Bye Bye Teddy

Teddy

You were so much fun!

December 2010  - August 2020

 

Dads

Hib Rein & Betty (Connie's Dad & Mom) in Sayulita

RIP

Grand Dad Beimer in Taos

RIP

Dad Sam Beimer holding maybe champion in Taos

RIP

Grand Dad Johnson (Mom's Dad), probably in Taos

RIP

June Flowers

Admiralty Speaks

It sickened me yesterday to see security personnel—including members of the National Guard—forcibly and violently clear a path through Lafayette Square to accommodate the president's visit outside St. John's Church.

I have to date been reticent to speak out on issues surrounding President Trump's leadership, but we are at an inflection point, and the events of the past few weeks have made it impossible to remain silent.

Whatever Trump's goal in conducting his visit, he laid bare his disdain for the rights of peaceful protest in this country, gave succor to the leaders of other countries who take comfort in our domestic strife, and risked further politicizing the men and women of our armed forces.

There was little good in the stunt.

While no one should ever condone the violence, vandalism, and looting that has exploded across our city streets, neither should anyone lose sight of the larger and deeper concerns about institutional racism that have ignited this rage.

As a white man, I cannot claim perfect understanding of the fear and anger that African Americans feel today. But as someone who has been around for a while, I know enough—and I've seen enough—to understand that those feelings are real and that they are all too painfully founded.

We must, as citizens, address head-on the issue of police brutality and sustained injustices against the African American community. We must, as citizens, support and defend the right—indeed, the solemn obligation—to peacefully assemble and to be heard. These are not mutually exclusive pursuits.

And neither of these pursuits will be made easier or safer by an overly aggressive use of our military, active duty or National Guard. The United States has a long and, to be fair, sometimes troubled history of using the armed forces to enforce domestic laws. The issue for us today is not whether this authority exists, but whether it will be wisely administered.

I remain confident in the professionalism of our men and women in uniform. They will serve with skill and with compassion. They will obey lawful orders. But I am less confident in the soundness of the orders they will be given by this commander in chief, and I am not convinced that the conditions on our streets, as bad as they are, have risen to the level that justifies a heavy reliance on military troops.

Certainly, we have not crossed the threshold that would make it appropriate to invoke the provisions of the Insurrection Act.

Furthermore, I am deeply worried that as they execute their orders, the members of our military will be co-opted for political purposes.

Even in the midst of the carnage we are witnessing, we must endeavor to see American cities and towns as our homes and our neighborhoods. They are not “battle spaces” to be dominated, and must never become so.

We must ensure that African Americans—indeed, all Americans—are given the same rights under the Constitution, the same justice under the law, and the same consideration we give to members of our own family. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy, and must never become so.

Too many foreign and domestic policy choices have become militarized; too many military missions have become politicized.

This is not the time for stunts. This is the time for leadership.

MIKE MULLEN is a retired admiral of the U.S. Navy and was the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Good Times

Nesting Roadrunner Style

Beep!   Beep!

Here are a couple of shots from out the front door. The last few days, as soon as the sun comes up, our state birds are gathering sticks…and they make a return trip to the supply depot about every 4 minutes.  Even the street sweeper didn’t deter them from their appointed rounds.  Time must be of the essence.

And we’ve found the nest high in a pine tree at the corner of the house. 

Question…how do you spot a birds nest?   Look for lots of poop on the ground…

Mommy and Daddy stay together for life.  Have 2 or 3 nests a year.  Lay 2 or 3 eggs.  Mom & Dad take turns sitting.

Our guard dog saw one thru the window the other day and just growled…didn’t bark!   

I think animals know when to just watch and let nature take its course.

The 43rd President of the United States (George W. Bush) listened to Trump’s inaugural and turned to the former Secretary of State (Gen. Colin Powell) and said, “well, that was some weird shit.”

Indeed it was.

Trump, raged about “American carnage” and described a dystopic America that existed only in the fever dreams of a noxious mix of conspiracy theorists, demagogic commentators and dishonest propaganda platforms getting rich by spreading the disinformation planted by foreign intelligence services.

Three years on it turns out Trump’s speech was prophecy. He has brought devastation to America. His legacy will be mass death and economic collapse caused by his staggering incompetence and ineptitude.

The United States is the epicenter of Covid-19 disease and death and the reason is because of Trump. Trump has failed at an epic level. He has divided the county and stoked a cold civil war. He has lied more than 17000 times and desecrated the American Presidency. He has assaulted American patriots , our most important institutions and attacked the rule of law. He is corrupt, indecent and utterly lacking character.  He processes none of the qualities of greatness and goodness that have steered our country through its’ darkest nights. He is a fool without compare. He is intellectually unfit and mentally fragile. He is unworthy of his office and unfit for its duties.

We are living in a moment of American weakness unlike any of us have ever seen. Trump is the architect of that weakness. He is the instrument of our precipitous national decline.

Recovery from this disaster will take many years. Trump is not capable at any level of leading it.

The election ahead is the most important this country has faced since 1864. Let it end this rancid era of the reality show Presidency. Let it send this tiresome and ignorant bully back to Trump Tower and cleanse the stench of his corruption, idiocy, racebaiting and failure from our national life. The name Trump will long linger. It will stand for suffering and unnecessary death. It will stand for economic collapse and financial ruin. It will stand for failure and weakness. It will stand for decline and dishonesty. It will stand for stupidity and indecency.

But, mostly it will mark a tragic time in America where the worst leader in our long history, a man so outmatched by history’s test was the President.

He will be remembered rightfully as the worst one we have ever had.

Steve Schmitt - Republican Political Consultant

On The Road to Villanueva

OK, we broke protocol.

Kind of.

After 4 weeks around the house, except for the not-frequent visits to a hardware store, and a supermarket, it was time to head out.

The 323 mile journey, during which our only contact with fellow New Mexicans was a friendly wave along the highway, and at the drive-thru window at Wendy's, away we went.

Here's what we saw.

State Road Three - between I-40 and Villanueva!

These 345,000 volt electric soldiers, I recall from my years in the electric utility business, carry power across the sagebrush plains between switching stations in Bernalillo and Blackwater (near Clovis).   It's 216 miles long.  I think, now, in additional to traditional power generation sources (coal fired power plants), the lines are used to transmit power from solar and wind generation used by PNM and other utilities across the west.

Villanueva State Park, on the banks of the Pecos River was tranquil.  It had been opened up for day use, only.   There were picnickers in one site - and nary another soul around - except for the state park employee who kindly told us that day-use at the park didn't require payment of a fee!

Along the way we visited another state park - Storrie Lake near Las Vegas.  There, our trusty Teddy, looked longingly at the lapping blue waters, probably wondering how he could get to the ducks that were quacking in the distance.  But, not wanting to get his little feet wet!

On thru Mora, Cleveland, Holman, Tres Ritos, SiPaPu, Vadito, Penasco, Las Trampas, Ojo Sarco, Truchas and skirting Picuris, Nambe, Pojoaque, Tesuque, Cochiti, San Felipe, Santa Ana and Sandia pueblos we went.

Arriving back in The Big Duke City 8 hours later.

It was worth it!

Corona Deaths

We have now had more American deaths from the coronavirus in less than three months than battlefield deaths during the entire Vietnam War.

Eatin' & Drinkin'

Half of us are going to come out of this pandemic as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.

Which is which?

When this is over. what meeting do I attend first.....Weight Watchers or AA?

Tuesday Takeaways

On a bright spring day, here are some of my Tuesday thoughts.

First - the price of gasoline at the pump is great for the consumer's pocketbook.  Probably not so for those making a living on the oil patch.  Those folks who take a shower when they get off work, instead of taking a shower when they go to work!

On a recent trip to Santa Fe, required because of a dental emergency, the price of gasoline at a reservation station was $1.19 for regular.

I had to blink twice!

In a sense, I wish our gas guzzling SUV's were using more gasoline, it's so cheap!   But, that's not logical, is it?

Then, the trip to the neighborhood Target.

No problem, most of the folks shopping were wearing some type of face covering.

The shelves were filled with paper towels and toilet paper.

Thank goodness!

Keeping physical separation, I couldn't help but overhear the cashier conversation with the senior citizen in front of me.

"Thank you for coming to Target.  How are you today?"

"Not good!"

I wondered what that was all about.  The clerk continued her job and courteously told the lady to have a better day.

Last night, the big event of the last week.

Following the conclusion of the Better Call Saul season, off it was to America's Drive-In!

There was no place to park, they were all filled.   About a dozen cars were line for the drive-thru.

The wait was worth it!

Now, maybe it's time for a trip to:

ABQ Jack Frost

It happens every year!

Early Spring!

The grape vine begins to grow.

The snow arrives!

A deep freeze!

So, here's what it looked like the day after Easter!

Snowing!

Here's a shot of a protected grapevine leaf!

And, here's a shot of a grapevine leaf, high and mighty, exposed to the elements.  Jack Frost paid a visit.  The leaves crinkled as they crumbled to the ground.

Another freeze is yet to come!

Stand by!

AOC Biden

 

AOC - Congressperson Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says Joe Biden hasn't contacted her.

Who cares?

She's sounding like someone else from New York City.

"I'm the most important person in the world...pay attention to me!"

Earn the respect!

You haven't yet, all you've done is holler!

Pine Needles

When?

That question comes up all the time in many different places.

When was the right time for Bernie Sanders to say, I quit?

When should Barack Obama surface in support of Joe Biden?

When will Donald Trump quit lying?

When will self isolation end?

When can I go to the hardware store?

When will the wind stop blowing so I can get the pine needles raked? You see, our house has 5 Ponderosa Pines and 2 pinon trees protecting us from the blazing hot sun. They like to shed their needles, and it’s a mess.

When? 

That’s the most important question of the day.

Bob Woodward Missing

Where oh where is Bob Woodward of "Watergate" fame?

His face and opinions have been nowhere around for a few months.

Betting he's in the final throws of a book on Donald Trump's White House, and is making revisions, everyday. .

Some would predict that book will be out just in time for the election.

Barn burner!

Book title:

It's not my fault!

Shut 'er Down

The opportunity to see neighbors at the local grocery store...lessening.

The opportunity to meet and greet neighbors at the local pub...delayed.

The opportunity to buy a bottle of hooch...more restrictive.

The opportunity to play a round of golf is...delayed.

Sure, this isolation thing is a bit testing on the soul.

But, it's what we gotta do. 

Buzz Aldrin, the 2nd man to walk on the moon, and his moonmates spent weeks in isolation upon their return.  There were no computers, cable TV, smart phones.  Just smart people.

What's he doing to protect himself from the Coronavirus, Aldrin answered: "Lying on my ass and locking the door."

All because of a little bug that's so small it can't be seen.

And, it's not the love bug.

Sing it, George Jones!

Bearly Hunt

Word is it has spread all the way from New Zealand to Albuquerque.

Yep, we've got it!

The New York Times puts it this way:

It’s like a scavenger hunt suited for social distancing: People put teddy bears and other stuffed animals in windows, on porches, in trees and on parked cars. Then, children go for walks or drives with their families and try to spot as many as they can.

Not wanting to be left out of the latest trend - we've joined!

Here are just a few of the creatures that are adorning our windows.

They may not be "bears in the air" as C.W. McCall called cops in choppers on the record and in the movie Convoy...but they they are bears.

BTW - By The Way - I interviewed C.W. McCall - in the gallery of the New Mexico State Senate.  He was making the rounds of the promoting the record and the movie.   

C.W. McCall was a stage name.  The author and recording artist of the song was an ad agency guy by the name of Bill Fries.

Fries went on to be elected Mayor of Ouray, Colorado a number of times. 

Here's more from Wikipedia

  

Thursday gun musings

So, I see the FBI processed a record 3.7 million background checks for gun purchases in March - more than any month previously reported?

Why?

Gun shows are declared "essential" businesses under the federal government guidelines, which allows them to continue selling firearms.

Why?

The month of March included five of the top 10 days in the history of the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS), started in 1998.

March was said to be the second-busiest month ever for gun sales - lagging only behind January 2013 when President Obama took office.

So, why so many in March?

Do the purchasers think they can kill a Coronavirus with a gun?

Huh?

This 'n That

Wikipedia: April Fools' Day or April Fool's Day (sometimes called All Fools' Day) is an annual custom on April 1 consisting of practical jokes and hoaxes.

In 2020, we don’t need any hoaxes (we have enough already) and, it is my suspicion that not many folks are ready for practical jokes.

As they say down on the oil patch, we’re into some serious bidness right now with the Coronavirus creeping around, and the Saudi’s and Russian’s playing with the price of oil.

However, I’ve been assured by someone that this too will pass.

Which brings me to a comment on the world “that”.

In a journalism class at The University of New Mexico, my instructor/professor instructed and professed that “that” is the most overused word in the English language – and aspiring journalists should remember that.

His name was Tony Hillerman – a newspaper editor back in those days, and later on an acclaimed author.

I’ve told many folks the story I just told you.

Notice, I didn’t say “that” story I just told you!

I did learn something!

It’s Springtime in the Rockies.

Enjoy a day without too much wind and those pesky dust devils.

Carry on with whatever it is that you’re doing!

No Soliciting

Me thinks this fellow didn't read the NO SOLICITORS sign on the neighbor's door.

Springtime Flowers

The flowers don't know what's going on.
They don't watch TV news.
They don't listen to the radio.
Occasionally they may hear music from the outdoor speakers.
They only know, it's springtime!
Aren't they lucky!

Tough times

No matter how we are experiencing this 2020 moment, I can't help but think what it was like about a hundred years ago at the kinfolks place 20 miles east of Raton. 

No Radio.  No TV.  No phone. No daily newspaper.  No electricity, no running water.

Fishing for a joke

Q: What is a commercial fisherman's favorite rhythm instrument?

A: The castanet

Espanola Highway

During these times, it helps to see a smiling face - or hear a pleasant thought.

Here's mine for the day.

Countless times for many, many years, I've driven the road between Espanola and Taos.

It was once US 64, but that nomenclature left in the late 60's.  Locals call it the Taos Highway. The map says it's North Riverside Drive.

Back in the olden days, when one headed south from Taos to Santa Fe, we would drive by a garage that encouraged us to stop, or wave.

It's still there.  I think the building and the sign have been refurbished in recent years.

The picture of Sena's Auto was lifted from Google Streetview.

"If you can't stop, wave as you go by"

Often times, I waved.  I never stopped.

Next time you're in the neighborhood, if you can't stop - wave as you go by.

I will!

I might even stop and say hi!

Escaping

It's not like we're locked in a bank vault!

With the ability to wander out the back door and check on the spring flowers, the sense of containment isn't what it could be.

Thank goodness for the open door policy.

The day before our Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered us to "stay home", it was time to escape.

A quick day trip to Bosque del Apache seemed like a good idea.

I-25 southbound didn't seem as busy as normal.  The oncoming traffic, same story.  Although, it did seem there were more WalMart trucks headed north - perhaps for the distribution center near Los Lunas.

There weren't many birds around - most have flown the coop and headed north to warmer climes.

We did spot a few turkeys, as did our trusty pooch, Teddy.  Here he is, looking longingly at one of those turkey's "flying the coop" from one side of a ditch to another.

I explained to him that turkey's aren't known for their flying ability.

In San Antonio, we looked longingly at The Owl Bar and recalled the days when we could stop by and have one of their world famous green chile cheeseburgers.

Not today.  3 pickups were parked in the lot - and a sign on the door said "take out only".  I don't know if the occupants of the pickups were "taking out" or waiting to take out.

Wandering north on I-25, we drove into the Sevilleta Wildlife Refuge office area - and by the UNM research center saw a sign by the sidewalk - "Watch For Snakes"

Headed for the big Duke City - uneventful - except couldn't help but notice one southbound 18-wheeler.

It was a bright blue trailer, with the familiar Amazon Prime smile!  I saw a few of those on I-40 by Flagstaff a couple weeks ago.

Hmmmm.

Hunker down!

Stay safe!


. 

Sunday Shopping

Sunday Shopping

With great trepidation the regular Sunday shopping spree, to which I have become so accustomed, was being looked upon as a challenge – given the world we’re living in today.

I recalled 7 days ago, and even worse, 9 days ago on a Friday afternoon which it looked like people were preparing for Armageddon.

So, shortly after eight o’clock – off to the neighborhood Target. 

It’s not one of those giant places with covered parking.  It’s a Target store with parking out front, and now 6 spaces for drive-up shoppers.

A private security car was parked adjacent to the front door – on the sidewalk.  Must have been a store precaution taken to alleviate the toilet paper seekers who are scouring the shelves in search of that precious commodity.

It was a cautious move, probably taken after the store manager went by the neighborhood pizza joint and saw where the police had been called out to direct traffic – so pizza mongers could get their prize possessions – in an orderly fashion.

So, I enter the store.

A uniformed security guard, who looked like he once was, is, or wants to be in the military.  You know the look – shaved over the ears – a small pile of hair on top.

“There’s no paper products,” he said.

He was right.

Inquiring minds wanted to know. 

About 30 minutes later it was a choice of one of 2 check stands that were open. 

As I conversed with the cashier wearing plastic gloves, she said “we don’t have a truck coming today, not until tomorrow”.

That’s why there was no toilet paper.

Chapter 2

The trip to the neighborhood Smith’s was almost as non-eventful.

But there was toilet paper and paper towels – thank goodness.

Two stockers were trying to keep up with the demand.

Overheard –

“Damn, I’m tired.  I want to go home and rest.”

“When did you leave?”

“I left at about 1 this morning – and I’ve worked 63 hours this week.”

I walked by and said thanks for what you’re doing.

While stacking toilet paper, he said, “We’re working hard and we have stuff on the shelves.  Walmart don’t.”

The supply chain.

Smith’s parent Kroger seems to understand the supply chain!  

I shall return!

Springtime

The first full day of spring brought beams of sunlight breaking through a smattering of clouds – a hopeful sign.

A leisurely walk around a couple blocks was a new experience.  We were not alone. 

Usually our neighbors houses are locked up tight – the only sign of habitation is a car slipping in our out of the garage.

Today, couples pushing a baby carriage and leasing a dog; a group of “old guys” walking together down the middle of the road; the tailgate of an SUV open to enable easier carrying of the prized possessions scored at the local market.

It was refreshing.

By mid-afternoon, the clouds had arrived. 

The sky was dark, again.

Mom never talked much about growing up in the dust bowl days in the plains east of Raton.  The family, I’m not sure how many, moved there to escape the surrounds of Vashti, Texas.  A farm town near Wichita Falls, not far from Oklahoma.  

She didn’t need to tell me about those days – I could see it in her eyes.  

It was like my Dad never wanted to talk about World War II. 

Some things are just better left unsaid.

These are trying times for us all – but we will persevere.

After all, as my candidate for President of the United States says, “We are the United States of America.”

Some people don’t understand, preferring to think about themselves and how they will be recorded in the history books.

History will tell who is doing right, and who should have done right!  

Cheer up – the sun shall shine again!