Mexico/ New Mexico and all the good bad and difficult

We have been back over into N.M. several times, but most importantly we found " the cat" on our first visit.. we searched several places and no likely candidates for adoption, then, at the suggestion of a cat shelter , we visited the humane society[ actually death row ] and found the cutest Kitti, we have christened her " kissey" as she is kissable.

Of course Tim went overboard and splurged on her trousseau, she has a covered toilet box with enclosed air freshener, a fur lined basket / bed[ and of course its never been used, she has taken over our bed], a u bute carry case[ not needed either as she doesn't need it!] she sits quietly in the back seat with out a single howl ...truly an amazing little cat, who gets offended if she doesn't get to join us in the truck when we go out.. She literally orchestrates our household to do her bidding...but I am getting tougher and purchased a water pistol to insist no bench or table sitting.. She is trained to a leash now and loves going for a walk out doors.

Tim is her slave ..and she knows it !

I have seen snow...up in the Sierra Nevada's at the end of March , beautiful sunny day, with Kissey in the truck also, air was brisk and there was white everywhere, I loved seeing the icicle's dripping as we sat indoors toasting our toes and tummies in front of a fire eating hot soup. Such a beautiful sight to see pine trees drooping under their weight of snow and the mountain peaks so white they look like they are covered in clouds..the silence and beauty is breathtaking.

I have been cruising at last...want to know what that is?..Tis an American thing..for oldies as well as teens and 30 somethings..You wander around the drive in food joints , have drinks, hamburgers or ice creams and talk to the other cruisers, particularly if the have pretty interesting wheels under them, every one loves Tim.s truck ...it has all sorts of cool additions on it so its an immediate talking point.

Tim's godmother has taught me to make " fair dinkum chilli" so will be able to burn you up on my return to OZ..

I have made several new friends and am enjoying the differences between us all.. I have finally received my permanent U.S. military Identification, which means I am welcome and gain entry into most places in the U.S[ can go shopping by myself now in the commissary and go to the pool and library..even the German Club on Fort Bliss] which serves great food and has a live band once a month to dance to.

Yes, we are still eating out a lot, my husband knows I am weak when it comes to this so he tempts me constantly and consequently my waist is expanding. However, I am introducing him also to the delights of Aussie home cooking and am succeeding, particularly with some of my pasta recipes ..have included one here for you to enjoy also... tell me if you enjoy it and others included on this site.

My boxes and paintings have finally arrived in El Paso but have still not succeeded in getting them out of customs..OHHHHHH, you would not believe the bureau racy here..but the worst of it is that even when they speak English you cant understand them...this is a Mexican town in all but being on U.S. territory.

Have been to both zoos in Alamagordo and El Paso and have seen so many Nth American and Mexican critters that have entranced me , that I keep wanting to go back and visit, particularly from the cat and canine families..

we have put up feeders for the wild birds and also a nectar bowl for the humming birds and kissey loves to sit and watch [ thru the window ] all the comings and the bird fights.

I have planted petunias and roses since arriving and some vegetables...spinach, tomatoes, chillies and numerous herbs.. Have also potted a beautiful gardenia out side the front door which will move to Oklahoma with us in July.

Please leave me some feedback ..or email me with news of all your doings in OZ...Until the next post.. Avior...See ya later mate...
Cecilia.