Ever since I've been in New Mexico the weather watch has been on rain and thunderstorms, something kinda unusual around here. But there haven't been any of the typical and expected dust storms. The area is known for it's wind and dust, sometimes reaching full brown-out conditions. It looks like Deming will be having it's dust tomorrow, much more normal weather this time of year.

I needed a pair of wheels, since one went away up near Colorado. A pair, because while I thought I might get close, I didn't expect an exact match. The local tire guy knew what to order, and when I looked at them today, they were an EXACT match. Rationally speaking I should return the second, as it's not necessary. On the other hand I now have a spare wheel that matches the others, something I didn't have. That was a pain because the spare used...

Deming has a lot of Mexican restaurants, one of the reasons I like being here. But this time I'm checking out the "heart-healthy" options available at them. Depending on where you are this can be easy or difficult. Deming has what I call "American" style Mexican food, heavy on cheese and refried beans. That's different than Santa Fe style, or Tex-Mex. Finding dishes lower in fats and dairy is a tad tough here, but can be done (there's always...

October sales of retail marijuana were $75 million, up from $73 million in September. Colorado recently reported sales of $77 million, but they include medical sales. Washington does not know what it's medical sales are. A surprise was that the "Oregon Effect" didn't drag down sales in Washington. Oregon enabled retail sales, and it was expected that there would be an obvious reduction in monthly sales in Washington. Instead, sales went up...

It seemed unlikely to me when the idea got started, but tomorrow Ohions might very well legalize marijuana by passing Issue 3. Issue 3 has some very different characteristics than other efforts, one of which is that it legalizes and establishes regulatory agency for both medical and recreational cannabis all at once. But the feature that gives most voters pause is that it names ten investors that will be given total and sole control over the...

Roadrunners are abundant in southern New Mexico, and are very tolerant of humans. Tolerant, but never friendly. We have several roadrunners in the park, one of which roosts in a tree outside my window. The tree is short, 12 feet or so, which makes it one of the tallest trees for a hundred miles. It looks like a nursery tree recently planted. Every evening I've watched and laughed as the roadrunner leaps up to try to reach the lower branch, about...

Finally made it. I had to sit two days at Bosque and watch thunderstorms go by or over me. These weren't the Kansas-style storms, but the little ones that appear from nowhere in the desert. Anyway, my view at Birdwatchers RV Park overlooking the Rio Grande valley and the mountains (up to 30 miles away) was perfect for storm watching. Better to watch than to get caught in a flood. I'll be in Deming a while while I contemplate my next move. I'm...

I've had two blowouts, one tire was burned up, and one went flying off to who knows where. The rest, 14, were worn to the danger point, sometimes by a failed axle. Both axles were replaced once, then again with built-on-the fly models, which I have now. I've had them aligned, bearings packed, the rig weighed. Tire pressure checked frequently. I've been on the road 8 1/2 years. Driving me nuts.....

However you know this place, I'm at the Birdwatchers RV Park. I'm paid for two nights, but will stay over if the t-storms persist. The park is being run by a friend of the owner; John took off this morning for SLC because his mom took a turn for the worse. Last year, John told me he'd retire when she passed. I wish him luck. After getting caught up on the rumors I had to have lunch, of course. If I get trapped here by the weather I'll have to...

The first reason for being here is shopping for turquoise stuff as gifts. Gallup is the center for stones and jewelry supplies, and conveniently located in the middle of the Navajo Nation, yet not on the reservation. The second reason is to wait out a weather thing coming through. I'm here in a rv park, perfectly protected from any crazy storm events. I'll be here for several days, until the weather passes. And then, on a rainy day, I'll go over...

Gene's Frame and Alignment did a great job getting me in and fixed up today. Rather than order a replacement axle they built a new one using my old one as a source of parts. I mounted my ugly spare wheel to get me along, but I had to buy a new tire because my spare was 8 years old. Now that leaves the bent sheet metal that I'll try to straighten up a bit until I can arrange for a replacement. Then I'll need a pair of decent wheels. All of that...

I'm in Farmington, NM, which is exactly where I wanted to go but am here under entirely different circumstances. My brother died on Saturday in Yakima, WA. My plan today was to move to the Farmington fairgrounds where I could sit for cheap. Talk to folk, find out what's happening with Glenn. I was in Aztec, on the way to Farmington, and noticed I was missing a wheel on the trailer. Wheel gone. Just axle spindle showing. I'm going down the road...