Trivia from a trip

Unfortunately we’re leaving a large footprint behind in New Mexico. Sixteen people and as many disposable plates as possible make a lot of trash. We averaged three or four bags a day plus all the wrappings etc. that accumulates on Christmas morning, especially for a large group with lots of presents. We had to take the trash down the road quite a way to a compacter—can’t leave it out because critters, mostly overfed deer, would scatter it.

I’m glad to spent this time in Ruidoso—it’s a place I’ve heard about forever and somehow never visited. We’ve had fun—a big cabin with comfortable beds for everyone, large common spaces, and a gorgeous wall of windows that opened to an enormous deck, two grills, and forested mountains. Deer came to visit often this week. The kids loved the hot tub, and the adults appreciated a huge fireplace—it’s been chilly. The girls coped with the world’s smallest kitchen in a big house—and only one oven.

The main drag in Ruidoso is brightly lit and crowded with people, most in a holiday mood. Stores, one after another, sell the same souvenir items, so you wonder how any one store survives. I am sure there are scattered galleries and shops with quality items, but we saw lots of reistas and T-shirts, etc. We had two delightful lunches, but apparently there is no rhyme or reason to when stores are open or closed. One place was supposedly closed when we wanted to go there, but when we drove by there were clearly customers inside. Sat. night we tried three restaurants before we found one open—at six o’clock on a holiday weekend! The town reminds me some of the square in Granbury or the North Side in Fort Worth but most of all of Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands—we went expecting picturesque and found cheap tourist attractions.

We did find one wine bar/gift shop where we hunkered down for a large part of one afternoon. I wasn’t crazy about the wine, but the atmosphere and two of the three sales persons were pleasant, the gift and fine food selections intriguing. Touches like a couch made of an old claw-foot bathtub, and lots of plaques on the walls—plus, of course, wine and accessories. The plaque I liked: The way your day goes depends on turn of the corners of your mouth.

Being so close with family for days is an interesting experience. My dad always told me you use your best manners with family, but on the other hand it’s one time when you know the people you’re with love you no matter what you do (within reason) and you can relax and be yourself. Kind of contradictory. I’ve been reading in some daily meditations about getting out of yourself and thinking about the other person and their enjoyment and comfort—with the ultimate goal of your own happiness. I found it worked this week.

Ready to head home tomorrow. Miss my dog. Reports are that she just started eating regularly today. I guess she’s been on a hunger strike. And I’m ready now to get back to some serious writing.