It is time to say so long to the Land of Enchantment. We have had a great time. There lots of history, such diversity, wonderful cuisine, weather changes. We were able to visit our very dear friends and Virgina gave me a cooking lesson. I am now confident I can make her famous enchilada's. I am sure we will have to come back and explore more of NM.
Tomorrow we continue our journey to Fabulous Las Vegas NV. Viva Las Vegas were bright lights shine, dice are hot, Blackjack is king, night into day and day into night, lady luck is your girlfriend, Viva Viva Las Vegas. Thank You, Thank You, very much. Sorry I couldn't help myself.
We meet up with Kerry and Roger for a fun filled week of shows ,nightlife, poolside relaxing, day spa for the girls, golf for the guys. Looking forward to getting caught up on home town news and new memories with good friends. Sounds like I will be busy, so be patient, I'll be back.
Heard from Mary and Lannie today all is well with them. They plan to be in IN. May and June. Mary she plans to visit with her son's family. Her daughter-n-law Laurie, is my niece. Laurie is completing her Associates degree and intends to continue her education. Mary will be spending a lot of her time with her grandchildren.
The last we heard the Wilson are enjoying themselves in Branson Mo. Our paths may cross with them in Sept. We both are going to be in CO. different areas a few hundred miles from each other, hope to meet them somewhere. Pat and I like to eat at Olive Garden and have our nails and toes done, while Harry and Steve play golf.
I guess I have bored you enough so I will say so long until next time

Love to all
Juju

Howdy to all, we are sipping coffee and relaxing while watching reruns.
It is wonderful being retired, no early bird decision's. HE HE HE
Oh yes life is good !!!!!!!!
We went for a nice drive Monday to Sky City on the Acoma Reservation west of Albuquerque. We toured the ancient streets, and saw the 380-year-old San Esteban del Rey Mission. As we walked the city we were treated to Indian fry bread and small fruit pies. Several of the residents showed of their many talents of pottery, and jewelry making. The tour also took us to their ancient burial grounds. The tribe still practice their ways of ancient tribal tradition. There small city is very primitive few modern convinces you really can get the feeling of their hard labor just to survive the elements. Living in the mountains may be a hardship but the country side is breathe taking, I can not describe the colors and unique shapes of the rocks. So I guess you should makes this a vacation spot on your to do list.

We will soon be heading to Las Vegas. Gonna hook up with good Friends for about week. We have a long to do list, Penn and Teller, Crazy Horse, sitting poolside with drinks. Who knows what else?

I made this awesome dinner Sunday night thought I would share, this is really simple. This recipe is from Rachael Ray everyday hope you will enjoy.

Chianti-Braised short Ribs Serves 6

8 beef short ribs on the bone 4 to 5 pounds
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups Chianti wine { I used a Merlot}
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 teas. tomato paste

1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat-high heat. Working in small batches, add the ribs and cook turning often, till brown, 7 to 10 min. Transfer to a large slow cooker.
2. Pour off all but 1 tbsp. fat from the skillet.Add the onions and garlic and cook, scraping up any browned bits,until slightly softened, about 4 min. Stir in the wine and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and cook on low heat until tender about 6 hours.
3. Transfer the ribs to a platter and cover to keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a large bowl and skim off fat as much as possible. Transfer to a sauce pan bring to a boil and cook till reduced to about 1 cup. Whisk in the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper. Spoon over the ribs.
I served with creamy grits. Yummy I hope you will try this.

I spoke with my girls today Malissa is well and had a busy weekend and she already has plan for the Cinco de Mayo. She is just a party girl.
Maureen is busy with a couple of sick boys, she has taken them to the Doctor,and was told just a gastric virus. She will keep a close eye on them, kinda concerned about this swine flu thing. Well you know what moms do best worry.
Harry is getting hungry so I guess I need to slap a PB&J together and then put him down for a nap. Hmm if it was that simple
Well hugs and kisses to all have a great day and I will chat later.

Juju

Good Morning how are you doing. I am just fine of course we knew that.
LOL
We did make it to the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. Now that is a sight to see. This is were all the tribes of North America come together (about 600 tribes not people} to greet and share in their ancestry dance ,song, food, crafts, customs. They are so loyal and dedicated to their heritage we should take some lessons. As we visited the vendors we ate their famous Indian fry bread { to die for or be scalped ha ha}. I did see lots of pretty jewelry turquoise bracelet, earrings. Harry found a CHOKER for me I quickly decline the offer. We had a fun day the weather was pleasant.

Maureen called to let us know about the BBQ cook-off so far the team has not gotten any second cuts. They are having a great time. Everyone is there except Juju and Dirty Harry. This year the team was able to move to a better location in the park. It's all about fun friends and family. Good luck team.

Lisa has been busy. Her friend Tonya and children came in to visit Easter weekend. They spent the day on the river walk.Then hanging out by the pool. The following weekend she went to Fiesta Texas with her cousins, and her Aunt and Uncle. She is having a great time in her new location. summer time is now here so make your reservation early.

Check back later for more updates.
Love Juju

Howdy to all. We are still here in New Mexico. Jay and Stella are heading back to Texas.We had dinner with them a few nights and Stella made a killer dessert oh my, it was out of this world and so easy.You just use ice cream sandwiches, cool whip, nuts, banana, or any fruit, chocolate syrup, repeat with a second layer freeze for at least 4 hours then enjoy. Just use your imagination, you will surely be a hit. Do be careful it is addictive. They have to clean out their house in Dickinson, sure don't envy them. Sad to say Americans are such pack rats. I have really enjoyed the downsizing. I am amaze at what I don't need. Keeping a 36 foot home clean, what a breeze.
This weekend is The Gathering of Nations a real Indian Pow Wow. There will be dance, singing, history of the Indian cultures, cooking class, arts, jewelery. A lot to do and see and keep us busy for the weekend. I have to be home on Sunday nights for The Amazing Race and Desperate Housewives. For the race I am rooting for the mom and son. I have thought of getting on the show but I don't fly, that's my lie and I am sticking with it. Well I can't believe that Edie will be off Desperate Housewives, really going to miss that slut. She was my idol.
Well gotta say bye for now,I need to get moving have a few chores and then we off to see New Mexico.
Let me hear from you guys.

Love to all Juju

Albuqurque New Mexico

Well, hello all I am now blogging. So now I will try and keep everyone updated with our travels and adventures.

We are in Albuquerque N M. The weather here is always changing. Ice, sleet, snow, rain, and high winds. However the view is just awesome the mountains, the night sky you can see stars for miles, and even the city lights are just awesome.

We arrived April 1st. We visited our dear friends Kito and Virginia, they moved a year ago to this area. We enjoyed catching up and remembering fond memories and of course some things I just can't share. LOL. Virginia made us enchiladas {she makes the best from scratch} and she was kind enough to teach me how. So I will be happy to show off my new talent when I get back to Texas.

They are doing well their daughter Sandy is near by and she looks after them. Kito complains about the cold weather, even in the summer he is cold. Virginia is always hot. Kinda sounds familiar. All in all they look great and get around good.

We have taken a drive on the turquoise trail it is 65 miles that connects Albuquerque with Santa Fe to the north. This national Scenic Byways winds along past little museums, roadside attractions, and even one location where the movie Wild Hogs was filmed. The dirt streets, adobe houses, you might think you are driving down main street in a western movie, endless blue skies, and a view for a hundred miles. The rock formations are unbelievable, lots of tumbleweeds, and you can even see dust storms in the desert.

We have been on the famous route 66 many times it is just down from the park we are staying. Ours friends Jay and Stella joined us about the 10th of the month and we all went to The Rally 2009. It is for RVers and those who are interested in the rv world. The 5 day event had over 3800 rigs. Many vendors and seminars. The most important was about blogging. There was nightly entertainment, The Hubcaps 50's and 60's music very good.

Then we had Neil Sedaka who is now in his early 70's and can do a great show.

Sat. night was Rita Coolidge Sun. the Osmond brothers. The finale was PAPA Do RUN RUN {the Beach Boys,} well some of them had performed with them for 20 years, we had a great time. The baby boomers, we invented coooooooool.

We have attended church, took a stroll down Old Town Albuquerque which is celebrating 300 years. You can see the world's largest collection of desert icons and the American International Rattlesnake Museum.

Well , guess I will sign out for now . Hope I haven't bored you, just wanted to share our adventures. Will blog again soon. Let Juju hear from you. This is a High Tech world and I think I finally get it.

Love to all