Beauiful hibiscus

We had two hibiscus plants in 2012 that we thought had died over the winter.  One really was gone but Ron brought this one back to life and it's been blooming most of the summer.  He has his Grandma Haag's green thumb!

The Day Has Finally Come!

After 42 years and 2 months, I have retired from the Forest Service.  I came home to these signs on the garage door.  What a nice surprise from Ron!!

 

Visitors from the Evergreen State

Ron's siblings - Cheryl, Rick, and Debra visited in July 2012. We had a wonderful time enjoying the pool and visiting sites in New Mexico. I'm pretty sure they enjoyed themselves because they are planning to visit with their families next year.

This picture of St. Francis of Asissi was taken at Church's restaurant in Old Town Albuqerque. We had lunch there on the day everyone flew in.

We celebrated the July birthdays at the Luna Mansion--a favorite local restaurant with the best steaks. They even gave us three desserts to help us celebrate.

We visited the Loretto Chapel (after watching "The Staircase" the night before). It's amazing to think this staircase was built without nails or a center support. Debra (to the left) contemplated the miracle.

A hibiscus grows in New Mexico

It's hard to believe that hibiscus can grow in New Mexico but here's proof. I bought two plants at Home Depot in May and they have been blooming daily. The flowers don't last long but they sure are beautiful!

10,678 feet above sea level

We drove to Sandia Peak and enjoyed the panoramic view from 10,678 feet above sea level. Note that Camp Muir on Mount Rainier is only 10,080 feet above sea level. The road to Sandia Peak is one of the highest paved roads in the United States. From this vantage, you can see forever (or 10,000 square miles, whichever is further).

The Pool is Open

It's May 1st and we're already enjoying the pool.  Emily made her first dip on March 31; it was still pretty chilly.  Mary Jane finally got in the pool on April 7.  We've been in most days since then.  Today is May Day and it's 85° outside and the pool is 77°--I'm heading out soon for a dip!  Abby is ready to go swimming too.
If this doesn't convince all of you to visit us in New Mexico, I don't know what will.

New Mexico Spring

It's amazing to see plants doing so well in April.  Of course, these are all high desert plants but still amazing.

Blanket flowers are a native plant and they bloom everywhere.

The purple prickly pear cactus has all sorts of new growth.

 

And the Spanish broom (unlike the Washington Scotch broom) is grown on purpose!