Featuring the Art, History, and Business of the Tularosa Basin & Sacramento Mountains
A Visit from St. Nicholas
By Clement Clarke Moore
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
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I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
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He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—
Tom Charles Tours
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green phosphate mineral. It's found around the world in arid regions, especially near copper deposits. Today, the major producers of Turquoise include Iran, China, Mexico, Tibet, Australia, and the southwestern United States.
While some Turquoise stones are a solid color, many more feature dark brown veining, called a matrix. Turquoise is commonly cut and polished into rounded cabochon
shapes to highlight its lustrous appearance.
Turquoise can range in color from sky blue to nearly green
• Turquoise is the national gemstone of both Iran and Tibet
• It's believed that Native American tribes were mining Turquoise more than 2,000 years ago.
Indigenous peoples believed that it represented water energy, and used the stone in rain-making ceremonies.
• People in the Himalayas thought that Turquoise
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came from heaven and called it the "sky stone."
• The color of any Turquoise stone is determined by the amount of copper in it..
The earliest evidence of turquoise gemstones comes from ancient Egyptian tombs, which contain elaborate turquoise jewelry dating back to 3000 BCE. Egyptians set turquoise in gold necklaces and rings, used it as inlay, and carved it into scarabs. Most notably, King Tut’s iconic burial mask was extravagantly adorned with turquoise.
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The oldest turquoise mines are in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. One sat near an ancient temple dedicated to Hathor, the Greek goddess of love and joy who was worshiped as a protector in the desert and as the patron saint of mining.
Egyptians called turquoise mefkat, which meant “joy” and “delight.”
Ancient Persians decorated extensively with turquoise, often engraving it with Arabic script. Turquoise covered palace domes because its sky-blue color represented heaven. This later inspired the use of turquoise in buildings like the Taj Mahal.
Believing turquoise guaranteed protection, Persians adorned their daggers and horses’ bridles with it. Their name for turquoise, pirouzeh, meant “victory.”
Persians wore turquoise gemstone jewelry around their necks and in their turbans. They believed it offered protection by changing color to warn of pending doom. (Turquoise can, in fact, fade if exposed to sunlight or solvents.)
When Turkish traders introduced this “Persian blue” stone to Europe via the Silk Con�nues page 30
63 Desert Lakes Rd, Alamogordo
MLS#: 2403149
Impressive 5500 sq ft of Luxury Detail on this 10.785 acres estate situated in the middle of Desert Lakes Golf Course in Alamogordo, NM.
This home features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom in the West Wing of the home. The West wing has a cafe Kitchen, which is perfect for your morning coffee or late night snack.
The owners suite has a pass through fireplace into the bathroom. 2 separate closets, and a separate entry to an exclusive patio, with bunco seating and wiring for a hot tub.
The center of the home has a Resort style indoor diving pool with a humidifier and full bathroom.
The East wing of the home has a Gourmet kitchen, complete with new smart appliances. A gorgeous stacked stone fireplace and a 1/2 bathroom off the living room.
1600 sq ft of covered patio, Outdoor kitchen, TV.2100 sq ft cooled detached 6 car/RV garage.
This home has hosted multiple wedding, a plethora of social events and is perfect for entertaining friends and family. It would also make the perfect vacation rental.
$1,250,000
December 2024
Horoscope Overview
The final month of 2024 will be surprisingly bright for many of us, leaning more towards new beginnings rather than the conclusion of old endeavors.
This trend is quite ambivalent, as traditionally the last months of the year are characterized by a general decline in intensity, and it is usually a time for "collecting stones." However, December 2024 will be different.
Unexpectedly, the Sun will take the lead, collaborating with other planets. This powerful planetary configuration guarantees that we will have plenty to occupy ourselves with! Substantial
What Is Huitlacoche
changes are likely in our work direction, although they will only be partly dependent on our desires. We will have to make significant efforts to use the changing circumstances for our own benefit.
It will be interesting, feasible, and ultimately promising. Although, just like in the previous month, we shouldn't fixate too much on what lies ahead. We need to live in the present in its full sense.
The romantic sphere will have the most significant influence on us. This aspect of our lives may turn out to be the most significant and even fateful.
Moving to a new place of residence or adding a new member to the family are not the only noteworthy events that may await us during this time. However, of course, not everything will be straightforward and cloudless. Some difficulties may arise in personal relationships,
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Road in the 13th century, they influenced the gemstone’s name. The word “turquoise” comes from the French pierre tourques for “Turkish stone.”
Southwestern United States. Shamans used it in sacred ceremonies to commune with the spirit of the sky. Apache Indians believed that attaching turquoise to bows (and later, firearms) improved a hunter’s accuracy.
Turquoise became valuable in Native American trade, which carried North American material toward South America. Consequently, Aztecs cherished turquoise for its protective power and used it on ceremonial masks, knives, and shields.
The turquoise-studded silver jewelry that’s commonly associated with Native Americans today originated in the 1880s, when a white trader convinced a Navajo craftsman to transform a silver coin into turquoise jewelry.
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but it would be better to address these nuances through concrete examples in specific areas.
In terms of work, finances, and business, December 2024 may not initially seem attractive, but that is only the first impression. In reality, we will quickly understand why things are not going as planned.
The business sphere will be vulnerable to various types of fraud, but with just a drop of attentiveness, we can avoid falling into the trap. In other words, although there is a risk, it will be minimal and not worth focusing on. This month is a good time to start something new, something fundamental, or to continue and give a new twist to ongoing projects. It is a favorable time to form new alliances. However, it is not continues next page
advisable to rush to complete ongoing tasks and wrap up projects that have either not reached their final stage or may seem to have already passed it.
In reality, from any situation at present, we can derive even greater benefits; we just need to collaborate with someone. On the other hand, if we don't have our own business, it is essential to "prod" the management to start implementing our own initiatives as soon as possible.
This is a vivid time when it is worth planning events for the next month or two, as the vectors that you set for yourself now will remain valid for that long. Flexibility and alternative approaches are also welcomed. In the media business, for example, the most (but within reason) original ideas prevail!
Regarding matters of the heart, December 2024 will undoubtedly provide challenges and opportunities for both those in relationships and those who are single.
It is worth noting that the situation may unfold in a less clear-cut manner, but we simply need to navigate through it. By relying on our own honesty and kindness, we will easily achieve the best results. When it comes to finding a partner, persistence is necessary, even for the most introverted. Individual nuances will come into play, but they are not the focus
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now. During this period, many of us will meet people who will change our lives forever.
On the other hand, we should not force ourselves on others. In general, this month will be a delicate period of life where we will need to understand at least the basics of psychology.
If we lack this understanding, then seeking the support of a good friend is necessary. Friendship will play an important, but not the most crucial, role.
Simply because many personal matters can only be resolved by ourselves, and outside opinions will only hinder us.
Towards the end of the month, many things may resolve themselves naturally. In other words, difficult situations and problematic moments that could escalate into conflicts will neutralize themselves even without our involvement. There is no need to rely on this too much, but signs indicate that we are not alone and we have everything we need to be happy.
In the heart of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Nate Mandalia is not just an entrepreneur; he's a visionary redefining hospitality with a rich blend of southwestern tradition and modern flair.
His journey in the hospitality industry is deeply rooted in a childhood filled with the joy of a bustling home, where the doors were always open to visitors from around the world.
This vibrant environment, courtesy of his parents' generous spirits, has shaped Nate’s approach to business and community service.
Nate took the reins of the family business, The Desert Aire Hotel, in 2018, building on the foundation his parents laid when they acquired it in 2005. From them, Nate inherited more than just a business—he inherited a mission to extend unconditional hospitality to every guest, reminiscent of the warmth he experienced at home.
"Hospitality goes beyond merely providing services; it's about creating an environment where even strangers feel at home," Nate explains.
"We want to offer more than just a visit; we aim to create memorable experiences that guests will cherish,"
His ambition is vast yet meticulous: to transform the Desert Aire Hotel into a beloved micro-destination for visitors to nearby attractions like White Sands National Park and Holloman Air Force Base, as well as the Alamogordo community at large.
2023 saw the launch of Classic Eats, a vibrant addition to the hotel that embodies Nate’s philosophy of hospitality. Here, locals and tourists alike are welcomed with open arms and delectable southwestinspired foods, making it more than just a dining venue—it's a gathering place. Nate's plans for Classic Eats are ambitious, aiming to expand its
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Continues from previous page offerings to include lunch, dinner, and a muchanticipated brunch menu starting September 2024.
Beyond his business ventures, Nate is a pillar of the local entrepreneurial community through his creation of the Alamogordo Entrepreneurs Group. Recognizing a gap in mentorship opportunities, Nate established the group to nurture both nascent and experienced entrepreneurs.
This initiative has quickly evolved into a thriving network that promotes business innovation and fosters community pride.
"It’s about empowering one another, sharing the lessons I've learned to help others carve their successful paths," he shares. The group has cultivated a strong sense of camaraderie and has become a corner-stone in their entrepreneurial development.
Nate’s personal life is filled with stories that highlight the impact of his upbringing on his professional ethos. One such story is of his mother, known throughout their community for her legendary hospitality. Her annual parties were not just social events; they were experiences that brought people together and created lasting bonds.
This legacy of connection and service is something Nate is passionate about continuing through his business endeavors. So keep an eye out for new innovative and inspired events to come.
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The future looks bright for Nate and his ventures. With plans to further enhance the guest experience at the Desert Aire Hotel and Classic Eats, he envisions creating a space that not only offers a place to stay or dine but also serves as a venue for significant life events like weddings and private parties.
"We want to offer more than just a visit; we aim to create memorable experiences that guests will cherish," Nate emphasizes. His vision extends to turning The Classic Desert Aire Hotel into an iconic southwestern boutique destination, embodying the best of Alamogordo's hospitality and charm.
Through a unique combination of legacy, leadership, and a clear vision for the future, Nate Mandalia is crafting more than a business; he’s nurturing a landmark that promises to shine as a bea-con of hospitality in Southern New Mexico.
His dedication to his community and his deep respect for the principles of hospitality instilled by his parents are making a lasting impact, ensuring that his legacy will inspire and serve generations to come.
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
The authorship of “A Visit” is credited to Clement Clarke Moore who is said to have composed it on a snowy winter's day during a shopping trip on a sleigh.
His inspiration for the character of Saint Nicholas was a local Dutch handyman as well as the historic Saint Nicholas.
Moore originated many of the features that are still associated with Santa Claus today while borrowing other aspects, such as the use of reindeer.The poem was first published anonymously in the Troy, New York Sentinel on 23 December 1823, having been sent there by a friend of Moore, and was reprinted frequently thereafter with no name attached. It was first attributed in print to Moore in 1837.
In 1842, the noted poet and editor William Cullen Bryant credited Moore as the author when he included the piece in an anthology of American poetry he had compiled. Moore himself acknowledged authorship when he included it in his own book of poems in 1844. By then, the original publisher and at least seven others had already acknowledged his authorship.
Two old men are sitting in a bar.
One of them looks at the other & says
“You look familiar… where you from?”
The second old man replies “Ireland”
The first old man looks astonished & says
” No way I’m from Ireland myself, what a small world!”
The second old man then looks at the first “What city?”
The first old man says “Dublin?”
The second old man looks astonished
“No way I’m from Dublin meself! What a small world.”
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courtesy of Tyler Florence on
network
The First Battle of Mesilla was fought on July 25, 1861, at Mesilla in New Mexico Territory, in present-day Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
It was an engagement between Confederate and Union forces during the American Civil War. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory and led directly to the establishing of a Confederate Arizona Territory, consisting of the southern portion of the New Mexico Territory. The victory paved the way for the Confed-erate New Mexico Campaign the following year.
Following the secession of Texas in February 1861 and its joining the Confederacy, a battalion of the 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles under Lieutenant Colonel John R. Baylor was sent to occupy the series of forts along the western Texas frontier
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which had been abandoned by the Union Army. Baylor's orders from the Department of Texas commander, Colonel Earl Van Dorn, allowed him to advance into New Mexico in order to attack the Union forts along the Rio Grande if he thought the situation called for such measures. Convinced that the Union force at Fort Fillmore would soon attack, Baylor decided to take the initiative and launch an attack of his own.
Leaving during the night of July 23, Baylor arrived at Fort Fillmore the next night, preparing to launch a surprise attack the next morning. However, a Confederate deserter informed the fort's commander, Major Isaac Lynde, of the plans.
The next day, Baylor led his battalion across the Rio Grande into Mesilla, which sat at the crossroads of the two most traveled trails in the Southwest, the north-south El Camino Real de Tierra
Adentro ("the Royal Road of the Interior Land") and the east-west Butterfield overland mail route.
Baylor and his men were greeted with the cheers of the townspeople, who favored the Confederacy. A company of Arizona Confederates joined Baylor here, and were convinced to muster into the Confederate Army.
On July 25, leaving a small force behind to guard the fort, Lynde led 380 Regulars to the village to drive out Baylor.
Lynde approached the town with his command and demanded Baylor's surrender. When Baylor refused, Lynde deployed his men into a skirmish line and opened fire with his mountain howitzers. The infantry was ordered to advance but heavy sand and corn fields interfered with this attack. Lynde then
ordered his cavalry, three companies of the Regiment of Mounted Rifles, to charge Baylor's men.
The Confederates shot many of the Union soldiers during this time, which disorganized the attack. The Union assault was repulsed, and both sides began skirmishing at long range. Lynde reformed his command but decided to retreat back to the fort, with the Confederates troops and armed Arizona citizens in pursuit. Lynde lost a disputed three to thirteen men killed and two officers and four men wounded, while Baylor lost a disputed two dead and seven seriously wounded with twenty horses killed
At sunset the next day, Baylor ordered his artillery and more cavalry to reinforce him, while the rest of his command moved into position to attack the fort the next day. During the same night, the
Confederates captured 85 of the fort's horses, which formed most of the fort's transportation. Fearing an attack the next day, Lynde abandoned Fort Fillmore after destroying the ammunition and supplies in the citadel.
He retreated northeast towards Fort Stanton across the dry Organ Mountains via San Augustin Pass. Many Union troops apparently had filled their canteens with the fort's medicinal whiskey instead of water, hardly wise for a summertime march across desert country.
During the pursuit the following day, the Confederates were able to capture dozens of straggling Federals. Lynde's dehydrated command, reduced to 100 men by this time, was overtaken by the Confederates, some of whom used a pass (later
known as Baylor Pass) to intercept them. They were forced to surrender at San Augustine Springs on July 27. The prisoners were paroled, and Baylor concentrated his battalion at the fort. He was able to refit his command with the captured Springfield rifles and other captured equipment.
The Confederate victory at Mesilla actualized local overtures towards secession, which had been ratified by two conventions in March 1861. On August 1 Baylor declared the establishment of an organized Confederate Arizona Territory, consisting of the portion of the New Mexico Territory south of the 34th parallel north.
Baylor installed himself as the new territory's military governor, and declared martial law. Baylor's success at Mesilla led to Henry Hopkins Sibley's ambitious New Mexico Campaign the following February.
On 25 November 1861
Major Lynde was, by direction of the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, dropped from the Army rolls for "abandoning his post — Fort Fillmore, N. Mex. — on the 27th of July, 1861, and subsequently surrendering his command to an inferior force of insurgents
“Summertime, and the living is easy, Fish are jumping and the cotton is high.”
Ha, yep it’s summertime, last of July, hotter’n a cat on a hot tin roof. Driving home from Carlsbad yesterday my temp gauge read 103 degrees. Barely kept cool with the air conditioner going on high. Brings back old memories in the old neighborhood trying to keep cool on a hot day. Things were a little different back then.
I I remember vacationing each summer, visiting grandma in Fort Worth, about an eight hour drive, we had no air conditioner in our car. Back then, air conditioning in vehicles was a luxury most couldn’t afford. I remember the front windows had wings to open and direct the air.
In the back where myself and three other rambunctious sweaty, kids rode, it was a fight to see who got to sit by the window.
I can still see my old grandpa, in the hot summer, lying on his bed in the heat of the day, a fan blowing his direction, with a saucer of water in front to create a more comfortable cooling mist. Of course all the windows were wide open inviting a scarce, welcome cool breeze to blow through. Anything to combat the relentless heat of a hot New Mexico summer. Yep, summertime and the living was easy.
A “swamp cooler,” that’s what we had. The cooler was installed in the living room window. It had an electric motor to turn the fan and a water pump sitting in water to distribute water thru plastic feeding pipes to the cooling straw attached to the sides.
With everything working at full capacity, it would cool off one room of the house. Insulation in the old houses was scarce and a little expensive back in those days, “keeping” the house cool was impossible.
Relaxing in the cool living room usually didn’t last long. The water pump would quit, or get clogged up and when it quit pumping you had nothing but a big fan. In those days, hard times, we couldn’t just run to town for a new pump. Nope, we improvised. Mom would have us run outside, turn on the water hose, and sprinkle down the dry pads cooling us again for about an hour. Watering pads was a full time job on a hot day.
Even now, equipped with central cooling in my house, I don’t venture out in the heat of the afternoon. Just this morning my wife said,
“You oughta go fishing with your grandson!”
“Good grief,” I replied, “ Its a hundred and ten outside in the shade, the mosquitos are searching for blood donors. You want me to collapse with sunstroke!”
No, even my yard work is done in the mornings before the heat sets in. But here in my recliner, my cooler going. watching “Gunsmoke,” I recall the old song,
“Summertime and the living is easy.”
Growing up,the farthest thing from my mind was any desire to be a writer, even my English teachers in school, along with everybody else who knew me would readily admit that was not the best path for me to pursue.
Born in 1944, during World War II, times were indeed hard. Jobs were scarce, food was scarce, and shoes and clothing, taken for granted nowadays were scarce. Junior Thurman was the third child of what came to be seven children. Poverty was widespread. Junior was raised across the tracks on the poor side of town. A time when children were raised under the old rules, there were to be seen and not heard, and raised by those who believed if you story continues page 113
A judge was interviewing an Alabama woman regarding her pending divorce and asked, “What are the grounds for your divorce?”
“About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by,” she replied.
The judge, trying to clarify, said, “No, I mean what is the foundation of this case?”
“It’s made of concrete, brick, and mortar,” she answered.
The judge took a deep breath and continued, “What are your relations like?”
“I have an aunt and uncle
Turning 65? Medicare Questions?
57 and 12 cousins living here in town, as well as my husband’s parents,” she said matter-of-factly.
Exasperated, the judge asked, “Do you have a real grudge?”
“No, we have a two-car carport, but we’ve never really needed one since we don’t own a car.”
“Please,” he tried again, “is there any infidelity in your marriage?”
“Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don’t really like the music—too much hip hop and rap—but we can’t seem to do anything about it.”
“Ma’am, does your husband ever beat you up?” he inquired, hoping for a straightforward answer.
“Yes,” she replied. “He gets up every morning before I do and makes the coffee.”
Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, “Lady, why in the world do you want a divorce?”
“Oh, I don’t want a divorce,” she replied. “I’ve never wanted one; my husband does. The darn fool says he can’t communicate with me!
Still Reign Supreme
The emergence of digital publications, whether they be magazines, books, research journals or otherwise, took the world by storm Having the option of reading digital content as opposed to print, allowed us to access knowledge and carry entire libraries around in devices small enough to fit in your hand. This would seem to be a huge step forward when it comes to reading in general, as it makes a great deal more content accessible to more people. We are no longer tied to the physical limitations of print publications in terms of where we can access them and how many different
publications we can have at our fingertips at one time.
However, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is too good to be true. The advantages gained with the availability of digital content come with their own set of disadvantages. For one, numerous studies have been done on the level of reading comprehension and the ability to retain that information when reading print versus digital content. Reading print as opposed to digital has been shown to result in far higher levels of reading comprehension and information retention. If you want to truly comprehend and learn from the content you are reading, print has been demonstrated to be a far superior medium than digital.
The other problem that comes with reading digital content is the endless distractions that can interrupt you while you're trying to read on your computer, ipad, phone, etc. These can make
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it nearly impossible to get through a single article without something distracting you from reading at least once. What with email, texts, social media and numerous other digital distractions demanding your attention, being able to actually focus on a piece of writing well enough to really comprehend it can start to seem impossible. This has actually led to consumers in general becoming tired of what is being referred to as "the digital deluge," so much so that magazine print readership has been steadily rising for the past year, leading some consumer magazines to revive the print versions of their publications that had been relegated to digital formats.
With the digital age upon us it can be tricky to decipher which format is right for you,
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page 45
so we asked which you prefer: print or digital magazines?
In a recent survey which asked, Do you prefer print or digital magazines? 88% of readers said they prefer print and 12% of readers said they prefer digital.
• 58% of magazine readers enjoy reading the print edition over digital formats.
• 87% of readers take action after seeing a print magazine ad.
• The average reader spends about 41 minutes reading a single print magazine.
• 57% of magazine readers prefer to read content that is relevant to their personal interests.
• The average time spent per issue of a magazine is 51.8 minutes.
• 29% of magazine readers have taken an action related to a magazine ad online.
• Magazine readers in the 35-54 age group are the most engaged with magazine content.
• 41% of magazine readers have clicked on an ad in a digital magazine.
• More than half of magazine readers pay close attention to the ads in print magazines.
• 32% of readers have shared content from a magazine with others.
Book Dragon Book
Rescue was founded on the idea that every book deserves a chance at a second life.
For over five years we have been dedicated to making sure that Lincoln County and the surrounding communities always have a place to send unwanted books.
We then turn around and make the books accessible to everyone through free children's book fairs and free libraries spread through our local communities.
We also take pride in the repair and restoration of older books, we will go the extra mile to ensure that any damaged pieces are returned to as close to original condition as we possibly can.
Book Dragon Book Rescue mostly handles books in
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67 Lincoln County and the surrounding counties as well, however we will go in anywhere in New Mexico to save books.
The book rescue program has saved Thousands of books, and we intend to keep rescuing, repairing, and redistributing books for as long as we possibly can.
We are also currently seeking local businesses that would be interested in hosting children's book fairs, please call tact us for further information.
Thank you to all the people who have donated in the past, and to anyone looking to think out or unload books, we are more than happy to help. To schedule donation pick up or for further information please contact Kevin at 575-802-3543
December
Birth Flower: The Holly
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub or small tree known for its glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant round or oval berries. The leaves are often adorned with sharp, spiky teeth or thorns along their edges, and the berries are most commonly red in color (but can also be orange or yellow). The plant produces small flowers that are typically greenish-white and bloom in late spring. Holly is a popular
HEROES
choice for holiday decorations, especially during Christmas.
Holly has roots in pagan traditions and pre-Christian cultures. In Celtic and Druidic beliefs, holly was considered a sacred plant with protective qualities, and was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to homes, especially during the winter solstice.
With the spread of Christianity, holly took on new symbolism. Its prickly leaves were seen as representing the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion, and the red berries symbolized his blood. During the Middle Ages, holly was commonly used in medieval Christmas festivities, and was hung in homes and churches as a symbol of hope and protection during the holiday season.
Holly symbolizes protection, love, and hope. It is often associated with the ideas of rebirth and renewal, making it a
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fitting choice for December, a month that marks the end of one year and the beginning of another.
Holly berries are a valuable food source for wildlife, especially during the winter, when other food options are scarce. Birds, such as robins and thrushes, rely on holly berries for sustenance.
Holly wood is known for its pale color, density, and fine grain. It's highly prized for use in woodworking and crafting, particularly for inlays, veneers, and fine turning work.
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Agency page 45
continuesfrompage125 that can span thousands of kilometers in height. They are formed by the intricate interplay of magnetic fields and solar plasma—an electrically charged gas consisting of ions and electrons. These solar vortices are visible in the Sun’s outermost part of its atmosphere, where they appear as spiraling columns of plasma.
Plasma tornadoes can reach heights of up to 124,000 miles and can last for several hours to days. Their width can be several thousand miles.
The rotational speed of plasma within these tornadoes can reach up to 186,000 miles per hour
The temperature of the plasma in these tornadoes can exceed several million degrees Celsius, significantly hotter than the Sun’s surface.
Plasma tornadoes are not only visually spectacular but also scientifically significant. They provide insights into the Sun’s magnetic field dynamics and contribute to our understanding of space weather phenomena, which can impact Earth.
Plasma tornadoes can also influence the solar wind, the stream of charged particles that flows outward from the Sun. Changes in the solar wind can affect space weather, impacting satellite operations, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth.
Saddle House
By Deanne Dickinson McCall
The saddles are dusty and I don’t want to explain
Why there’s buttons on a braided rein
And on snaffles there’s no chain.
There’s dirt on the floor and usually will be
There’s split reins and closed ones to see
Some bosals and hair mecates.
Bits are hanging on the wall stamped Garcia
And there’s some cheap ones from Korea
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While some are just a real bad idea.
Ropes are coiled here and there
Made of nylon, hemp and hair
Some old reatas worse for wear.
Over there piled in the corner
Are syringes, tubes and dehorners
Along with tongs for the ornery "her".
Boxes of mismatched spurs and stuff
Even an old fancy stamped cuff
Most of it worn, rusted and rough.
The visitor doesn’t know about ranch saddle rooms
That the blood stained chaps aren’t a costume
Or why we don’t have time for the broom.
It is what ranching is, real work and sweat and it’s pretty easy for us to forget
That most folks don’t know that yet.
Deanna Dickinson McCall is a daughter of the West. She writes award winning poetry and stories that take you into her world of ranch life.
Deanna Dickinson McCall writes about the West with settings in both the past and current day. Deanna has cows, horses and a love of the land bred into her, coming from a family that began ranching in Texas in the 1840s.
I ranch with my husband in the Sacramento Mountains, we run both Corrientes and Brangus/ Angus cattle. Our cattle run mostly on public lands, Lincoln National Forest and State of New Mexico leases.
I am also an author and a poet. I write about the West in both current and historical times in poetry, essay, and short story formats. I am currently writing my first novel. I also work in the local town’s office as the
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Attention all readers! Spooky season is in full swing, and it is time for a chilling tale that will send shivers down your spine. Prepare yourself for a story fromAugust 1st, 1875 that is not for the faint of heart.
It all started with a confrontation in town between two individuals, Robert Casey and William Wilson. According to newspaper reports, Wilson claimed that Casey owed him $8 for ranching work, but Casey vehemently denied this. The story goes that Wilson then cornered Casey near a hotel and fatally shot him in the eye.As a result, Wilson was arrested and charged with murder.
On December 15, 1875, William Wilson was escorted to the gallows for his final breath. Wilson was hanged and placed into a coffin immediately. Shockingly, some reports claim that a young girl, curious about the body, noticed that Wilson was still breathing!Although he was unconscious, he was still alive. The Evening Star recounted that, in an act of mercy, Wilson was granted 30 minutes of clemency. However, this decision was met with disapproval from the gathered crowd, who believed it was unjust to keep the prisoner waiting for his execution. As a result, he was hung again for an additional 20 minutes until he finally met his demise.
75 Administrative Assistant, writing grants and as their archivist 3 days a week which provides health insurance for us. Being a breast cancer survivor, having insurance is crucial.
After ranching in 4 states, I’ve learned a lot about differences and similarities in handling both horses and cattle. As long as the goal is less stress to livestock, including saddle horses, it translates to less stress to folks handling them. Methods will always have to fit the country to work. The biggest lesson is to watch and learn, it never hurts to learn something new.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in an environment where evenings were spent sharing stories, poems and songs on an old front porch or around a table. Some of my earliest memories are of those times, and my kids were fortunate enough to have had the same experience, learning some old favorites from my dad.
I feel we must represent a true account of ranching and cowboying if we are to continue our legacy of cowboy poetry. The non-ranching, non-agriculture public needs to know ranchers were the first conservationists, that we raise a healthy product for them, that we have ties with the land and animals they aren’t aware of.
I have heard first time attendees tell me afterward they had no idea of “this hidden culture”.
That speaks volumes.
A little three year old boy is sitting on the toilet. His mother thinks he has been sitting in there too long, so she goes in to see what’s up.
The little boy is sitting on the toilet reading a book. But, about every ten seconds or so, he puts the book down, grips onto the toilet seat with his left hand, and hits himself on top of the head with his right hand.
His mother says “Billy are you all right? You have been in here for a while.”
Billy says “I’m all right, Mommy, I just haven’t gone doody yet.”
Mother says, “ Okay, you can stay here for a few more minutes. But Billy, why do you keep hitting yourself on the head?”
Billy says “Works for ketchup”
Phrases people use all the time without knowing their actual meaning
WritingExplained dates this one to the 1300s. They say that the phrase first appeared in John Wycliff’s book English Works, which describes war horses walking along with a procession.
These horses are literally taller than other horses, and people began to use this saying as a way of describing someone who acts like they think they are better, or above, others.
Take it with a grain of salt
The Idioms credits the ancient writer Pliny the Elder for this one: “It is said that Pliny the Elder translated an continues next page
78 ancient antidote for poison in 77 A.D., which recommends taking the antidote with a grain of salt.”
This phrase typically means one should have some healthy skepticism about what they’re hearing.
At the drop of a hat
This phrase means something begins very suddenly. It dates back to the American Wild West.
Often a race or a duel would begin with someone firing off a gun. But sometimes a hat was used instead – and when it dropped and landed on the floor, the race would begin. Dressed to the nines
The origins of this 19thcentury phrase, meaning, “dressed extremely well,” are somewhat murky.
Some people believe that this saying originated
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because it took nine yards of fabric to make a full three-piece suit.
Other people point out, however, that the saying “to the nines” existed before this phrase and that it seems like the “dressed” part was simply added on.
Burning the midnight oil
The 1635 book Quarles’ Emblems, first used the phrase “midnight oil,” which refers to the oil in an oil lamp.
This phrase means that you are awake late at night doing work.
Meaning “getting banned or excluded,” this phrase originated in 1770.
In polite society, people would cast votes in order to decide whether or not to allow
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Blackballed
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someone into their social club. On a ballot, the downvotes would be made with a black ball.
Time to face the music
Back in New England around the 1830s, it was custom that a disgraced army officer or soldier would be sent home with a specific song playing on the drums. They were literally facing the music for whatever wrong actions had led them there.
Jumping on the bandwagon
A bandwagon was a phrase coined by PT Barnum to
describe the wagon that carried his circus’s band. His circus would ride into town paradestyle and sometimes politicians would use bandwagons for their electoral campaigns. People jumped on the bandwagon to express their support for a designated candidate.
As mad as a hatter
That Alice In Wonderland character’s name actually did make sense! Turns out, hatmakers in the 18th and 19th centuries used the dangerous chemical mercury nitrate as part of their hatmaking process. This led to the workers developing many ailments such as shakes and hallucinations. Fortunately, hat makers do not use this chemical anymore.
Frosted Bologna Cake
1 package bologna
12 oz cream cheese (1 and 1/2 packages, room temperature)
3 tablespoons onion powder or half packet of dry ranch mix cheese whiz for decorating
In a large bowl, add room temperature cream cheese and onion powder or ranch dressing
Mix them together.
Take one slice of bologna from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Then place it on a plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese mixture on top of the bologna
Then spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture between each layer. Repeat until you use up all the bologna. Spread more cream cheese mixture onto the side of the bologna cake.
If you want to decorate your bologna cake you can use cheez whiz
By Karen Sonnenfelt Library Director; Michael Nivison Public Library
The second annual Tiny Art Show took place in Cloudcroft at the Community Room housed in the Red Brick Schoolhouse; home to the Michael Nivison Public Library.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the Michael Nivison Library Board and the Cloudcroft Art Society, this year showcased some incredible talent challenging the
45
judges to take their time as they deliberated the different mediums.
All mediums were welcome, but the stickler for entering was the piece of art couldn’t be larger than 7 inches on any side.
There were three age categories: 18 and over; 11 to 17; and 4 to 10.
Judge’s Choice was awarded to Cloudcroft’s Chief of Police Roger Schoolcraft who created a marvelous basket weaving.
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Dandelions
By Anita Sanchez - The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
Whether you love them or hate them, dandelions are among the most familiar plants in the world. They’re one species that just about anyone can identify at a glance, as familiar to humans as the dog. Dandelions are, quite possibly, the most successful plants that exist, masters of survival worldwide.
Before the invention of lawns, people praised the golden blossoms and liontoothed leaves as a bounty of food, medicine and magic. Gardeners often weeded out the grass to make room for
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In the 18 and over category, 1st place was awarded to Stephanie Collins for her mosaic painting. 2nd place was awarded to Tia Fulk Schawe for her Dog and Tree scene.
James Truex took first place in the 11 to 17 year old category with his hummingbird painting.
There were three winners in the 4 to 10 age category with one competitor winning two of the spots.
Savannah Jonnes took first place with her painting called Night Dog. Second place was awarded to Karsyn Jonnes for her piece of art called Stepping Out. Third place went to Savannah Jonnes for her Blue Bird.
After the judging was completed, and the awards and prizes had been distributed, Karen Sonnenfelt had a chance to chat with Chief Roger Schoolcraft about his artwork.
He had entered two pieces. One was the Judge’s Choice – the basket weaving project and the other was a piece of pottery. Chief Schoolcraft said he has been fascinated with primitive art for many years. In the case of pottery, he selects clay and hand molds it as they did years ago. He then fires the clay over an open fire as would have been the process.
When it comes to basket weaving, he has an exceptional eye for detail and symmetry. He said he began basket weaving about ten years ago. He does hand select the pine needles he uses and each piece is unique. He has some large pieces that took him months to make. The piece that caught the judge’s eyes and won the Judge’s Choice award was completed in about eight hours.
Chief Schoolcraft will be teaching a basket weaving class at The Crofting Inn owned by Gail and Scott McCoy.
A special thank you to Hannah Dean, the president of the Library Board and member of the Friends of the Library for having the vision to come up with the Tiny Art Show idea. Also a thank you to Jon Brinkman and Joan Nussbaum, and the members of the Cloudcroft Art Society and the judges who were involved with this year’s show.
Cloudcroft Christmas Market November 29 & 30 See page 9
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continued from page 55
spare the rod, you spoil the child.Yes, hard times, but the writer chose to add a little humor to help cushion the memories of the hard times, miseries, wants and needs of the rough world we, who were raised back then, were cast into.
English classes were not listed anywhere in my favorites list, I had no time for or interest in conjunctions, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and past participles, whatever that was. In fact, my curriculum, had I got to choose, would be Shop, Physical Education, Study hall, and Lunch, with the rest of the day off. Was it Mark Twain who said, "Never let too much schooling get in the way of a good education?"
When my oldest sister, Patsy, died, her son, Hunter found she had written down a few things about our lives, growing up, the hard times, scraping by in a large family trying to make ends meet. I enjoyed reading those, and decided to write my memories down, something to leave behind for future generations.
Many of today’s generation will never experience “The way things were,” the life we seniors lived through when we were growing up during post war and post depression years.
One of the friendliest faces you’ll see at Sunspot, Heidi works as the Observatory’s program specialist and public education outreach coordinator.
Her goal is to enhance the visitor experience, which includes managing the visitor center, tracking instore and online sales, planning and supervising educational outreach programs, and increasing public awareness of the Observatory.
While she has been working at Sunspot Solar Observatory since June 2018, Heidi has worked for New Mexico State University for over eleven years. She initally started at the STEM Outreach Center in the College of Education, where she oversaw STEM-based
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afterschool programs. Prior to working at NMSU, Heidi—who holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K8—was a public school teacher in Las Cruces and has over fifteen years of experience in retail, which she says has helped to prepare her for the role she plays at Sunspot’s visitor center.
After growing up for several years in Belgium and Germany, Heidi’s family settled in Albuquerque. She later relocated to Las Cruces, NM with her husband, living there for over twenty years.
Now, they live in the beautiful Lincoln National Forest, just a short walk from the Dunn Solar Telescope.
Soon after their arrival, Heidi and her husband realized what a hidden gem they'd encountered and quickly fell in love with Sunspot. They often spend their time enjoying the beautiful view of White Sands National Park from their home, walking trails with their two dogs—Noa and Jax—and laying out in the hammock with a good book.
Heidi’s appreciation for the Sun has grown since living and working at Sunspot, and she strives to show everyone just how relevant the work they do at DST is. When asked
continued from page 111 the dandelions. But somewhere in the twentieth century, humans decided that the dandelion was a weed. Nowadays, they’re also the most unpopular plant in the neighborhood –but it wasn’t always that way.
To show the benefits of the once-beloved plant, here are 10 ten things you might not know about dandelions.
1. Dandelions have deep roots in history throughout the ages. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed the flower, and they have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for over a thousand years. Dandelions probably arrived in North America on the Mayflower – not as stowaways, but brought on purpose for their medicinal benefits.
2. Dandelions were worldfamous for their beauty. They were a common and beloved garden flower in Europe, and the subject of many poems. In the
terrifying New World, the cheerful face of the dandelion was a sweet reminder of home. In Japan for instance, whole horticultural societies formed to enjoy the beauty of dandelions and to develop exciting new varieties for gardeners.
3. Dandelions are a green and growing first aid kit. The use of dandelions in the healing arts goes so far back that tracing its history is like trying to catch a dandelion seed as it floats over the grass. For millenniums, people have been using dandelion tonics to help body’s liver remove toxins from the bloodstream. In olden times, dandelions were also prescribed for every ailment, from warts to the plague. To this day, herbalists hail the dandelion as the perfect plant medicine: It is a gentle
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diuretic that provides nutrients and helps the digestive system function at peak efficiency.
4. Dandelions are more nutritious than most of the vegetables in your garden. They were named after lions because their lion-toothed leaves healed so many ailments, great and small: baldness, dandruff, toothache, sores, fevers, rotting gums, weakness, lethargy and depression. But it wasn’t until the twentieth century was the underlying cause of many of these symptoms realized: vitamin deficiencies. In eras when vitamin pills were unknown, vitamin deficiencies killed millions. In its time, “scurvy” was as dreaded a word as AIDS is today. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveal how dandelions probably helped alleviate many ailments: They have more vitamin A than spinach, more vitamin C than tomatoes, and are a powerhouse of iron, calcium and potassium.
5. Dandelions are good for your lawn. Their widespreading roots loosen hardpacked soil, aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. The deep taproot pulls nutrients such as calcium from deep in the soil and makes them available to other plants. While most think they’re a lawn killer, dandelions actually fertilize the grass.
6. Dandelions are masters of survival. They can take root in places that seem little short of miraculous, and then are impossible to get rid of, as homeowners have found. But why is this plant so hard to kill? It’s because they are fast growers. The sunny yellow flowers go from bud to seed in days. Their lifespan is long, too – an individual plant can live for years, so the dandelion lurking in a corner of the playground might be older than the children running past it. The roots sink
in deeper over the years, and can go down 15 feet. Like the Hydra who sprouted two new heads for every one that was cut off, the roots clone when divided; a one-inch bit of dandelion root can grow a whole new dandelion. Dandelion leaves can shove their way though gravel and cement, and thrive in barren habitats.
7. Dandelions are among the most expensive items in the grocery store. Shops sell dried roots as a nocaffeine coffee substitute –for $31.75 a pound. Dandelions out-price prime rib, swordfish and lobster. You can enjoy a complete meal, from salad greens to dandelion quiche, followed by dandelion ice cream, washed down with dandelion wine. If you overindulge, a cup of dandelion tea is the perfect remedy, since dandelions help the liver flush hangoverinducing toxins from the
8. Herbicides used on lawns to kill dandelions take a terrible toll on wildlife. More than seven million wild birds are estimated to die annually due to the use of lawn pesticides.
9. But there’s a safer way to have a dandelion-free lawn! Let the grass grow 3 or 4 inches tall to shade out the sun-loving dandelions, or use specialized tools like the Weed Hound to have a thriving, healthy yard that is safe for kids, pets and wildlife.
10. And at the end of the day, dandelions are just plain fun. The dandelion seems to be the flower earmarked for children: In a park or garden, it’s the only flower a kid can pick without getting into trouble. A child in a field full of dandelions can practically never run out of things to do: Blowing on dandelion puffballs can tell you if it’s time to go home, how many years until you get married, or how many children you’ll have – and of course, if you catch a flying dandelion seed, you can make a wish.
what is so special about visiting this place, she said:
“It’s just a great day trip and a great place for families to come! The views and the scenery are amazing. We’re a great place to have a picnic lunch, and we are very personable at the Visitor Center. We greet you, make you feel welcomed, and on our tours, we go all out, sharing a lot about Sunspot’s history and how the telescope operates— including the instruments that are used and the research that's being done.
We’re still small enough to engage with every person on a personal level, you know? You’re getting an experience you might not necessarily get at a location.
My hope is that visitors gain a better understanding of how this place came into existence and why Sunspot needs to be preserved.”
SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF TORNADOES!
The Sun, our closest star, is a dynamic and turbulent celestial body exhibiting a variety of fascinating and powerful phenomena. Among these are plasma tornadoes.
Also known as solar tornadoes, which are massive, swirling structures of hot, magnetized plasma that occur in the Sun’s atmosphere. These plasma tornadoes, while visually reminiscent of tornadoes on Earth, operate on a vastly different scale and are driven by the Sun’s magnetic forces.
Plasma tornadoes on the Sun are towering structures
Timberon’s Community Garden: A Blooming Vision for Deer Park
In the heart of Timberon, nestled among towering pines and open skies, lies a space where community dreams are taking root—literally.
TheTimberon Development Council has embarked on a transformative Journey, sponsoring several projects at Deer Park that promise to enhance the quality of life for residents.
One of the most exciting initiatives is the community garden, part of a larger plan to turn Deer Park into a vibrant hub for both recreation and relaxation.
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This garden isn’t just about plants and produce; it’s about cultivating a stronger, more connected community. The project has already seen enthusiastic support from volunteers, but more hands are always needed to bring the vision to full bloom.
TDC envisions this garden as a place where people can come together to share gardening knowledge, learn about sustainable practices, and, most importantly, work side by side in growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers that will benefit the entire Timberon area.
But the community garden is just the beginning. It’s one phase of a much larger, multifaceted project to revitalize Deer Park.
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Beyond the garden’s borders, the plans include a new playground for children, designed to be both safe and fun, as well as a jogging and exercise trail that will loop around the park.
Picnic areas are also in the works, with scenic spots being prepared along Sacramento Road where families can enjoy outdoor meals and gatherings.
The TDC has worked diligently to ensure these plans come to fruition.
Hazard trees have already been removed to make the garden and park areas safer, and ongoing efforts are in place to maintain these improvements.
The County has thrown its support behind the initiative
PUMPKIN TACOS
Ingredients
• Taco Shells
• 6 8 inch Tortillas makes about 18-24 rounds
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/3 cup Butter melted
• Pumpkin Pie Filling
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Whipped Cream
• 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
continues page 133
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• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• pecans for garnish chopped Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 400F. Cut 3-4 rounds out of each tortilla shell with a cookie cutter (4-4.5 inch) to get about 20 shells.
Stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a plate. Gently stab the tortillas with a fork 4-5 times to help prevent air bubbles.
Brush both sides of the tortillas with the melted butter, and coat the tortillas down into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Flip a muffin tin upside down. Place the tortilla pieces in between muffin cups. Bake 10 minutes until just golden brown. Let cool in pan.
While the tortilla shells are cooling, make the whipped cream. Beat together all the whipped cream ingredients with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar on mediumhigh speed until smooth and creamy. Add in pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice and mix until fully incorporated.
Evenly pipe or spoon the pumpkin filling into the cooled taco shells. Then top with the whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon and/or chopper pecans. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Hello, my name is Christopher Rupp. I am a dedicated Board Member of the Tularosa Kiwanis Club and has always had a passion for helping the youth of my community.
The Kiwanis Club of Tularosa is part of a global organization that focuses on improving the lives of children and building stronger communities. Through various fundraising efforts such as pancake breakfasts, car washes, and silent auctions, the club raises money to support scholarships, school supplies, and youth programs in the area.
The club and I recently joined forces to bring a special event to life—the very first Christmas Festival in Tularosa, scheduled
for December 7th, 2024. They wanted to create something that would not only draw attention to the small village but also bring the community closer together while raising funds for their ongoing youth initiatives.
The festival will begin with a Christmas Bazaar on Granado Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where local vendors will showcase their goods.As night falls, the streets will light up with a festive Christmas parade at 6 p.m. on St Francis Drive, followed by a lively street dance until 10 p.m., featuring music from Rosewater Blues, who have generously donated their time.All proceeds from the event will go toward covering the costs of the festival, with the remaining funds supporting the Tularosa Kiwanis Club's programs for the youth.
The event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to participate in the festivities! The Tularosa Kiwanis Club are actively seeking sponsors, vendors, and float entries to make the festival even more memorable. Whether you want to sponsor a part of the event, set up a booth at the Christmas Bazaar, or enter a float in the parade, your participation will help make Tularosa’s 1st Christmas Festival a true success. Every contribution will help bring joy to the community and raise funds for youth programs through the Tularosa Kiwanis Club.
Interested participants can contact Christopher Rupp at rupp_christopher@yahoo.com 575-430-1002 or any club member to learn more about how to get involved!
My name is Maryann Esquero Claxton. My Grandma came to Alamogordo in 1917, a founding member of the town.
My Dad was born and raised here in Alamogordo; while my Mom was born and raised in El Paso.
I am the eldest of five siblings, one brother and three sisters. I went to grade school at Sacramento Elementary, and high school at Central High, graduating in 1973.
I married Mark Claxton fifty years ago in August of 1974.
Together we owned Claxton Electronic Repair located at 201 North White Sands for 35 years where Jason’s Fish Store is now located. We also had a band called Claxton Rocks playing for years at local bars, charity events and other shin-digs for thirty odd years.
We also dabbled in gold mining, and rock and mineral hunting on our mineral claims in Oro Grande. It wasn’t
Turning 65? Medicare Questions?
139 prosperous but it was a lot of fun
In addition to everything else, along with managing our business, I worked as a florist for forty years, and was manager at Alamogordo Crafts and Hardware; also known to the locals as Surplus City.
After retirement in 2020, Mark and I continued to write original music and record in our home studio. It had been my lifelong dream to record a Gospel CD, finally accomplishing that dream in 2019 with a collection of my favorite Gospel songs that were favorites of my familyAve Maria for my Mom, Amazing Grace for Dad, I’ll Fly Away for my Father-inLaw, and Mansion Over the Hilltop for my Mother-in-Law.
After recording my album, and wanting to remain active, IO discovered crafting on YouTube - that opened a whole new world to me. I got continued next page.
interested in Seed Bead Crocheting, and then painiting on canvas, and then - creating wreths and angels out of DecoMesh - who knows that my next discovery will be!
Janet and Jeanne of Horse Feathers in Tularosa have given me an outlet to showcase my projects, and I am thrilled to be part of the Horse Feathers family!
On February 9, 1877, attorney Alexander McSween purchased land from L.G. Murphy & CO., which stretched along the north side of the Bonito River from near the Wortley Hotel in the west to a point opposite the Montano store in the east.
McSween planned to build an imposing home and Tunstall would erect a store adjacent to it. He made this purchase for $250. $250 in 1877 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $7,507.17 today
According to Tunstall's account book, the first expenditure on the building was June 2, 1877, with the sum of $166.50.
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On January 08, 1881, while Billy Bonney, Dave Rudabaugh, and Billy Wilson were in the Santa Fe jail, the Boston Illustrated Police News published the story of Billy's hunting and capture.
The Las Vegas Daily Optic commented that the article contained: "....a miserably concocted wood-cut of Billy the Kid. If the picture hadn't been labeled, it might have been taken for either Deacon Sanford or Gus Williams, the Dutch comedian."
On January 20, 1881, a reporter for the Las Vegas Daily Gazette interviewed Billy in the Santa Fe jail. Billy said he'd seen the Police News article:
"I got hold of the paper first when it was brought in, but I
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144 was ashamed to let the other fellows see it. Wasn't it savage, though?"
Author James Blake Mills commented: He certainly wasn’t happy with the fanciful illustration of him wielding an ax, saving the life of his beautiful pistol-wielding señorita in the January 8, 1881, edition of The Illustrated Police News.Nor did Billy seem overly thrilled about his reputation as a cutthroat.
The reporter asked:"Well, Billy, what do you think of your notoriety?"
"I don't see any money in it. Everything that has been done in that country is laid to me."
"If you get out, you could get up a show like Buffalo Bill; you have had advertising enough."
"If" was Billy's only comment.
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The first man looks at the second old man “What school you go to?”
The second old man replies “Saint Mary’s class of 89”
The first old man is absolutely baffled
” NO WAY Saint Mary’s class of 89 myself! What a small world!”
At this point, another man comes into the bar & says to the bartender
“Hey, Joe! Anything interesting going on?”
The bartender says “Not really… but the Murphy twins are drunk again.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH Teriyaki Grilled Shrimp Skewers
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Rosemary's garlic
1 teaspoon Rosemary's ginger
1 pound jumbo shrimp
1/2 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into
1 ½-inch pieces skewers
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro (Optional)
1 tablespoon Rosemary's sesame seeds (Optional)
146 DIRECTIONS
• Combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, Rosemary's garlic, and Rosemary's ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate. Thread shrimp and pineapple alternately onto skewers and place on a platter.
• Arrange skewers on the hot grate. Grill 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through. Turn grill to low heat and brush sauce on both sides of skewers. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with cilantro and Rosemary's sesame seeds.
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This was followed by $191.25 on June 9, $83.00 on June 16, $110.50 on June 23, and $32.37 on the last day of the month.
On July 7, another payment of $133.14 & $25.95 the following week.
All these dates were on a Saturday, which might suggest they were laborers' wages.
The store was completed in August and opened in October.
A professor at the university asked his students the following question:
“Was everything that exists created by God?”
One student answered: "Yes, sir,"
The professor asked :
“If God created everything, then God created evil, since it exists. And according to the principle that our deeds define ourselves, then God is evil.”
The student became silent after hearing such an answer. The professor was very pleased with himself. He boasted to students for proving once again that faith in God is a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said:
“Can I ask you a question, professor?”
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If you catch a hint of something with orange flowers growing by the roadside in New Mexico, it might be Globemallow.
This plant has been used for centuries, and continues to have important uses for indigenous peoples in the Four Corners area today. The plants grow to a size of up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. There are about 10 to 12 varieties in this area, and they
Turning 65? Medicare Questions? See
all grow in dry, desert-like soils, disturbed washes, roadsides, and other similar places.
These plants were and still are used by Acoma/Laguna, Cochiti, Hopi, Navajo, Tewa, and Zuni people, among others, primarily as medicine for various ailments. The flowers, stems, and leaves are crushed in hot water and blended to make a salve to put on wounds, punctures, or sunburn for healing as the gooey substance has properties which causes the skin to heal quickly and helps clean the wound and prevent infection.
The leaves can also be steeped in hot water to make a tea to drink in treating colds, flu, or cough.
The stems are sometimes chewed like gum, or they can be soaked in water to make a foamy type of shampoo which helps prevent hair loss.
The roots are used in several ways as well. Sometimes they are boiled and chewed with cactus root to treat constipation or other intestinal problems, and also as a medicine for pregnant women.
Finally, the roots are used for ceremonial purposes, either by being boiled and drunk as a tea for ceremonial medicine, or by crushing them into a powder and mixing with water for a body paint or paste.
149
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"Of course," replied the professor.
The student got up and asked:
“Professor, is cold a thing?”
“What kind of question? Of course it exists. Have you ever been cold?”
Students laughed at the young man's question. The young man answered:
“Actually, sir, cold doesn't exist.
According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is actually the absence of heat. A person or object can be studied on whether it has or transmits energy.
Absolute zero (-460 degrees Fahrenheit) is a complete absence of heat. All matter becomes inert and unable to react at this temperature.
Cold does not exist. We created this word to describe what we feel in the absence of heat.”
The student continued:
“Professor, does darkness exist?”
“Of course it exists.”
“You're wrong again, sir. Darkness also does not exist. Darkness is actually the absence of light. We can study the light but not the darkness.
We can use Newton's prism to spread white light across multiple colors and
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151 explore the different wavelengths of each color.
“You can't measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into the world of darkness and and illuminate it. How can you tell how dark a certain space is? You measure how much light is presented. Isn't it so? Darkness is a term man uses to describe what happens in the absence of light.”
In the end, the young man asked the professor:
“Sir. does evil exist?”
The professor answered:
“Of course, as I said before. We see it every day. Cruelty, numerous crimes and violence throughout the world. These examples are nothing but a manifestation of evil.”
The student answered:
“Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist for itself. Evil is simply the absence of God.
It is like darkness and cold—a man-made word to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is not faith or love, which exist as light and warmth.
Evil is the result of the absence of Divine love in the human heart. It's the kind of cold that comes when there is no heat, or the kind of darkness that comes when there's no light.”
Prized for adding a rich, brothy flavor known as umami to savory dishes, and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, mushrooms are delicious, and good for you, too. But until recently, you probably never considered adding them to your coffee.
However, mushroom coffee is enjoying a moment in the spotlight, with fans of this fungi-infused brew claiming that mushroom coffee's health benefits include better sleep, more energy, improved focus, immune-boosting benefits, and reduced inflammation.
Here's a look at whether mushroom coffee's health benefits stack up to the hype. Mushroom coffee is typically made from medicinal mushrooms, rather than the culinary mushrooms you buy at the grocery store. Common varieties used in mushroom
coffee mixes include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail, all chosen for their real (or perceived) health benefits.
By the time they're harvested, dried, and processed, the mushrooms in this eponymous brew are barely noticeable, particularly when they're blended with coffee beans, cacao, or tea blends like matcha or chai. Most people report a "nutty" or "earthy" taste — or they don't notice any flavor at all.
Are there potential health benefits of mushroom coffee? The idea behind mushroom coffee is simple: to harness the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms in a convenient and tasty coffee drink.
Mushroom coffee brands often cite the medicinal use of mushrooms dating back
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thousands of years to traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. These coffee brands claim that mushroom coffee's benefits include improved mental and physical performance, better immunity, and more restful sleep. Some brands even claim that mushroom coffee may help with weight loss by boosting your metabolism and promoting fat burning.
However, there is very little research on medicinal mushrooms that includes humans. So while studies conducted in test tubes or animals do show some compelling health benefits associated with consuming medicinal mushrooms, the same benefits may not apply to humans.
Is mushroom coffee worth a try? Maybe. There are many health benefits associated with mushrooms. According to a recent review
155 published in the journal Molecules, medicinal mushrooms popular in many fungi-infused coffee blends do have immuneboosting properties and may help regulate metabolism. And, thanks to high antioxidant activity, medicinal mush-rooms may also help slow down the aging process.
But again, well-designed clinical trials on humans are lacking. And none of that research was conducted on mushroom coffee, so there's no guarantee that any health benefits will be retained after the mushrooms are processed and blended into coffee drinks.
So while you probably won't do any harm by swapping your normal cup of joe for a mug of mushroom coffee (and you don't mind paying extra for it), you'd be better off serving a side of shiitakes alongside your morning eggs and cup of java. They have fiber and are low in calories and fat — and they're delicious, to boot.
Story courtesy of https:// www.health.harvard.edu/
On Tuesday, June 18, 1878, Lincoln County Sheriff George Peppin and a detachment of soldiers from Fort Stanton rode into Lincoln, New Mexico, to arrest four Regulators— John Middleton, Henry Brown, Fred Waite, and Billy Bonney—for the murder of Sheriff William Brady, two and a half months before.
Lincoln’s Presbyterian minister, Taylor Ealy, recorded in his diary: “Peppin in town, came in the night; soldiers with him. All the men [Regulators] left town.”
Bonney and the other Regulators went to John Chisum’s ranch on the Rio Pecos, five miles south of Roswell, where six days later Alexander McSween also sought refuge. Bonney was at Chisum’s for almost four weeks (June 18-July 14) before McSween led his men back to Lincoln for the decisive battle in the Lincoln County War.
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During their stay 20-yearold Sallie Chisum, John Chisum’s niece, made an impression on Bonney and some other Regulators.
George Coe later wrote, “in our judgment a more beautiful girl was not to be found. She was a gracious hostess and made us feel completely at home. In fact, our hearts got to flapping so badly at times we could hardly be natural. Miss Sallie did not do the cooking, but she managed the entire house, and we competed with each other as dishwashers in order to be near her and occasionally win a smile of approval”.
“It has been generally conceded that Billy the Kid fell hard for Miss Sallie’s charms. Well, maybe he did, but he was not the only fellow that took a tumble; though a precious lot of good it did any of us.”
The photo below is Sallie Chisum.
On Sunday, February 17th, 1878, with the pressure & power of the Santa Fe Ring at work, the Englishman John Tunstall & lawyer Alexander McSween were in over their heads.Tunstall turned to New Mexico's most powerful rancher, John Simpson Chisum. Tunstall departed Lincoln on Saturday morning, February 16th.
Once he arrived at Chisum's South Spring Ranch, Tunstall would be disappointed to learn he wouldn't have assistance. John Chisum had been in jail in Las Vegas since December 21, 1877.
Chisum's brothers, James & Pitzer, were reluctant to lend the ranch to Tunstall's fight. Tunstall caught a few hours sleep before heading down the Pecos and back to the Feliz.
Tunstall reached the Feliz by ten p.m. on Sunday, February 17th. By the time he returned, Robert Widenmann, Dick Brewer, John Middleton, Billy Bonney, Gotfried Gauss, and Henry Brown, had fortified the place by piling up sandbags and drilling holes in the walls of the house.
Although being prepared, Tunstall made it clear there was to be no resistance when the posse arrived. He didn't want bloodshed. With preparations made, the exhausted Tunstall turned in for some sleep. It would be his last night on earth.
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