Rabbit Warren - Selvin

Never much one for nightlife, I enjoy leaping, Alice-esque, albeit headfirst, into warrens.

This evening's began when Monterey Pop Festival -- 40 Years Ago popped up (intended) on my u-toob WATCH LATER list.

At 3:50, Joel Selvin makes a four-second comment, another at 23:40, 28:45....33:00, 36:00...

Unfamiliar with Joel, I went to Wiki and found, under "Writing Career," a wealth of titles.

Photo by Steve Miller (cropped by me)

Next came the caption under the photo on Wiki: "Legendary Artists: Sounds of San Francisco" which led to Mrbonsai.com  which finally ended at Michael Zelner's flickr album.

Albuquerque: armpit of the Southwest 

Book-hunting

It's the townie version of rock-hounding. 

1:25 pm at Thrift Town:

tesori della musica

The comments offer insights

Georg Friedrich Händel: Ah mio cor (Alcina, act 2)

Julia Kirchner & tesori della musica Basel

English translation of aria.

Videos including this one....

Franz Schubert: Wasserflut - Winterreise

Kirchner - soprano      Blunden - piano

Camerata Bachiensis (early music ensemble)

Carving Pumpkins

A favorite holiday. At the very LEAST we have to carve pumpkins. 

We met at the park; covered the table with newsprint; she pulled out Uncle Bud's Victorinox knife - he died a few months ago just short of his 100th birthday - and we set to work. 

Preparing

I picked a design off the internet & she modified it to my specs.

A young mother walking her daughter home from school stopped to admire. As she left I complimented her on her initiative...what with all the rapists & slave-runners rampant on the streets. She laughed and said, "I live in the real world." 

Hers

Parting

 

Desert Rendevous

Worn out by yesterday's adventures, I've been languishing and now, at 2:30, still abed, found this article (See: Building a Community in the Desert, Mar, 8) on the 2022 rendevous on this blog.

They project (surmise) it'll be the 2nd week in February near Quartzsite, Arizona.

10:12 pm - Managed to get blood drawn and find my way back...to music.

Ian Anderson flute solo 1976.

10:44 pm - Results suggest am healthy as a horse.

Busy Day In ABQ

Xannie Baker, renowned host of The BPD Bunch, is also a fomous seamstress. She made Phoebe's interior panels, put gussets in my pantlegs and now, after dropping it off, is taking up the sleeves on my new jacket.

She makes all her own clothes and is the "snappiest' dresser I know. Here she is in her Hello Kitty pajamas, BPD t-shirt & faux-fur "cutoff."

Next stop: Bristol Doughnuts.

On the way...

There used to be an interesting furniture gallery with adjacent plant shop. Instead, there's an indoor play area for children from toddler to age 7. Instead of plants, there're now hats.

The Milliner

Inside Bristol

The Black Cat

Before Their Store

Waddling onward, I caught sight of Rust Is Gold Coffee owned by a motorcycle racer. The foyer to the restroom is a storage area for memorabilia and a current project.

Nice lights

Out front, where you place your order, is this

splendidly carved tap

Searching the complex for a gift shop, I saw Patrick's sign...and went in. It'd been at least 20 years since we'd seen each other. He was still trim and now married. Barbara came in while Pat was showing me his art. He's gonna sell the printers but will continue shooting fine art for pre-print.

ChatGPT on Relationships

Perhaps it improves over time, but you'll notice the solely reactive responses and complete lack of questions to elicit information.

MFH

My talent is love-making. I began research and practicing at age 12. Now, at age 70, I'm old and fat. What's the best app to find a female, heterosexual lover.

(Under the above initial query, a red banner with white text warned that this "chat" might violate their guidelines)

Chat

Finding a romantic partner is a personal journey that isn't limited to one app. Popular dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, and Match.com can help you connect with potential partners. It's important to be respectful, honest, and open in your approach. Age and appearance should not be barriers to finding love, as genuine connections can be formed at any stage of life.

MFH

I've tried all the suggested apps without any results. Do you have any other suggestions?

CHAT

If you've tried popular dating apps without success, you might consider expanding your search in the following ways:

1. Niche Dating Apps: Explore dating apps that cater to specific interests, lifestyles, or age groups. There are apps for seniors, as well as niche apps for various hobbies or interests.

2. Attend Social Events: Join local social groups, clubs, or events that align with your interests. Meeting people in person can lead to more genuine connections.

3. Seek Professional Help: You could consider seeking advice from a relationship coach or therapist who can provide guidance and support in your search for love.

4. Online Communities: Participate in online forums or communities related to your interests. You might find like-minded individuals who are open to forming connections.

5. Be Patient and Persistent: Finding the right partner can take time. Be patient and persistent in your search, and don't be discouraged by initial setbacks.

Remember that building a meaningful relationship often takes time and effort. Focus on being the best version of yourself and open to new experiences.

MFH

Is there a country where my talent might be more appreciated?

Chat

The appreciation of personal talents and qualities can vary from one culture to another, but it's important to recognize that love and relationships are highly individual and not solely based on talent. While different cultures may have different views on love and romance, it's more about finding a compatible partner who appreciates you for who you are, rather than seeking a specific country where your talent might be more appreciated.

Focus on building meaningful connections with individuals who share your values and interests, regardless of their cultural background. Love and attraction are universal, and they can transcend cultural boundaries.

MFH

America is renowned for its prudishness. Where else might I look?

Chat

Cultural perceptions of love and relationships can vary widely within any country, including the United States. While some regions or communities may have conservative views, others may be more open and accepting. It's not accurate to generalize an entire country as "prudish."

If you're looking for a more open-minded environment, consider places known for their progressive attitudes or more liberal social norms. European countries, for example, are often considered to have more relaxed views on matters of love and relationships. However, it's essential to remember that individuals' attitudes and values can differ greatly within any country or culture. It's best to focus on finding a compatible partner who shares your values and interests, rather than making assumptions based on location.

MFH

I grew up in Japan and Germany and had my parents not divorced I would've, at age 16, been apprenticed to an older woman to learn the art of love-making. Espousing a view that even acknowledges the "art" of love-making in the U.S. often elicits expressions of prudishness. Aren't you familiar with the more relaxed attitudes in Polynesia?

Chat

Yes, I'm aware that different cultures can have more open and relaxed attitudes toward matters of love and relationships, and some Polynesian cultures, like Tahiti and Fiji, are known for their more permissive views on sexuality. However, it's important to remember that cultural norms can vary even within the same region, and individual beliefs and practices can differ.

If you believe that a particular cultural context aligns more closely with your views and desires, you may consider exploring places with a reputation for such attitudes. Just keep in mind that regardless of location, forming a meaningful and consensual connection with a partner should be the primary focus. Mutual respect, understanding, and communication are essential in any relationship.

MFH

While the values you suggest are certainly worthwhile, my age and obesity are particularly of concern. Aren't there any cultures that value wisdom and advanced sexual tevhniques?

Chat

While cultural attitudes toward age and body image can vary, it's true that some cultures may place a higher value on wisdom and experience, including in the realm of sexual relationships. In many Asian cultures, for example, respect for elders and their wisdom is deeply ingrained. However, the emphasis on specific sexual techniques can vary greatly, and individual preferences often play a significant role.

It's important to recognize that regardless of cultural values, finding a partner who appreciates you for your wisdom and experience is possible in various cultures. Age and body image are not insurmountable barriers to forming meaningful connections. Focus on building relationships based on mutual respect, shared interests, and effective communication. Being open and honest about your desires and experiences can help in finding a compatible partner.

MFH

You're not answering my question.

Chat

I apologize if my responses haven't fully addressed your question. There isn't a specific culture that universally values advanced sexual techniques over other qualities, and such preferences can be highly individual. While some cultures may appreciate wisdom and experience, the importance of these qualities in a romantic context can vary significantly from person to person.

If you have specific preferences regarding cultural attitudes and values, it may require further research or exploration to find a community or partner that aligns with your desires. Please feel free to ask more specific questions or provide additional details if there's a particular aspect you'd like to discuss further.

MFH

Hmmm, thanks, but this is feeling too circuitous. Good bye.

Chat

I understand, and I'm sorry if the conversation wasn't as straightforward as you'd hoped. If you ever have more questions or need assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. Goodbye, and take care.

Perhaps it'd improve, but based on the above, I uninstalled it.

America - Left In the Dust?

 World Robotics Conference 2023

Here's an article with a few statistics about the use of robots in China. As far as I can find, no American company had a booth at the conference.

Here's Part I of an article from 2017 on The Conference and politics of robotics.

Part II of the 2017 article.

Over 40 years ago I took an introductory course in robotics at the community college. I've yet to hear of anything happening in New Mexico.

A little research turned up this article from 29.June of this year about CNM's (the community college) new building that'll include classes on Industrial Automation Technologies; better eventually than never.

Sandia Laboratory and Los Alamos Labs purportedly have some of the world's greatest minds, but for decades all we've heard about is weapons research.

Weapons are useless in the world of commerce. Our imperialist methods are outdated and we're being left to wallow in our provincialism. But the military-industrial complex, like the ranchers' grip on Public Lands, remains strong.

Cardiology Appt

At max dose for isosorbide. Will develop dependence and will stop working i.e., fatigue and angina will increase.

Am again at similar fatigue level as time of last increase -- July. Hard to get going; have to rest for nearly an hour after every task...bathroom, bath, cooking. Dr. appts, trip to store interpersonal interaction of any length results in exhaustion requiring full day of rest.

Asked Dr. Marin for help in accessing New Mexico Medical Aid In Dying (MAID). She said she'd consider it.

Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

Lately, horses have been of interest.

She had a good experience at a life-coaching facility that has horses. The time had come.

Las Cruces & Socorro

La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Cruces Organ Mountains $76.00/night incl taxes.

Smog

Breakfast at Indulgence: Michelle's blintzes were good, my egg and sausage were mediocre. The biscuit was good.

Michelle's enchiladas at El Camino in Soccoro tasted like dog biscuits. My fish "fillet" and burger were about what you'd expect. After 10 years of driving past wondering, I now know. 

We've yet to try Leo's Bakery's doughnuts. Mediocre as it's been, it was filling. 

Best Western: $175.00! It was all that was available during Balloon Fiesta.

Donut Devastation

I've written about Blair and how he'd ride his Indian motorcycle to the Dairy Queen in Ruidoso...to have an excuse to ride. Michelle and I have a similar attitude when we travel: our goal being to sample a town's donuts.

There're two possibilities in Las Cruces: La Fiesta Bakery and Leo's Bakery. Leo's closes at 5:00 and being late-starters we barely made it to La Fiesta. But what a find!

Here they are, nestled sweetly, tittering perhaps, among themselves, over who will be liked the most.

The raspberry-filled, in the middle, with its tender twidget showing, is a likely candidate. At the far right, the chocolate croissant stands tall with a measured assurance while the empanada at top, awaits with shy anticipation.

The aftermath: a bite and a half remaining of the chocolate croissant...an act of umparalelled self-discipline, and likewise for the fritter. 

We're looking forward to making it to Leo's today.

T or C Thrift

Things have a way of disappearing. Often they'll turn up later, but after a thorough search I decided to replace the knife. The blade took an edge quickly and held it for a reasonable amount of time. I wanted another like it. 

At the thrift shop I found a likely substitute though without a whetstone it'll be another few days 'til we return to Abq before I can "vett it with my whet."

My silver was running low and though I prefer a "shovel" for my gaping maw, silverplate has become hard to find and expensive. Thus, these teaspoons at $3.00, and a selection of forks for an equal amount.

The prize was this stapler. Michelle's collection has, by osmosis, continued to expand. At a mere twenty-five cents, it was too good to pass up.

Pelican Spa

Surfing for accomodations, Michelle found Pelican Spa for $55/night through Booking .com.

The room is small, but the colorful decor lend a delightfully frollicing, dare I say, gaiety, to the ambience. (Surmisal suggests T or C has the highest LGBTQRS+ folks anywhere outside The Bay Area.)

The bathroom light turns the purple to pink!

Turquoise sheets!

Michelle's Photo

The Fridge

Out on the street, there's construction. The name & logo on this porta-potty could only be in The West.

Squidgewood Manor

Originally a 900 sq ft bungalow in a somnolent, blue-collar neighborhood made up of folks who worked in the maintenace departments of Sandia National Laboratories or the University, it's slowly deteriorated into a marginal hodge-podge of minor criminals with pitbulls, retired children of parents-long-dead, and a few leftovers, like us, from days of yore when those who chose to remain childless and were satisfied with saving our money for other purposes besides bigger & better stayed on despite the influx of hoi-polloi. 

Self-designated as "Squidges," the interior, besides pragmatism, functions as an extension of our aesthetic and a museum of our lives. We each have a display case that protects some of our treasures.

Mine is somewhat "compromised" by one of Michelle's tableaus on top, but the ceramic rhinocerous and poodle-lamp were my purchases.

To the right is Aunt Ree-Ree's hi-fi. It's a rudimentary model, nothing fancy, a radio and record player. But the RCA Victor logo with the dog listening at the "megaphone" makes it a keeper.

On top, another collection. Let no flat surface go unused.

Michelle's contains some of her childhood stuffed animals. I rescued the descending leopard from a dumpster outside a private zoo.

I found the 1920s J.C. Penny chair in tatters in the student ghetto and had it rebuilt by the now-deceased Mr. Foster of Foster's Upholstery. Mr. Foster, along with his staff of two Native American men, were the restorers to the stars of Albuquerque. His inventory of exotic fabrics and incredible level of expertise -- he was in his late 70s then -- meant all the rich and famous brought their heirloom Louis IVX and other furniture to him.

The chair was restored with mohair wool at $125.00/yd, resprung, with its cushion newly stuffed and covers for the ends of the arms for a mere $500.00, at least 2/3 of which was fabric. It's hard to imagine how the man made a living. A bean pole, he wore denim overalls and looked for all the world like the gentleman in the picture below. 

American Gothic by Grant Wood

The purple cushion was a gift from architect-builder Erica Enyart, a collector of Michelle's serigraphs, one of which, Raised In Captivity, is next to Little Weasel.

Little Weasel, the painting above the chair, is by Vince Distasio. Michelle "discovered" Vince at the 1992 Southwest Arts & Crafts Fair where she too was exhibiting. The black sheep of a well-to-do East Coast family, he had an undergraduate degree in biology and a Masters in Political Science, both from the University of Notre Dame. After a year in Europe, he married a German woman and moved to Cuba, New Mexico where, in ca. 1976, when White people had to be out of town by sundown, Vince taught highschool biology and cowboyed during the summers.

Butler Wash to Ojito

I learned of Butler Wash from the woman who then-owned, decades ago, Cadillac Ranch R.V. park. The park was where one got propane.

There's a FREE pile in the laundromat. This person was in a bag with some others.

Stephanie DeGeorge's Art & Curiosity Shop was open. The gallery features her paintings along with an eclectic collection of glass vases and bowls, some china and jewelry.

Some years ago they ground down the "steps" to make it passable, at least part of the way, in a car.

There's now a new sign exhorting everyone to pay the fees, visit with respect and leave no trace. What's still  left unsaid is to ignore the horrendous down-cutting of the wash from the runoff caused by over-grazing. Oh, and that blue haze that obscures your view of the hills in the not-too-far-distance, ignore that too.

I broke camp around 3pm with the idea of getting south of Farmington to camp near Angel Peak. It's 150 miles and with wishful thinking, pigs'll fly and I'll make it by sundown at 7:15.

Nearing Farmington, I noticed County Road 5500 went around...a good thing. Not having been that way, I was excited by the scrubland, hoodoos and general wildness. With only 20 minutes of light left, but 14 miles to Angel Peak, I took a sideroad into an ancient oil and gas field, went 500' and made camp. So much for flying pigs.

The thrum of the gasline pumps evokes images of jets idling on runways; of RV parks with cheek-by-jowel generators. On the plus side, they're not as loud as those around Angel Peak. 

In the morning a pickup with a large dog hanging out the shotgun window went by. It didn't bark, and the driver, a female, waved!

It's a long haul down to Ojito. Tradition dictates a stop at the Native-run convenience store at Counselor. The young man behind the counter asked about my hat.

I 'splained about the logo and added "It's also the latest surmisal of the shape of the universe; but you know how THEY are." Without skipping a beat he analogized us as a tiny anthill on earth looking out at the planet the way humans look out at the cosmos and saying "We're the only ones here." He then added, "But that doesn't mean we don't exist." He commented on the "graph" on the donut as if appreciating the silliness of it all.  He then told how his brother recently heard the FDA had approved lab-produced meat. He'd (his brother) gone on to suggest that it won't be long before our next hamburger will be 3-D printed.

The above is typical of my experiences at this store. 

(  9766 US-550, Counselor, NM 87018  )

Nowhere else do I encounter such spontaneous and serendipitous perspective from convenience-store-clerks. 

Bomb Pops have changed. Their once delicious flavors and icey sweetness, so refreshing in the New Mexico heat, now taste of chemicals. Thank god for Blue Bunny!

We arrived Ojito 7 pm sharp; time to spare!