Monday, January 25, 2016

I Can Hold My Nose!



Eggbert eagerly awaits each issue of Overland Journal. And although I know he thinks about how rakish he'd look with a snorkel, I can't help but smile when he begs me to watch and says, "I can go underwater holding my nose!"



Enroute to Cochise Stronghold




Sunday, January 24, 2016

Japanese Archery

I'm sort of ambidextrous; I draw a bow and bat right-handed, but use a fork and (used to) shoot a rifle left-handed. An injury to my left eye put an end to the riflery, but unwilling to give up completely I got me a 20-guage pump and began practicing my Rifleman stance.





But, you know, the racket is kinda annoying. 



Then something jogged the memory of a cultural exchange event that featured some archers. They, three of each sex, fired the length of the main gym at the University of New Mexico. 
I recalled the quiet too.  







Obstacles That Must Be Thrown Away








It's been a little over a year since I began fooling with my Samik breakdown (25 pd draw). Bored with hitting the target, I took to the internet for inspiration. Within minutes I found this group in Tuscon. They were very welcoming and although there wasn't a lot to incorporate into my practice, I enjoyed watching. 














  



Monday, January 18, 2016

Shirley Hatfield, World Traveler

In Truth or Consequences on business and with a few minutes to kill, I ventured in at Spaceport America's Visitor Center.







Shirley Hatfield has extensive experience with travel (though not in space) including much in India and other places. I found her views interesting and tho't you might too. They in no way reflect the opinions, at least as far as I know, of Sir Branson or anyone associated with his activities.




Pronoia






Brave Daughters






Female Enlightenment








Thursday, January 14, 2016

Motoventurers


Familial responsibilities have, for the past two winters, kept me from realizing my desire of wintering in Baja. But two weeks ago, sensing potential, I posted a call for female guides (age not specified) to accompany "four, ruggedly handsome guys age 50 - 63." Compensation was to be commensurate with their abilities.

The vision was of some enthusiasts who, like us, had read all about it but were still a tad hesitant and looking for company. We were, of course, thinking ages 50 - 75...or thereabouts. Due to the mutually beneficial circumstances we surmised compensation would be negligible. 

Perhaps it's my heritage, but when I received an email, with accompanying photos, tendering the services of three young women -- nothing really provocative; I mean, they certainly looked healthy in their bikinis. -- I was skeptical.  I sent a polite reply declining saying, "You're too young." This was quickly rejoined with, "We have older friends; it's not a problem for us."




Their "Update" video posted 6/17/15



Thus, I found myself, via skype, conversing with these three amazing women. Over the next 45-minutes, as we discussed the expedition's aspirations, I was treated to first-hand demonstrations of their acumen. But what stood out was their intrepittude! It was so convincing I soon decided to forgo guides, the other three guys and, as is my usual wont, go it alone.


I'm thinking I'll save it for next year, when things have settled a bit more and there'll be time to take the ferry to Mazatlan and continue down to Merida...like them. (see vid below)





After tho'ts: It was a novel experience pondering the idea that I might not have gotten comfortable traveling with three women even younger than my daughter. 

See:  http://newmexnomad.blogspot.com/2014/09/while-waiting.html 






Monday, January 11, 2016

Robin Woodsmith - Beader Extraordinaire

It was at Stewart Jones Designs in Joseph, Oregon, that I first saw Ms. Woodsmith's work. Now, with the upcoming holiday, I thought some of you might appreciate a reminder.

Enjoy...

http://thebeadbird.weebly.com/








Image lifted w/o permission from Ms. Woodsmith's site (link above).



Additional pieces at Stewart Jones Designs.




Saturday, January 2, 2016

Evolution



It was announced today that Dr. Sophie de Los Arboles, who has done extensive research into the lives and habits of the spadefoot toad, irrefutably posits that the phenomenon of the toad's pupils contracting to a vertical slit is a survival technique prompted by generations of spadefoots being threatened by predatory cats.  

Dr. de Los Arboles's extensive research proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a form of camouflage: the vertical pupil enables the otherwise endangered reptile to pass as a helpless kitten which the erstwhile predator will want to nurture and protect rather than maul and eat.*

















* The Origin of the Species: the Heretofore Unpublished Edition, discovered by Sophie while cleaning out her storage locker.

I've been in town for a little over two weeks now. I'm not sure how much longer I can last.