Peripheral Neuropathy Breakthrough!
"My feet feel like they're on fire." "Each step feels like I'm walking through wet paint." "I live in constant fear that I'll fall." "I can't sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night."
What do all of these people have in common? They suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It is estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy Unfortunately this figure may be significantly higher as the disease is often mis-diagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms.
Dr Janet Quintanilla of Sonoma Acupuncture Integrative Health in Las Cruces shares this belief "I've been treating neuro-pathy, in all its various forms, for over a decade and so often my patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of a diagnosis They saw one of my television specials, or read the testimonial of another patient and say to themselves 'hey, I feel the same thing'."
Frankie M. of Mesilla testified to this. "I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood I was so envious - I just kept thinking 'I would give anything just to walk again'. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription I was so depressed "
Fortunately Frankie would eventually see Dr. Quintanilla on the local news talking about similar symptoms and how she offers a real solution at Sonoma Acupuncture "I just knew I had to see her She was my last hope "
"Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Frankie's. They've been told there's no hope. They've been told 'it's just part of getting older' " shares Heather, a Patient Care Technician at Sonoma "It just breaks my heart but I know how much we can help people like Frankie so I'm always so happy when they walk through our door."
Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a very grim reality; Western medicine declares that there is no solution while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and offer little to no resolve. Which is why Dr. Quintanilla and the staff at Sonoma Acupuncture pride themselves on being 'the last resort with the best results'
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood flow in the hands and feet. Lacking nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitating Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they are completely expired, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues "In this case, the absence of pain is not necessarily a good thing," shares Dr Quintanilla "This usually indicated that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread."
So how exactly is Dr Quintanilla able to reverse the effects of this degenerative disease? "Acupuncture has been used to increase blood flow for thousands of years which helps to get the necessary nutrients to the affected nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance BioTherapy This is tech that was originally developed by NASA to expedite recovering and healing "
"I just can't say enough about Sonoma Acupuncture," Frankie just shared through tears of joy. "My husband and I moved here 3 years ago and he's gone out for a walk almost every day. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. Yesterday I walked with him! And next week we're starting dancing lessons! I am truly living life these days."
According to Frankie's test results, she has seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients," shares Heather
"But more important than those test results is the joy she's expressed being there and hearing about all the amazing things she's able to do so because she feels great!"
By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions Dr Quintanilla has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the effects of neuropathy She starts each patient with an initial consultation during which a sensory exam is performed
"This not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to define just how much nerve damage has occurred" tells the doctor "This is important because if a patient has suffered more that 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I'm familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine "
When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of a full recovery.
If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or 'pins and needles' or you've recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it's important to know that there are options There is hope
Call (575)618-6900 to schedule an initial consultation or visit sonomaacupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.
The history of Valentine's Day—and the story of its patron saint—is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of
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whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.
When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he out-lawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.
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Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor’s daughter who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and romantic figure.
By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial— which probably occurred around A.D. 270—others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.
Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15,
Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa.
The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide.
Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it
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was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.
Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”—at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love.
During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.
The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration in his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” writing, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.
The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.
Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.
By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology.
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Tom Charles Tours
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Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged.
Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s.
In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.”Early Greek
AMETHYST
February Birthstone
Early Greek mythology associated amethyst with Bacchus, the god of wine, because of its winelike color.
The word “amethyst” is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not drunk” or “a remedy for drunkenness”
The Ancient Greeks believed a person could drink all night and remain sober if they had an amethyst on their person.
Its calming presence was thought to produce soothing dreams, producing clarity and peacefulness to the waking mind. Renaissance Euro-peans believed it
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Amethyst was believed to keep those who wore it clear-headed and quickwitted in battle and business affairs.
According to Christian lore, the colors of an amethyst referenced the wounds and suffering of Jesus, and it was used to aid in healing wounds.
For those who celebrate a February birthday, amethyst is a symbol of personal empower-ment and inner strength.
St. Valentine, the patron of love, is said to have worn an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid.
Camillo Leonardi, an Italian astronomer and astrologer, wrote that amethyst quickens intelli=gence and rids you of evil thoughts.
It was once believed that rub-bing a moistened amethyst on a pimple would cure them.
Amethyst is given to celebrate a couple’s sixth wedding anniversary.
The Toy Train Depot grew out of a hobby and lifelong fascination with railroading. Mr. John E. Koval, whose father had worked in the rail yards of Youngstown Ohio, had been a model railroad hobbyist and railroad enthusiast for most of his life.
In 1986, with a little encouragement from his wife, Merry, and some help from Mr. Jim Bowlin, then Community Services Director for the City of Alamogordo, John decided to
Create.EnjoyandHaveFun
share his passion, his collection, and his technical talents with the community.
The Kovals bought the Depot building on 17 July, 1987 and had it moved from the grounds of the White Sands Mall to its current location in Alameda Park on White Sands Boulevard.
This is a third role for the historic building, which was first constructed in Torrance, New Mexico, where it served as a depot for the New Mexico Central Railroad.
In 1912, the depot was moved by mule train 7 miles south to Corona and put in service to the Southern Pacific Railroad. The baggage room
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The Depot likely sat idle for many years until the Connors family bought the building in 1974 and moved it to Alamogordo where it housed Depot Antiques selling antique furnishings.
The Kovals and many volunteers from the local community began putting the museum together in March of 1988. The museum houses full-scale artifacts of the railroad from its heyday in the 1920s through the 1940s. Scale layouts feature a variety of different “toy train” manufacturers and run through scenes built with materials frequently used by modelers. The most noteworthy display is the large layout done in HO or
1/87th scale which pays homage to the “cloud climbing” railroad that ran from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft.
In January of 2007, the Alamogordo McDonald’s donated the full-sized, standard-gauge caboose to the museum. The caboose provides visitors with an opportunity to view train mechanics up-close.
The museum operates the Alamogordo/Alameda Park Narrow Gauge Railway, a functioning 16-inch gauge miniature railway which runs the length of the 3/4 mile Alameda Park with “ dogbone” turn-arounds at each end. A unique tie and rail system that does not require spikes.Visitors have the opportunity to ride this miniature railway for a small fee
ALAMOGORDO
AND DONA ANA COUNTY
The “Ghost Whisper” of New York Avenue, Alamogordo is a beautifully smiling and welcoming lady named Alice Weinman or “Ms. Alice” who owns, Victoria Alamogordo. She has operated a store on the street for nearly 40 years.
Within her store is an “entity” by the name of “Willie.” Willie was a horse rustler that got caught by the local sheriff in 1898 stealing horses and was shot.
Willie died and his bones are in the wooden floor basement of Ms. Alice’s store at 913 New York Avenue. Ms.
What Is Huitlacoche
Alice is one that is of strong religious convictions, and never believed in ghost stories, until “Willie” convinced her otherwise. Ms. Alice explained that “visitors to her store, family members and she, would on occasion feel a very cold presence in her store.”
Neighbors told her that the presence was one of the ghosts of New York Avenue. She was skeptical being a strong Christian woman, but things started to point to the legend of spirits roaming New York Avenue. Events occurred that made her more and more inquisitive. Lights she knew she turned off would turn on, things would move around her store and a chill would cross her path.
As such, she reached out to a friend that was a medium and connected with the afterlife to investigate. Sure enough, her friend was able to connect with the entity in her building and he told her his story. Willie was a horse rustler that was caught, shot, and died. Because he was caught his parents did not want his body, so they told the sheriff “To throw his bones wherever.”
In 1898 Alice’s building did not exist it was just a dirt lot. So, the sheriff dug a grave and placed him in the ground where Victoria is today. A few years later the storefronts of that side of New York Avenue were built. In 1900 to 1910 they did not do
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Continued from previous page major excavations or research what lay under the ground. So, the building was built and his bones that lay in the basement.
He told the medium and Ms. Alice that, “I remember the many occupants of the building and didn’t like it when they tossed boxes on top of my bones.” The basement was used for storage for many decades.
Years later during a remodel they filled in the basement with earth but left “Willies bones to remain.” Willie makes his presence known to Ms. Alice and to those, on occasion, that don’t believe. Ms. Alice has seen herself on more than one occasion when a skeptic speaks out, Willie has been known to appear.
On one occasion he pushed a non-believer down to the floor right in front of Ms. Alice. On other occasions, Ms. Alice has seen his shadow when there should be no shadow cast.
A break-in occurred to her store several years ago and Willie witnessed the break-in and even described the bandit to Ms. Alice as “a man of dark spirit that was in and out and knew where the cash was.” Willie let Ms. Alice know, “the bandit had
dark long hair, a sharpnose and a dark soul.He was closed minded that even, he could not get through to the banditto stop the robbery, no matter how hard he tried.”
Ms. Alice forgave Willie, for allowing the robbery to occur on his watch while she was away, as such Willie is very protective of Ms. Alice today. The robber, got away with it and was never seen again which is probably for the best; because the district attorney was not convinced that “he could get a conviction based on the statement of a ghost.”
Story Courtesy of Alamogordo Conservative Daily
Navy Bean Pie
Servings 2 pies
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked Navy Beans
• 14 oz half and half or 14 ounce can of Evaporated Milk
• 1 stick of Butter softened
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 2 cups Sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In blender or food processor, blend beans and milk, butter
eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and flour until smooth.
3. Pour into pie shells.
4. Bake for about one hour until set.
5. If using a stand mixer, start with your butter and sugar. Mix until well combined and add your spices, vanilla and flour.
6. Next add your pureed navy beans and mix until light and fluffy.
7. Add eggs one at at time mixing in between and then add your half and half or evaporated milk. Mix well.
8. Bake for one hour or until set.
Horoscope for February 2025
Aquarius (January 20–February 18)
The Sun in your sign signals it’s your season. Add in Mercury and Pluto, and you’re in the power position this month. You can manifest goals, make a splash, or turn all the heads.
Venus in Aries on the 4th shifts your focus to romance. This is super flirty energy. If you’re single, your game will be strong for weeks! Jupiter direct in the true love sector of your chart on the 4th increases your luck in love. Play your cards right, and you might find the one!
Friends prove to be unreliable on the 10th and 11th. It’s best not to seek favors on those days. The Full Moon on the 12th is fabulous for making relationship decisions. Trust your instincts. They will not fail you.
Finances increase when Mercury enters your money zone on the 14th, followed by the Sun on the 18th. Your earning power will be
potent for the following four weeks. Mars direct on the 23rd ensures your hard work gets noticed. Take the lead now and your team could score a major victory. The New Moon on the 27th illuminates a new stream of income. Dive in and watch the tide turn in your favor!
Pisces (February 19–March 19)
Eliminate bad habits on the 12th. Splurge on new clothes on the 27th.
This time of year always finds you in hibernation mode due to the Sun’s placement in the introspection section of your chart.
Of course, you could blame the cold weather, too! Either way, February begins on a quiet note. You’ll be tempted to treat yourself on the 4th when Venus sashays into your money zone.
Your ruling planet, Jupiter, also stations direct that day, giving you the red light to splurge on feathering
Chef Carlos Chavez: The Heart of Desert Aire Hotel’s Culinary Renaissance in the heart of Alamogordo, New Mexico, where the rugged beauty of the desert meets the rich traditions of southwestern culture, Chef Carlos has redefined the dining experience at the Classic Desert Aire Hotel Restaurant.
Known for his exceptional culinary skills, Chef Carlos is more than just a chef; he is a community leader, mentor, and a true embodiment of the
values that make Alamogordo a place of pride. With his southern and northern New Mexican flair, Chef Carlos has transformed the local food scene, infusing bold flavors, local ingredients, and his own personal touch into every dish he creates
Growing up in Alamogordo, Chef Carlos’s path to becoming an Executive Chef was not paved in the traditional way. Instead, his journey was shaped by the cultural influences of his childhood and the strong sense of family and community that runs deep in the New Mexican desert.
“Alamogordo is a place where you learn the value of hard work and family,” says Carlos. “It’s a place where traditions are important, and I wanted to bring that same sense of pride and culture into everything I do, especially in the kitchen.”
A Humble Beginning in Alamogordo
Carlos Chavez was born and raised in Alamogordo, a small city in southern New Mexico. The area, known for its rich Native American and Hispanic heritage, is a place where food and family go hand in hand. Carlos's first introduction to cooking came from his family’s kitchen, where he learned the basics Story continuesnext page
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“Food was always a big part of my life growing up,” he recalls. “In New Mexico, food is a way of connecting with your culture, with your roots, and with the people around you.”
Carlos moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he would soon lay the foundation for his successful career in the culinary arts.
It was in Albuquerque where he would then hone in on his skills, starting as a dishwasher at was then the Sheraton Old Town Hotel, (which later became Hotel Albuquerque)is where his journey began, It was there where he met Chef Tony Tuijjio a renowned Chef in the Southwest who took a young man with no direction under his wing and introduced him to the beautiful world of culinary arts.
Chef Carlos says “if it wasn't for Chef Tony and the other talented Chefs who were around me and took the time.. (and trust me time is everything in the kitchen) to teach a newbie there would be no Chef Carlos today, I owe them everything, not just my gratitude.”
Chef Carlos worked from the dishpit to Executive Chef in
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Continued from page 40 10 years working every culinary department along his journey which helped his skills and understanding of food grow each department and promotion.
However, no matter how successful Carlos became, he always felt a pull to return home. After 20+ years of living in Albuquerque, he made the life-changing dec-ision to return to Alamogordo.
courtesy of Tyler Florence on Food network
It wasn’t just the opportunity to be closer to his family that drew him back, but also the chance to bring his culinary expertise to a place that had shaped him into the person he had become.
Bringing a Southwestern Flair to the Desert Aire in 2024, Chef Carlos was given the opportunity to take the reins as Executive Chef at the Classic Desert Aire Hotel Restaurant in Alamogordo.
The restaurant had been a staple in the community for years, but it had not seen many significant changes in its menu or culinary offerings.
Carlos saw an opportunity to bring something fresh and exciting to the local dining scene, something that would reflect the vibrant flavors of
New Mexico and his own personal cooking style.
“I wanted to create a menu that honored the traditions of New Mexican cuisine but also offered something new and exciting for the people who live here,”
Carlos explains. “I’ve always loved using bold, southwestern flavors, like green chile,red chile and smoked meats, and I knew Icould incorporate those elements into the restaurant’s menu.”
Carlos’s vision for the Classic Desert Aire Restaurant was clear: elevate the traditional southwestern cuisine that New Mexico is known for and add a modern twist that would delight both locals and visitors alike.
One of the standout specialties of Chef Carlos’s menu Chimayo eggs Benedict, a delicious unique twist with poached cage free eggs on brown butter crab cakes that is placed on a sourdough english muffin, then topped with chimayo hollandaise sauce which is then paired with delicious sweet potato hash.
Carlos’s emphasis on using local ingredients whenever possible ensures
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Continued from previous that every dish is fresh, flavorful, and reflective of the area’s agricultural heritage.
“It’s all about balance and using ingredients that are true to the region,” Carlos explains. “Whether it’s the local hatch green chile or the fresh produce from our local family owned grocery store, I want to highlight what makes New Mexico’s food scene so special.
Mentorship and Giving Back
Beyond his impressive culinary skills, Chef Carlos is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He believes that food has the power to bring people together, and he has used his platform to help those in need, especially the youth of Albuquerque.
Carlos has spent countless hours volunteering with local organizations.
“Giving back is something I feel really strongly about,” says Carlos. “Whether it’s donating to a cause, volunteering my time, or teaching young people about cooking, I believe that it’s important to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my life.
I try to use my skills and my position to make a difference, especially when it comes to the younger generation.”
One of the ways that Carlos gives back is through his work with underprivileged kids, teaching them not only how to cook but also how to budget, plan meals, and make healthy choices in the kitchen.
He believes that culinary skills are life skills, and by teaching children how to prepare meals, he is providing them with valuable tools that can last a lifetime.
“Cooking is not just about following recipes,” Carlos says. “It’s about understanding ingredients, learning how to manage your time, and being resourceful. I love working with kids and showing them that cooking can be both fun and practical. And I try to teach them that these skills can also help them in other areas of their life, like budgeting and making smart decisions.”
In addition to mentoring young chefs, Carlos has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for those in need in Alamogordo.
For Carlos, giving back is not just about donating money but also about offering his time and expertise to help others succeed.
A Family-Centered Approach
While Chef Carlos is known for his work in the kitchen, he is equally passionate about his role as a family man.
When he returned to Alamogordo, one of his main motivations was to be closer to his loved ones. Family has always been a central part of his life, and he credits his upbringing in Alamogordo with instilling in him the values of hard work, loyalty, and commitment.
Looking Ahead
As Chef Carlos continues to elevate the culinary scene in Alamogordo, he remains focused on his commitment to excellence, his community, and his family. The Classic Desert Aire Hotel Restaurant has become a beacon of innovation and quality, with Carlos at the helm, steering it toward even greater success.
With plans to expand the restaurant’s offerings and continue his volunteer work, Carlos’s influence on
Alamogordo is undeniable. He has shown that success is not just about skill but also about passion, heart, and a desire to make a positive impact.
Chef Carlos Chavez is a true leader in every sense of the word, and his story is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep love for the people and culture that shaped him.
In every dish he creates and every life he touches, Chef Carlos leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire the next generation of chefs, community leaders, and dreamers in Alamogordo and beyond.
Funny Dad Jokes
Whendoesajokebecomeadadjoke? When the punchline becomes apparent.
Did you hear the one about the guy who ate a frog? He's probably going to croak.
What is a fly without wings? Awalk.
What's the easiest house to lift? Alighthouse.
Why can't leopards play hideand-seek?
Because they're always spotted.
How do you make a robot angry? Keep pushing his buttons.
Did you hear about the fire at the shoe factory? Many soles were lost.
My manager told me to have a good day. So I didn't go into work.
Whydidthecomputercatchcold? It left a window open.
How do you cook an alligator? With a croc-pot.
What causes dry skin? Atowel.
What do you call a bear with no teeth?Agummy bear.
TheCounselingCenter'smissionistoprovideanarrayofquality behavioral,social,andsupportservicestofamiliesandyouth inneedofassistancedealingwithlifechallenges.
TheCounselingCenterembracestheconceptthatindividuals andfamilies,whetherpresentlydistressedornot,canbenefit fromservicesthatpromotepersonalgrowth,increasestrengths andsupportsystems,resilliency,andpromoteawarenessof substanceusedisorder.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 package refrigerated rolled pie dough (such as Pillsbury Pie Crusts)
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup sweet pickle chips, plus more for garnish
• 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
Directions:
1. First, preheat the oven to 350F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, eggs, half-and-half, and mix until well combined. Then add butter, zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the pickles are finely chopped in a food processor before adding it.
2. Next, pour it into an unbaked pie shell and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let the pickle pie cool down
Everyday Phrases And Their Fascinating Origins
Piece of Cake
Piece of Cake: Originates from the Royal Air Force in WWII. Pilots who completed an easy mission were given a piece of cake.
Bite the Bullet
Bite the Bullet: This phrase originated from battlefield medicine before anesthesia. Soldiers would bite a bullet during surgery to endure the pain.
Break the Ice
Break the Ice: Dating back to when ships were used for trade, "breaking the ice"
literally meant to clear a path through frozen waters to start a journey.
Caught Red Handed
Caught Red-Handed: Originating from Scotland, this phrase refers to catching someone with blood on their hands, typically after committing a crime.
Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater
Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater: Dating back to medieval times, when entire households bathed in the same water, the phrase warns against discarding something valuable along with something worthless.
Saved by the Bell
Saved by the Bell: Comes from boxing, where a boxer who was almost defeated could be saved by the bell signaling the end of a round.
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Turn a Blind Eye
Turn a Blind Eye: Admiral Horatio Nelson ignored a signal to retreat by holding up his telescope to his blind eye at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.
The Whole Nine Yards
The Whole Nine Yards: One theory suggests this phrase originates from World War II when fighter pilots would use all nine yards of ammunition in a dogfight.
Raining Cats and Dogs
Raining Cats and Dogs: During heavy rains in 17thcentury England, poor drainage would occasionally carry dead animals through the streets, giving the appearance of "raining cats and dogs."
Cold Shoulder
Cold Shoulder: In medieval England, serving a cold shoulder of meat was a way of signaling unwelcome visitors who overstayed their welcome.
Rule of Thumb
This phrase originated from an old English law that allowed a man to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
The Walls Have Ears
The face Louvre Palace in France was believed to have a network of listening tubes so that it would be possible to hear everything that was said in different rooms. People say that this is how the Queen Catherine de’Medici discovered political secrets and plots.
BloodIsThickerThanWater
Even though many might think this saying means that we should put family ahead of friends, it actually meant the complete opposite. The full phrase actually was “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb,” and it referred to warriors who shared the blood they shed in battles together. These ‘blood brothers’ were said to have stronger bonds than biological brothers.
Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
The warning that you can’t necessarily trust someone who appears kind and friendly on the outside is centuries old, dating back to the bible. In the English language, The King James Version of the Bible, from 1611, has this passage in Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
The violet is one of the earliest blooming plants in the spring. Violets typically have heartshaped leaves and asymmetrical flowers that vary in color. Many are violet, as their name suggests, while others are blue, yellow, white, and cream. Some are even bicol-ored, often blue and yellow.
The violet has been thought to symbolize modesty, faithfulness, everlasting love, innocence, and remembrance.
In the Victorian age, a gift of violets was a declaration always to be true. It still serves as a reminder of loyalty, thoughtfulness, and dependability. Give a violet to someone to let them know you’ll always be there for them!
In Christianity, the violet flower symbolizes the Virgin Mary’s humility. It is believed that the flowers blossomed when the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would be her baby.
When presented as a flower, each color has its own meaning: yellow symbolizes high worth, white is for innocence and purity, purple means truth and loyalty, and blue is for faithfulness and devotion.
In Victorian times, the violet was symbolic of humility and fortune. Some believed that carrying violets might keep evil spirits at bay, while another tradition said that wearing violets on your head would alleviate inebriation.
In the Middle Ages, Monks were said to have called them the “Herb of the Trinity” because of their three primary colors—purple, yellow, and green.
Most violets are edible and have certain medicinal properties, increasing their use. Violets contain salicylic acid, which is a chief ingredient in aspirin. Certain forms of violets, therefore, were used as pain relievers.
TONING UP
Thought about starting an exercise program a couple of days ago.
I had noticed, surprisingly, standing in front of my hallway mirror, holding my breath and holding my stomach in, I was losing some muscle tone, quite a bit in fact, (I also noticed I was losing the ability to hold my breath very long), of course I was also having a bad hair day, (what hair I got left), not a good time to be examining yourself in the mirror.
After we reach a certain age, I think full length mirrors should be completely done away with in homes, although, I have to say, I still don’t look too bad standing in my living room looking at myself in the hallway mirror with the lights off.
A modest start maybe, gettin back in shape, hesitating to push
myself too hard, I am gettin up there in the years. Maybe a few pushups, pull-ups, stationary bicycle riding, short walks in the beginning, but, disappointingly, I got winded and broke into a sweat, just going thru my I-pad looking for an exercise club.
Amazing how we can change in just a few years, here I am, just a little north of “middle aged” and it’s already begun to show. Thank the lord for elastic, and a good pair of stretch jeans. (I prefer the “slim fit” if I can find em in my waist size). Believe it or not, I’ve got friends, my age, down at the lodge, who brag about how they can still get into a 32 inch waist size pair of jeans. They just wear them way down below their 46 inch beer bellies. Surprisingly, their belts still fit.
I’m definitely no stranger to most of the exercise machines, thru the years we’ve owned em Continues next page
all at one time or another. Sadly, they’ve all been recycled thru yard sales.
They each came with a guaranteed weight loss. Ha! In fact, I still have a functional, stationary bike out on my back patio. I’m thinkin about usin it, if I can find it.
Last time I saw that bike, it was underneath my boxes of old Christmas decorations that we don’t use anymore, somewhere near the west end of my patio, now being used exclusively for spider conventions.
Guess my wife’s motto is “ outta sight, outta mind.” We’ve also got a treadmill, somewhere. They’re supposed to be good exercise machines, but, I learned the hard way, a couple of years ago, the one we purchased was not very
HEROES
effective. l actually used it three days in a row once and never lost a single pound, but, they’re good for impressing visitors and stacking stuff on.
When you get up in your seventies, losing weight becomes a lot harder.
We don’t run anymore, our old bodies don’t allow a lot of exercise. I’ve tried starving myself a couple of days here awhile back, but, me and my bathroom scales could plainly see it wasn’t working, so that plan was scratched.
How about this folks, I’m thinking of buying a whole new wardrobe, all black. I’ve heard the color black hides extra weight and bulges.
Hey, Johnny Cash, “The Man in Black” always wore black, why can’t I? I have been known to participate in our monthly lodge “karaoke” nights, black would fit right in to one of my favorite performances......
“Hello, I’m Junior Cash.”
“I hear that train a comin, comin round the bend,.........”
Honey Butter Sweet Potato
Cornbread
Sweet and savory cornbread made with mashed sweet potatoes and a delicious honey butter topping.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For honey butter: 1/4 cup honey + 1/2 cup softened butter
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
In another, mix sweet potatoes, eggs, butter, and buttermilk.
Combine mixtures; pour into a baking dish and bake 25-30 minutes.
Mix honey and butter for a spread, and serve warm.
Engagement rings have long been a symbol of love, commitment, and the promise of a shared future.
While most people are familiar with the sparkling diamonds and beautiful designs that characterize these rings today, the history of engagement rings is rich and complex, filled with fascinating stories and cultural significance.
From ancient traditions to modern customs, the evolution of engagement rings reflects changing societal values and romantic ideals. In this article, we’ll uncover ten surprising facts about engagement rings that you probably never knew, revealing the captivating history behind this enduring symbol of love.
The tradition of giving an engagement ring can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where couples exchanged braided reeds or hemp as a symbol of their commitment.
The circular shape of the ring represented eternity, a powerful symbol in a culture that valued the afterlife and the continuity of love. These early rings were simple, yet they laid the foundation for the more elaborate engagement rings we see today.
The Romans played a significant role in popularizing engagement rings in the Western world. They introduced the concept of a ring as a formal token of betrothal, often using iron or gold to craft their rings. The use of gold symbolized wealth and durability, while iron was associated with strength.
Roman brides often wore two rings: one for public appearances and a more ornate one for private settings, signifying their commitment to their husbands.
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While engagement rings have existed for centuries, it wasn’t until the 15th century that diamonds became the preferred gemstone. The first recorded use of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring.
This extravagant gesture set a trend among European nobility and eventually trickled down to the general population, marking the beginning of the diamond’s association with love and commitment.
In the 20th century, the diamond engagement ring became a widespread symbol of love, thanks in large part to a brilliant marketing campaign by De Beers in the 1940s. The slogan “A diamond is forever” was introduced, emphasizing the idea that diamonds were not just a symbol of love but also of lasting commitment. This
campaign successfully positioned diamond engagement rings as an essential part of the marriage proposal, forever changing societal expectations around engagement and marriage.
In ancient times, it was common for both men and women to wear engagement rings. Roman men, in particular, wore rings as a sign of their betrothal. However, over time, societal norms shifted, and engagement rings became primarily associated with women.
Today, many are returning to the tradition of men wearing engagement rings, emphasizing equality and shared commitment in their relationships.
The cost of engagement rings has significantly increased over the years. Traditionally, the cost was often determined by the groom’s financial situation and the preferences of the bride. However, societal expectations have shifted, leading to the widespread notion that one should spend at least two to three months' salary on an engagement ring.
The history of engagement rings is a fascinating tapestry woven with love, tradition, and cultural significance. From ancient Egypt to modern-day trends, the evolution of engagement rings reflects changing values and romantic ideals, expressing their unique love stories.
YOUNG AGAIN
By Junior Thurman
Relaxing in my recliner, a few days ago, I once again drifted back in time during a short snooze. I emerged out of a cloud of dust, riding and shooting, a wild, fearless young cowboy “riding the wind”…..
“Yep, I know him well,” the town sheriff told his young deputy as they stood across the street eying me.
“That’s Juniormiah Johnson out of the badlands of New Mexico, a well known gunslinger. I recognized his suave and debonair swagger, once called “Gentleman Junior,” but, unfortunately, after a knife fight with five Mescalero Apache braves over a young Indian maiden, he is now often called “Scarface,” yep a cowboy
who’d once caught the eye of many a young damsel. Notice how his gunbelt hangs low on his hip, gun-fighter style. He’s up to no good, no doubt about that.”
Once again, my reckless, gun fighting reputation had preceded me. I’d been in many a fracas out here in the Wild West, a hard country, Boot Hill awaited those who hesitated. It was fight or flee, and, I was definitely not one to run. I entered the saloon, braced for trouble, which arrived quickly…….
“Wake up,” my wife yelled, “have you forgotten you’d promised to build me an extra shelf in the hall closet today, and, you haven’t fed the cat yet or carried out the trash,” rudely interrupting my short power nap in my recliner, and my outlaw life as a drifting cowboy on the old dusty streets in Yuma, Arizona…
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Yes I was quickly brought back to the present. Looking down, there was no gun strapped to my waist, no boots, spurs, no wide brimmed hat, only an older gentleman, now wrinkled, a little paunchy, wearing a t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and some black ankle length socks. My shoes lay on the floor next to my chair. My reading glasses, a glass of tea, my remote, and my back scratcher lay nearby on my end table, along with my meds, including a bottle of ibuprofen.
“Gunsmoke,” was on the television, Matt Dillon, Festus and Miss Kitty were having a drink in the “Long Branch Saloon.”
Many times, in my dreams, old pals, gone now, ride with me, reliving the wild, happy days of our youth when we were young and carefree. I even occasionally visit with Mom and Dad, brother and sisters, old neighborhood pals, all gone many years ago.
Living in my late seventies now, unfortunately, I’ve seen many relatives and friends pass on. Watching the obituaries is scary at times, friends my age and younger are checking out.
I visited a lifelong friend a few days ago who was sadly in his last days. He appeared to be resting, sleeping, possibly dreaming of the old days when he could run with the wind.
Stricken with cancer, medicated, his now, frail body seemed at peace.
Regretfully, he’s gone now, leaving his memories behind with his wife and children. I’d like to believe he’s at peace now, out there “riding the wind,” or, working in that big garden in heaven, content, embracing loved ones who’d gone on before him, awaiting the arrival of loved ones left behind.
Or, maybe like me, young once again, resting in the shade of a spruce tree in the forest, my faithful steed tied near, living off the land, along with my loved ones, near a gurgling, mountain stream, enjoying the fragrant smell of the cool, cool pines and a comforting campfire, finally,
Books by Junior Thurman now sold on Amazon DRIVE or SCREAM MORNINGSIDE THE WAY WE WERE
I, Kerry Lewis, have been an evolving artist over the last 10 years.
As my career of teaching was coming to an end, I was slowly transitioning my practice into a talent that I was going to make full-time alongside my husband, Melvin as he had been a professional artist for the majority of his working career, winning juried art show awards, making him the perfect mentor for my art abilities.
As I retired and we transitioned to full-time artists, we were hit by a distracted driver as we were taking our daughter to start college in January of 2017. I became a quadriplegic as a result. Since I went from hand stitching rawhide leather to learning how to tear a napkin again, all of our art supplies were locked away in boxes while a long
road of recovery for all three of us began.
Although I am still in a wheelchair, for six years now I have worked to regain full use of my arms and hands. We will always be on a rough road of recovery, but we are finally able to think more about living life rather than just staying alive.
For the first time in years, Melvin and I blew the dust off of the art supply boxes and our desire to create art as a team. I knew that I couldn’t stitch rawhide crosses and custom lampshades like I did years ago, so I have evolved my craft into a taste of the past with my new spin on the artwork that you see here today.
Each piece is made by the inspiration of God’s creation in the natural world alongside the love and perseverance of Melvin and I.
Dr. Michael moved back to her beloved New Mexico (Tularosa) to write the : Taco Chicken Series Books to promote the Literacy for Children and love of saving shelter and rescue pets.
All of the Taco Books royalties go towards the res-cues listed in the back of the book.
With her background in rescue, and Medicine as a Licensed and Board-Certified Naturopathic Physician, she strives to add valuable historic or local lore and knowledge to the books that only New Mexican's know.
Her love of animals and children has inspired this set of (Realistic Adventures) of a live Bantam Silky Chic-ken named Taco.
DISCOVER THE SACRAMENTOS
Cloudcroft * Mayhill * High Rolls Sunspot * Timberon * Pinion * Weed
Fried Green Tomato Pie
Ingredients
Pie
1 Pie Crust
1 Small Sweet Onion, sliced into rounds
1 Large Garlic Clove, chopped
3-4 Large Green Tomatoes, sliced 1/4 in thick
Salt/Pepper, just a pinch
Topping
2 Tb Melted Butter
3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
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WINTER HOURS
WEATHER PERMITTING
FRIDAY / SATURDAY 10AM to 4PM
1/8 tsp Garlic Powder
Sprinkle with Cayenne
Salt/Pepper, just a pinch
Instructions
1. Slice the tomatoes as thin as possible and place onto a cutting board that is covered with paper towels.
2. Sprinkle the tomato slices with salt then cover with another layer of paper towels.
3. Set aside for at least 30 minutes (I let mine sit for an hour).
4. Place the prepared pie crust into your pie pan. Gently press into the form of the pan and prep edges however you prefer.
5. Par-bake for 7 minutes at 400°, then remove from oven.
6. Layer the green tomatoes, onions and garlic in the pie
crust then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. With a fork; mix the melted butter, bread crumbs, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper.
8. Gently spoon the topping over the green tomatoes and spread evenly.
9. Cover with foil and cook at 400° for 40-50 minutes (depending how soft you want your green tomato filling).
10.Remove foil and cook for 5 more minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
11.Allow pie to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Crust
• 1 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1/3 CupcLard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 tbsp ice water
Filling
• 2 large sweet onions
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 2 cups Cool Ranch Doritos
• 4 Eggs
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1/8 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
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• Make the Pastry Shell
Combine the flour lard, and salt in a food processor. Pulse the food processor until the mixture looks grainy.
Pour the flour mixture into a mixing bowl, and add the cool water (do not add the actual ice) 2 tablespoons at a time. Toss the flour mixture with the water. By the time you get to five tablespoons of water, you should be approching a dough ball that will clean the sides of the bowl as you stir.
Dump the dough ball on a peice of waxed paper, and place a second peice of waxed paper on top. Squish the dough flat, then begin rolling the dough out with a rolling pin. You will want to spin the wax-papered dough as you go, and roll out from the center. You are looking for an evenly flat, 10" circle (or close approximation thereof) of dough.
Peel off the top piece of waxed paper. Place your pie tin on top of the dough, upside down. Then flip the whole works over so that the pastry shell falls into the pie tin. Then peel the remaining peice of paper back, and press the dough into the pie tin. The edges
can be crunched up with your fingertips, then squished with the tines of a fork to make them look semi-presentable.
Finally, dock the pie shell by poking holes in it with the fork. This prevents bubbling.
Bake the pie shell at 350 degrees 9that magic number) for 5 minutes. This prevents a doughy pie shell. Set the now prebaked shell aside, while you turn to your filling.
Cut Up the Onions and Bell Peppers, and Fry Them UpFry them on medium high heat until they are transluscent
Crush the Doritos about two cups in a small food proces-sor and let it run for about 45 seconds..
Add the Dorito Crumbs to the Onion and Pepper MixtureBeat the Eggs and Sour Cream Together
Beat until smooth.
Pour Onion Mix Into Pie Shell, Then Top With Egg Mixture
Sprinkled it with cheese, salt, and pepper as well.
Bake the Pie at 350 Degrees for 50 Minutes, and Voila. Dorito Onion Pie!
How Many times has the Sun orbited the Milky Way
courtesy of blog.sciandnature.com
Our solar system has been circling the heart of the Milky Way’s black hole for 4.6 billion years. However, determining the exact number of revolutions our sun has completed around the galaxy during this time is a challenging task.
It can be perplexing to grasp the notion that Earth is in constant motion through space. Yet, even more bewildering is the realization that we are simultaneously undertaking two journeys — orbiting the sun and traversing the Milky Way.
Similar to how the moon revolves around Earth and our planet orbits the sun, our sun also revolves around the Milky Way. To be precise, it orbits the super-massive black hole situated at the center of our galaxy. In actuality, the entire Milky Way is continually rotating around the heart of our galaxy’s black hole.
So, how many times has our solar system completed orbits around the colossal black hole at the center of the Milky Way? The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might assume.
In contrast to the predictable orbits of planets around the sun, the trajectory of our sun through the Milky Way is significantly longer and less stable, making it challenging to determine the number of revolutions around the galaxy’s center.
Utilizing basic mathematical calculations can offer insights into the duration it takes for the solar system to traverse our galaxy, thereby providing an estimate of the number of rotations our cosmic neighborhood has made. However, providing a precise answer remains elusive.
According to Space.com, the sun and the rest of the solar system are currently hurtling through our galaxy at approximately 448,000 mph. While this speed seems remarkable, certain stars within the Milky Way, known as hypervelocity stars, travel through the galaxy at speeds reaching up to 5.1 million mph
At its current velocity, it takes around 230 million years for our sun to complete a single orbit around the Milky Way. This duration exceeds the existence of dinosaurs on
Earth and surpasses the lifespan of Homo sapiens by more than 750 times.
The sun, estimated to be around 4.6 billion years old, was joined by Earth approximately 100 million years later. In theory, if the sun’s orbital path had remained consistent throughout its existence, it would have completed approximately 20 orbits around our galaxy, with Earth accompanying it for roughly 98% of those revolutions.
However, the sun’s orbit has likely undergone significant alterations over time. Rather than maintaining a constant trajectory, our sun has likely undergone substantial movements since its formation.
Victor Debattista, an astrophysicist at the University of Central Lancashire, suggests that the sun’s original position differed from its current location. It is probable that
our sun originated much closer to the center of the Milky Way.
Currently positioned approximately 26,100 lightyears from the galaxy’s center, our sun’s chemical composition indicates that it was born roughly 16,300 light-years away from the galactic core. This outward migration, known as “radial migration,” involves stars being propelled along the spiral arms of galaxies like the Milky Way by the momentum generated by the rotating limbs — comparable to how a surfer navigates a wave.
During its formation, the sun’s orbital period was considerably shorter. Initially, it likely took approximately 125 million years for our star to complete a full orbit. As the sun migrated outward, its orbital period lengthened, a process that likely spanned billions of years.
Consequently, the sun has likely traversed the Milky Way more times than previously estimated, although the exact magnitude of these movements remains uncertain.
Radial migration is not unique to our sun; numerous other stars in the solar neighborhood are believed to have originated elsewhere and subsequently migrated outward. Moreover, the proportion of stars migrating outward increases with distance from the Milky Way’s center.
The
Old West is just not the same, what with so few cattle being run, and lawabiding folk running around like they own everything.
In this family comedy drama, filmed near Alamogordo) it's too much for John McCanless (Brian Keith). He is a modern rancher who has been so deeply affected by the death of his wife that he has retreated into a world of Wild West imagination.
He is also a cranky former gunslinger who has no inten-
CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENCE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
tion of selling his beloved acres to some fool who wants to build a dam and flood them all. Going "gently into that good night" is not in the cards at all, and this latter-day Quixote prepares to wage a lonely battle against the namby-pamby modern world.
His ranch hand, Paco (Alfonso Arau), an illegal immigrant, and his bemused daughter, Amanda (Michele Carey) do what they can to help.
Scandalous John (film) In modern times, a rip-snorting, 79-year-old western rancher, with the prettiest granddaughter; ugliest horse; scrawniest herd; and puniest partner, a Mexican handyman; go on a cattle drive (of one cow) and do battle against a wealthy, landgrabbing industrialist.
After an adventurous (and humorous) trek, à la Don story continues next page
Quixote, the rancher confronts the villain in a shootout that parallels the classic struggle of good and evil in the Old West.
Released on June 22, 1971 Directed by Robert Butler. Filmed in CinemaScope. 114 min. Stars Brian Keith (John McCanless), Alfonso Arau (Paco), Michele Carey (Amanda), Rick Lenz (Jimmy), Harry Morgan (Hector Pippin), Simon Oakland (Whitaker), Bill Williams (Sheriff Hart), John Ritter (Wendell).
The film was based on the book by Richard Gardner. Rod McKuen composed the musical score and sang the theme song, “Pastures Green,” which interprets the hero’s love of open land.
Location scenes were filmed in Alamogordo, White Sands National Monument, and near Las Cruces, New Mexico; at the western town of Old Tucson, Arizona; and along the 10-mile route of an 1880-period train from Hill City to Keystone, South Dakota.
Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones: any of those all-time great cartoons sound familiar? This famous person from New Mexico was responsible for them! He was born in the tiny village of Melrose, which is right between Fort Sumner and Clovis. William Hanna won sevenAcademyAwards and eight Emmy awards with his partner Joseph Barbera.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh cranberries
2-3 hot peppers (jalapeños or serrano), finely chopped
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cups sugar
1 pouch (3 oz) liquid pectin
Instructions:
Prepare the Cranberries and Peppers:
Rinse the cranberries and finely chop the hot peppers (remove
seeds for less heat). Set them aside.
Cook the Mixture:
In a large pot, combine cranberries, chopped hot peppers, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Add the Sugar:
Once boiling, add the sugar gradually, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and the mixture to thicken.
Add the Pectin:
Stir in the liquid pectin and return the mixture to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Jar the Jam:
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal the jars with lids and rings.
Process the Jars:
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let them cool on a towel, undisturbed, until the lids seal.
This jam is perfect for serving with cheese, crackers, or as a glaze for meats!
Lucy and Bob were married in Oragrande in 1901. They settled on a ranch about five miles west of Orogrande.
At that time there was a mining boom and the towns or Orogrande and Brice were typical mining towns.
On the day Elizabeth decided to make her appearance, there was a terrible dust storm. There was so much dust in the air that her father couldn’t find the horses to take his wife to the doctor.
After a long search he found them and took Lucy to Orogrande, but the doctor had gone to El Paso. They decided to go toAlamogordo on the train, which arrived late at midnight. The railroad tracks were covered with sand and the train could get no traction and the workmen had to stop and clear the tracks every few miles. The train finally arrived inAlamogordo just as the sun was making its appearance and so did Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth was 11 years old her father was murdered as he started to Orogrande with a load of ore. Lucy Raley was left with seven children to bring up alone. She managed to Story continues next page
continued from previous page keep the homestead, which had plenty of good grass and blue sage. She made a living for her children raising goats and sheep.
At that time Brice, which was located a mile or two north of Orogrande, was a thriving mining town. There was a general store, a post office, a hotel, a saloon and about 75 miner’s shacks with a population of about 1000 people. Brice also boasted having the first school in the area.
It was from this school that Elizabeth graduated from the eighth grade. The closest high school was inAlamogordo and that was too far for her to travel.
When she was 14 she went to Pittsburgh, Pa., to live with her mother’s cousin so she could go to high school. She traveled by train and Lucy sold a cow to get the money for her train fare. When she got to Chicago she had to change trains and had to go all the way across the city. She found a taxi, which was a horse-drawn wagon, and made her change without any problems. To a 14year old girl, Chicago did look a bit bigger than Brice, N. M.
Elizabeth graduated from high school in Pittsburgh, while living with her relatives. She then went to work for a doctor and worked for his family until she was able to get her teaching certificate. She taught one year in Pennsylvania and saved her money so she could go home to see her family, whom she had not seen in five years.
Elizabeth started teaching in Mayhill in 1923 and taught grades one through four. One of the older high school students was Loyd Posey, whom Elizabeth married on May 4, 1926 Story courtesy of Geneologytrails.com
"O Fair New Mexico" was composed by Elizabeth Garrett, the daughter of former Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett, best known for killing the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid. It was copyrighted in 1915 as a guardia vieja-era tango. On March 14, 1917, the New Mexico legislature and governor Washington E. Lindsey adopted thesong as the official state song of New Mexico.
First verse
Under a sky of azure, where balmy breezes blow, Kissed by the golden sunshine, is Nuevo México.
Home of the Montezuma, with fiery hearts a glow, *
State of the deeds historic, is Nuevo México.
Chorus
O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so
Our hearts with pride will o'erflow, no matter where we go,
O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so,
The grandest state to know, New Mexico.
Second verse
Rugged and high sierras, with deep canyons below;
Dotted with fertile valleys, is Nuevo México.
Fields full of sweet alfalfa, richest perfumes bestow, State of the apple blossoms, is Nuevo México.
Chorus
O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so
Our hearts with pride will o'erflow, no matter where we go,
O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so,
The grandest state to know, New Mexico.
Third verse
Days that are full of heartdreams, nights when the moon hangs low;
Beaming its benediction, o'er Nuevo México.
Land with its bright mañana, coming through weal and woe; State of our esperanza, is Nuevo México.
Chorus
O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so
Our hearts with pride will o'erflow, no matter where we go,
O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so,
The grandest state to know, New Mexico.
CARRIZOZO IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE!
A German Spy in Carrizozo?
April 26, 2021 by Texoso
The United States had officially entered World War I in early April, 1917 with a declaration of war. One week later, the mayor of Carrizozo, Lincoln County, called for a company of Minute Men to be organized from local citizens to aid in the event of any need.
Newspaper articles carried accounts of the war and other related articles about how citizens could contribute, even by maximizing food production on their farms. As occurred in other times of world war, there was a considerable amount of unease and suspicion concerning those of other nationalities.
On May 18, 1917, the Carrizozo Outlook carried an
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article about the arrest of one Henry Hartman, originally of Luxembourg and a former brakeman on the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad. Hartman had been living at a local hotel in Carrizozo.
The article continued to state that Hartman was suspected of having have suspicious drawings in his possession.
After learning that Hartman had quit his job with the railroad after only thirty days there, the local sheriff assigned special officer Ben West to follow Hartman as he boarded the Number 7 train bound for El Paso.
West took a seat on the train where he could watch Hartman and followed him all the way to El Paso, Texas. At one point prior to the train’s arrival at the El Paso depot, Hartman exited the train, perhaps aware that West was following him.
After a disturbance, continued from previous page
3RD PLACE: Enduring Faith, Reece Parker "I have long been attracted to the adobe churches of northern New Mexico because of what they represent as symbols of faith and community. Although these churches often show the ravages of time and weather, the inner tranquility of these holy places shows the strength of faith and prayer endures undiminished."
Hartman was detained by West and turned over to the local sheriff. Once there, the United States Department of Justice was alerted and federal officers took possession of Hartman who detained him as a civilian enemy alien.
Other news accounts stated that Hartman’s trunks had contained plans of United States submarines along with maps and pictures of important buildings in the area and that Hartman had also used the alias Heinrich Heinrichs.
He had worked for various railroad companies in the United States, more recently having been fired from a similar position with Southern Pacific in California due to an unrelated domestic incident. Hartman was quoted in a statement in a later New Mexico newspaper account as denying that he possessed submarine plans, continues next page
nor any other suspicious document and that he had made no efforts to return to Luxembourg.
He said the suspected submarine plans were his own invention, that this was the first time he had been in jail and that he had never knowingly violated any laws of this country.
Hartman was transferred by the Department of Justice to the stockade at Fort Bliss in El Paso.
On August 8, 1917, a newspaper article in the El Paso Herald reported that Hartman, along with several other individuals, was being transported to Fort Douglas near Salt Lake City, Utah, along with several other individuals of German descent to a prison on the fort.
Other than these accounts, no further mention of Hartman can be found in old newspapers. Although the August 1917 article stated that all of the individuals were charged with being civilian enemy aliens, it is unknown whether Hartman was ever tried for any crimes.
3rd Place, Mobile: Tadson Bussey
New Mexico has had a hold over me since the mid1990s when I first travelled through. The skies are bluer, the landscape more inviting, and my eyes always seemed more in-focus after my visits. I have explored many corners of the state and have experienced the uniqueness each location portrays. I have traversed Route 66 from east to west and north to south— and have wandered Central Avenue through Albuquerque during so many visits.
One of my frequent stops— on a long list of places—is the El Vado Motel, first opened in 1937—one of New Mexico’s first motels on Route 66 to welcome travelers. My first encounter was with a tiny roadside
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GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Surprise, Andy Jones
"Shooting landscapes at night is something I get excited about. There are many things to love about being out in the dark with your camera. And adding the aurora borealis to the list of things to photograph in New Mexico is absolutely worth getting excited about. In March 2023, a surprise solar storm hit Earth and triggered some auroral storms. The big surprise that night was that I could capture it by Hope, New Mexico. Since then I’ve tried to catch it as often as possible here in New Mexico."
A Century of Fire: Zozobra’s 100th Burn, Jennifer Valkier
"Captivated by the rich culture of New Mexico, I joined the crowd to witness Zozobra's 100th burn. It was my first time experiencing the event, and it was unforgettable. With an estimated 65,000 people in attendance, the anticipation for the moment of ignition was electric. The fire spirit playfully danced around before finally setting Old Man Gloom ablaze. This shot marks a moment of victory over gloom. The grand finale fireworks display was beyond impressive—better than many Fourth of July shows I've seen. A visit to New Mexico never disappoints."
motel and its broken neon and cracked walls; to a then closed and shuttered establishment several years later, surrounded by a chain link fence and overgrown brush; to a now thriving and modern boutique hotel. The El Vado stands out with its white-washed adobe in a region where the majority of the architecture is red and earth-toned.
Having stayed at El Vado soon after their renovation, I fell even more in love with the place; staying there (or at their sister property the Monterey Motel) on each subsequent visit.
When a large group of friends and I were traveling to New Mexico in October 2022, I insisted that this was one of the places we needed to stay.
During one of the beautiful afternoons, we explored the property with our eyes and our cameras, soaking in the amazing sunsets that New Mexico so often offers up. The light at dusk hit the adobe buildings making them soft and sensual. The long shadows cast by the vigas became intriguing and inviting. The blue trim matched the intense blue in the sky.
What is a painting done by a cat called? A paw-trait.
Why did the art thief’s van run out of gas as he drove away from the museum? Because he had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh.
How come the artist is in jail? She was framed.
What happened when a red ship collided with a blue ship?
Both of their crews were marooned.
Did you hear about the artist who died? Too many strokes.
Where does a cow hang his paintings? In a moooseum.
Why was the artist arrested for painting in the police station? Because he had an unfortunate brush with the law.
Why did Van Gogh become a painter? Because he didn’t have an ear for music.
Why couldn’t the man afford expensive art? He had no Monet.
Did you hear about the new art show? I’m etching to go!
How come you can’t trust an artist? Because they’re sketchy.
The artist was the best. She could always draw a crowd.
Did you hear about the boy who had a fight with his art teacher? He drew blood.
My art teacher said my self portrait looked horrible.
However she did say it was extremely realistic and lifelike.
Paulita Maxwell was born in Mora, New Mexico in 1864. She and her brother Pete lived in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
Pete Maxwell was a wealthy rancher and Paulita would have lived a comfortable life. Rumors flew in the small town of Sumner that Paulita and Billy Bonney were romantically involved, many accounts from witnesses at the time said she was 'head over heels' for the young outlaw.
After Billy was captured at Stinking Springs he was taken back to Fort Sumner and the Maxwell's home. Billy was shackled to his fellow gang member Dave Rudabaugh.
A guard and part of Garrett's posse, Jim East, would later write in a letter that a member of the household asked if Billy's chains could be removed so he and Paulita could say their goodbyes in private, but the request was denied.
Obviously the worry for the lawmen was that Billy may try to escape by any means possible. In reply to the rebuttal, Paulita marched up to Billy and kissed him passionately, "One of those soul kisses the novelists tell us about"
Although friendly with Billy, Pete Maxwell was said to be less than happy his younger sister was consorting with a wanted man. This rumor fueled the theory that Pete helped Garrett in finding and killing Billy.
Some people of the town even suspected Garrett of kidnapping Paulita and tying her up at the Maxwell house. This situation would undoubtedly have lured Billy to come to her rescue and fall straight into a planned ambush.
Rumors and hearsay say that Billy was actually killed in Paulita's bedroom where she had been tied up. Pat and Pete Maxwell then moved Billy's body to Pete's bedroom to avoid scandal.
On the morning ofApril 1, 1878, around 9:00 o’clock, Lincoln County Sheriff William Brady with four well-armed deputies walked east on Lincoln’s only street intending to arrestAlexander McSween, who Brady planned to confine in Lincoln’s pit jail.
Five Regulators—John Middleton, Henry Brown, Fred Waite, Jim French and Billy Bonney—waited behind the Tunstall store stable wall that extended from the northeast corner of the Tunstall store.
Brady and Deputy George Hindman had a short lead ahead of deputies Billy Mathews, John Long, and George Peppin.As Brady and Hindman passed in front of the Tunstall store and came into view the Regulators unleased a volley of gunfire.
Brady and Hindman fell dead. The three deputies retreated and took cover in a house across the street from the Tunstall store.
In late March 1876, Kid, then HenryAntrim, rode into McDowell’s Store (renamed Bonita in 1877), in southeast Arizona, just outside the southwestern boundary of the Fort Grant military reservation, three miles from the fort itself.
On March 19, Kid, 15-yearsold, had stolen a horse (his first) at Camp Goodwin, 40 miles northeast of Fort Grant, from a lone soldier who had “stopped at Camp Goodwin while traveling on detached service” from Fort Grant.
John Bachelder, a local carpenter later recalled, Kid Antrim “was a young, light, green-looking fellow.” Justice of the Peace Miles Wood remembered, Kid “was a small fellow not weighing over ninety pounds.” Wood also recalled that shortly after his arrival Henry “got to running with a gang of horse rustlers.”
SO IT’S ALL HOGWASH with NO RELEVANCE IN TODAY'S WORLD?
Comprehensive research has uncovered bad news for those who don’t believe in God.
Their neglect to obey the gospel and their consequential life-choices will more than likely cut years off their lifespan. Science backs this up.
An article in Forbes titled “Science Says: Religion Is Good For Your Health” stated, researchers at the Mayo Clinic concluded,
“Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with
better health outcomes, including greater longevity.”
Decades of research have shown this to be true. The Mayo Clinic reported, a metaanalysis of 42 studies of nearly 126,000 persons found that highly religious persons had a 29% higher odds of survival compared with less religious persons.
There’s more science to back this up. In an article titled “Does Religion Stave Off the Grave?” the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science reported that religiously affiliated people lived 5.64 to 9.45 years longer than those who were not religiously affiliated.
In covering this phenomenon, the Los Angeles Times suggested the reason for the longer life of believers are regular exercise, healthful eating, devotion to family and especially elders, a sense of purpose built around community & giving, & a spiritual life.
But millions of unbelievers exercise, eat healthy, love their family, enjoy a sense of community, and have some sort of spirituality—and yet die younger.
On November 15, Billy the Kid, Tom Folliard, Charlie Bowdre, Billy Wilson, Tom Pickett, Buck Edwards and Joe (Sam) Cook steal 16 horses belonging to Padre Polaco . They head for White Oaks to sell the horses; the Kid also hopes to meet with his lawyer to discuss the possibility of going straight. On the way, the crew stops at “Whiskey Jim” Greathouse’s ranch and way station and sells four horses to Greathouse.
Five days later, they arrive in White Oaks and put their horses up at the Dedrick corral. They go to town and stock up on supplies, and leave without paying.
Barney Mason tells Sheriff-elect Pat Garrett about the horse theft, he goes to White Oaks to inform the authorities there. Deputy William H. Hudgens raises a posse of eight men and attacks the Kid’s gang at their Coyote Springs camp. Taken by surprise, Bonney and Wilson have their horses shot out from under them.
The Kid, along with Billy Wilson and Dave Rudabaugh, trudge through the snow back to the Pecos River.
ALas Vegas Gazette’s December 3 editorial reads “The gang is under the leadership of ‘Billy the Kid,’a desperate cuss, who is eligible for the post of captain of any crowd, no matter how mean or lawless….Are the people of San Miguel county to stand this any longer?” The editorial spurs Gov. Lew Wallace to issue a $500 reward for the Kid’s capture.
From "The True Story of Billy the Kid," by
William Hamlin.
How sure can we be that former Territorial Governor George Curry said this? I don't know, but I thought that it was worth sharing:
"George Curry...said, in statements to the author:
'...Pat Garrett? Yes, I knew him very well indeed, especially following his term of office as collector of the customs at El Paso...
His every undertaking failed...he frequently became mean and irritable. At times he went sullen, surly, and ill-
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tempered...I believe, in his later years, the knowledge that he was the instrument of the Kid's death weighed upon his mind, causing him secret regret...
'I knew [the Kid] as an unassuming youth, courteous and always displaying a friendly grin.
It has been said, in critical situations all men experience a degree of fear. I believe this to have been foreign to Billy. He was always calm and unemotional. Elements of danger appeared to exhilarate him. Young though he was, he was a born leader...
' Many crimes were attributed to him by his enemies, without regard for truth. Though several men became the victims of his gun, it is my considered opinion that in every instance there were justifiable or mitigating circumstances."
The Las Vegas Gazette (New Mexico) reported in the January 20, 1881, issue: “A few days ago, a representative of the Gazette paid a visit to Billy Bonney, ‘the Kid,’ Dave Rudabaugh and Billy Wilson in the Santa Fe jail.
“They were all heavily shackled and were lying about on their cots but rose as the heavy iron door swung back on its hinges.”
They “all appeared to be in good humor.” When the reporter “made some remarks on the tidiness of their [dirt-floor] cell, Bonney said, ‘Oh, this is a palace as
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compared with that place they put fellows in in Las Vegas,’ then “glancing around and contemplating their work” said, ‘we’ve been scrubbing up today.’
In fact, Bonney, Wilson, and Rudabaugh had begun to dig a tunnel under the adobe brick wall and had “been scrubbing up” to prevent discovery of their escape plan.
As the conversation continued, Bonney remarked, “‘I’m getting up a terrible reputation,”’ referring to an article he had read in the January 8, 1881, issue of The Illustrated Police News.
“‘I got hold of the paperfirst, when it was brought in,’” Bonney said, “‘but I was ashamed to let the other fellows see it.”’
The caption read: “Bill Bonney, ‘The Kid,’And His Last Daring Escape—A Twenty-Five-Year-Old Desperado Who Is The Terror of the Southwest-Shielded From Bullets By His Woman, While He Escapes His
THE OTHER BILLY the KID
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it was lost on 1880s Tombstone miner and wannabe big-shot William Floyd Claiborne.
The 22-year-old traveled from his native Mississippi via Texas to join the booming mining operations in Hereford and Charleston near Tombstone, and fell in with the Clanton and McLaury gang of the infamous O.K. Corral shootout. They drank hard,
cooked up schemes and stirred trouble.
About the same time, notorious outlaw William Bonney, known as “Billy the Kid,” met his maker in Fort Sumner, N.M., after a five-year crime spree across the plains and Southwest. Tales of gun fights, a daring prison escape and life on the lam created a mystique so potent for Claiborne that he now insisted that the folks of Tombstone call him “Billy the Kid.”
With a tough yet unoriginal moniker, everyone would respect him, or at least, he would try and make them.
HE WAS KINDA A PAIN-IN-THEBUTT
In October 1881, a few months after the original Billy the Kid was shot dead by Sheriff Pat Garrett, Claiborne exchanged heated words with drunkard James Hickey at the Queen's Saloon in Charleston. Tough guy Claiborne would ultimately pull his gun and shoot Hickey just below the left eye, killing him.
But apparently, Hickey was not well-liked in the community, and Claiborne was found innocent at his murder trial and that he acted in selfdefense.
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But less than a month later, “his self-styled 'reputation' didn’t hold up after he’d run away from the gunfight near the O.K. Corral ... and left three friends to die at the hands of the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday,” official state historian Marshall Trimble says. “Not good for a guy who wanted respect.”
Things came to a head for Claiborne when in November 1882 he confronted Oriental Saloon bartender “Buckskin” Frank Leslie about the suspicious death of his friend Johnny Ringo, who also ran with the Clanton and McLaury gang. To make matters worse, it was reported that Leslie refused to call Claiborne “Billy the Kid.”
The drunk Claiborne became verbally abusive, and by the collar, Leslie “tossed him out,” Trimble said.
“Billy returned later telling anyone who’d listen he was gunning for Leslie,” he said. “Buckskin Frank accommodated him, and gunshots were exchanged. Billy missed and Frank didn’t. Supposedly Billy’s last words accused Frank of killing Ringo.”
Leslie was found innocent at trial, the jury citing selfdefense, and the chaotic chapter of Arizona's Billy the
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