The Dreaded Double Line

As I previously mentioned, Julia tested positive for Covid six days ago.  I've taken two tests since then, and both were negative.  My summer cold-like symptoms have been increasing all week.  Today, I tested positive. 

 

C is the control line.  A double line is a positive test.  We are both double vaxed and boosted.  Hopefully, the cold-like symptoms resolve soon.  I'm grateful that it's summer and we can spend some time in the yard, while we recuperate. Yesterday, Julia harvested cherries from our sour cherry tree and today baked a pie. 

 

 

I'll do a second harvest in a couple of days for freezing.  Every time I pass the cherry tree, I grab a couple of cherries for immediate eating.  The birds will get the remainder.

Taste and smell have remained intact.  Fresh roasted coffee still smells and tastes as it should.

New Mexico: Las Cruces Airbnb

From February 2022

My satisfaction level with an airbnb is highly dependent upon the rental rate.  The place in Lac Cruces was about the same price as a budget motel room but had several advantages over your typical Red Roof Inn or Motel 6.

The living space was very basic:  nice bed, small kitchen, and full bath.

Callie claiming her spot

It was quiet and secure in a working class neighborhood.  Downtown was within walking distance.  

What I remember liking best is the outdoor space.  Las Cruces weather was quite spring-like compared to Albuquerque.  Nights were cool, but we frequently spent time in our private walled courtyard, having lunch, drinks, or just reading a book.

 

Lodi: Better marketing

When I started the coffeeshop around 2004, the local Chamber of Commerce wanted me to sign up for membership.  It was quite expensive for my shoestring budget so I declined.  I couldn't really see any benefits to my shop.  Lodi's downtown has struggled for many years.  Many, if not most people, do their shopping in Madison, thirty minutes away.

Back then, the Chamber marketed Lodi as a peaceful valley with full service banking and a grassy airstrip. 

The Ice Age Trail Alliance installed new signs this week just off of Main Street.  While the Appalachian Trail is blazed with white stripes, the Ice Age Trail is blazed with yellow stripes.

Much better. Makes me proud to live in the Lodi Valley.  It sure isn't the grassy airstrip or full service banking.  

In other matters, Julia tested positive for Covid and is nearly recovered after experiencing mild symptoms.  I have tested negative twice, and keeping my fingers crossed.  The Scamp in the driveway makes an excellent place to hide from viruses.

New Mexico: Canyon National Recreation Trail

 From February 2022

We left South Valley after breakfast and coffee, headed for Las Cruces. We planned to stop at Bosque del Apache Wilderness and maybe have lunch in Truth or Consequences.  

At Bosque, the loop road offered a chance to drive through for a fee and see the wilderness area.  We just wanted to stretch our legs so we parked at the trailhead for the Canyon National Recreation Trail.  There is a small parking area off Hwy 1--a couple of miles south of the Bosque del Apache Visitors Center.  

The 2.5 mile trail was quite beautiful and a good introduction for us to a more desert-like terrain, compared to the Sandia Mountains.

The loop trail rises above the flat terrain for long-distance views from the top.

Just what we needed to take the edge off the drive and get some exercise. In going back through my photos and information at Alltrails, I just noticed that dogs may not be allowed on this trail.  Oops.  We didn't encounter any "no pets" signs, people, dogs or wildlife, so no harm, no foul.

 

In Truth or Consequences, quite a few restaurants were closed that Monday. We walked the main drag without really getting any feel for the town, except for the unusual name.   We ended up at the Grapevine Bistro, which seemed to cater to mixture of tourists and locals.  I had a Hatch Green Chile cheeseburger.  Not the best, not the worst. Service was good, and the place was clean.  On to Las Cruces!

New Mexico: Last Day in Albuquerque

On February 6th, we decided to walk along the river, starting with the Chris Chavez Trail which ran into the Rio Bravo Trail.  Then we continued on foot to Old Town.  The weather was warming up and the snow was pretty much gone by the end of the day.  We ate lunch at the Church Street Cafe. 

 

 

On the next day, we were on the road to Las Cruces.

New Mexico: Sandia Foothills Open Space

On February 5th, we were off to hike in the Sandia Foothills Open Space via Trail #365.  

The skies were so blue, and there was just a bit of snow--in the beginning. As we climbed in elevation, the snow became heavier.  We didn't bring our snowshoes or spikes on this trip, so we didn't hike as far as we planned. Julia has a crappy knee; getting down is the issue.

But we hiked high enough for a view.