. Snagged some fish tacos at California Pastrami, rested up, and then to the bath we'd reserved at Ten Thousand Waves for some soaking at sunset and under the stars. Warm, relaxed, our quest for a "late"-night dining option got us to Cowgirl.

Tuesday, for the first time we actually managed to be ready to go before our guests. Because they were packing. To the Tuesday Farmers Market to smell the roasting chiles and check out the scene. Breakfast at Zia, then off to Canyon Road. We parked at the top and strolled the galleries there, checking out the things that interested us. Heading back, ducked into Mirador Gallery — which turned out to be an unexpected find. A great owner, a fun vibe, a really cool ring for Liz, and some espresso. Put us in the right mood for a little snack at El Farol before heading out. Andy and Mon saw Liz off at Santa Fe Airport while I attempted to attend to some police business. And then we brought Andy to Albuquerque, by way of some pizza, to go off to his conference in Phoenix.