Guess Who is a Grandmother?

Rafe Tyler Hansen was born today at 10:12 am. He weighs 8.6 lbs. and is 21.5 inches long. He has a nice amount of sandy brown hair. He's perfect in every way!

Rafe is spelled like the character Rafe MacCawley played by Ben Affleck in Pearl Harbor. It's pronounced Rafe, like safe. Other famous people with this name are: Rafe Totengco Designer, Raef LaFrentz Portland Trail Blazers BasketBall player and Ralph
(Rafe) Fiennes... actor supreme!

Mommy and Daddy are doing well and hopefully are getting a full night's sleep after being up all night.

Mamaw Muncie is supremely happy. Life is good.

Smores

Anytime we have a campfire, we make Smores.  Smore is short for "some more," meaning they are so good, you want some more!

All you need is a roaring campfire, a coat hanger or a young, green stick cut from a nearby tree, a chocolate bar, graham crackers and a couple of marshmallows.   First take two graham crackers, placing  the chocolate bar on top of one of them.  Roast the marshmallows, stuck on the coat hanger or stick, over the campfire until it's golden brown and toasted.   Place the roasted marshmallows on top of the chocolate bar, smashing them down with the remaining cracker forming a gooey sandwich.

Caution!  They are messy so have some napkins close by!  Yum, yum!

A Very Large Array

Jon and I headed out on one of our 'drives.'  I love exploring out-of-the-way places in New Mexico.  Today we drove to the Plains of San Agustin,  New Mexico to see the Very Large Array.  What's that you ask?  The Very Large Array (VLA) is a collection of 27 radio antennas located at the NRAO ( National Radio Astronomy Observatory ) site in Socorro, New Mexico. Each antenna in the array measures 82 feet  (25 meters) in diameter and weighs about 230 tons. They are about 95 feet tall (29 meters.) The Y-shaped array can be arranged into 4 different configurations: A, B, C, or D, depending on the distance between the antennas. The VLA is an interferometer, which means that the data from each antenna can be combined electronically so that the array effectively functions as one giant antenna. Dedicated in 1980, the VLA is used by astronomers from around the world to study everything from black holes to planetary nebulae.  Why did they put it in-the-middle-of-no-where New Mexico?  The Plains of San Agustin (not Augustine) are high in elevation, surrounded by a ring of mountains that block interference and far enough away from large populations so they aren't bothered by phone calls or TV broadcasts.

The VLA was featured in the film, "Contact" starring Jodie Foster.  Unfortunately, today the position of the antennas were in their furtherest apart, resulting in not so great photos.  For the film, they were at their closest position as you can see in Jodie's photo.

These are radio antennas, but they aren't listening to anything.  They are seeing radio waves and making pictures of them.  All along I thought they were listening for the aliens that visited Roswell.

For more photos of the Very Large Array click here.

TV Show in Maureen's Backyard

Yesterday, a film crew shot a chase scene in Maureen and Max's backyard. The scene was for the TV series CRASH. Max was home to watch the filming which went really fast. The crew was pleased they had two big dogs (featured in my blog post ) However, since they weren't vicious enough, they brought in two mean looking pit bulls to threaten the stunt man and the actor as they jumped the fench on one side, ran through the yard and hopped over the other fence into the alley next door. They rehearsed a time or two, shot the scene and left. For allowing them to use their yard, they got a check for $250. Pretty easy money!

Maureen and Max live right down town Albuquerque, just a block from a homeless shelter. They have a constant parade of hobos in front of their house. Check out the burglar bars on the windows and front porch. Albuquerque is a popular movie town. They have shot 167 movies, tv shows and other projects in the last couple of years. There are always casting calls on the radio for 'extras' (small acting jobs.) It's not hard to find streets blocked off for a film shoot around town. And everyone has a celebrity sighting story. Personally, I have pictures of John Travolta and Mel Gibson. Ask me and I'll show them to you. :-)

Glowdeo

Once again, it is Balloon Fiesta time in Albuquerque. It is the largest gathering of balloons and pilots in the world. For 9 days, balloons fill our skies in the early morning hours. At night, they glow by light of propane burners. “Glowdeo” was a name given to this truly magical, western rodeo like event.

The great thing about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is that everyone is allowed on the field with the balloons. The pilots give away cards with the picture and name of their balloon and chat with everyone who stops by to say hello or ask a question. No viewing from the stands at this fiesta! This year there are over 600 balloons participating. It’s a bit less than in past years, but understandable with gas prices as they are today. The Fiesta furnishes the propane for all the balloonists to encourage them to make the trip. The Balloon Fiesta Park becomes the second largest city in New Mexico during these two weeks with hundreds of camping trailers, chase vehicles and tourists!

The week of the Fiesta also signals a change in the weather. Out from the closet come our sweaters and jackets. The heater gets switched on for the first time to take away the mornings chill. It’s sad to bid farewell to summer in the high desert. But how can one stay sad with hundreds of colorful balloons floating in the crisp autumn air?

If you'd like to see the video I made last year, click here.

Working for a Living

Recently, I have become gainfully employed. I am the new Adult Literacy Program Coordinator at ReadWest, Inc. In February of 2007, I trained as an English as a Second Language tutor at ReadWest. I really enjoyed my experience. Earlier this month, I was approached by a friend who is on the board of directors at ReadWest and offered the Program Coordinator job. Now, in addition to tutoring my wonderful student Gaby from Mexico, I orient new Basic Literacy and ESL tutors, assess new students and then match them to available tutors. I am busy from the time I walk in the door until I lock the office up in the afternoon. There are a thousand things to do all day long. But, I believe the work I do is very important. I am so happy to be a part of an organization that makes a difference in the lives of people everyday. The gift of literacy changes a person's life for the better. Speaking English can lift someone from poverty and dead end jobs to a path of upward mobility. I am inspired by the countless hours of time our volunteers devote to helping their students. I love my job!

The picture is of the St. James Hotel sign in Cimarron, New Mexico, that was established in 1872 by French chef Henri Lambert, personal chef to President Abraham Lincoln.

Thunder and Lightning

Here are two girls visiting us. They are living here until they move to their new home on Saturday. They like to sit at the sliding glass door and watch me in the kitchen. Any time I look their way, they get hopeful that I will come out and play with them. Their favorite play toy is a water bottle half full of water. They are very well behaved aside from a hole or two in our yard that is easily filled. I’m delighted to see their expectant faces.

Thunder is a Weimaraner. Lightning is a Weimaraner Labrador mix.

Philippe and Christine

Two of our French friends came to visit us in Albuquerque while they were on their first trip to the United States. Philippe and Christine were touring the western U.S. for three weeks and camping at several national parks in California, Nevada and Arizona. They stayed with us for five days. During this time we did all the tourist sites in Albuquerque and a few in Santa Fe.

Philippe was my first French conversation partner. I credit him with coaxing me to have my first discussions en Français. He and Christine live in Marseille, France. Philippe likes country western music. So I took him to a western clothes store. He was a good sport and let me take a picture of him in a cowboy hat.

They both are a lot of fun. It was great to get to know them. We hope to visit them in Marseille the next time we are in France. Again, I am so lucky to have such wonderful French friends!

Another Marriage

My daughter Maureen married Max Andersen on the unique date of 08/08/08. This is a very lucky day to the Chinese. That’s why they began the Olympics on this date. So while you all were watching the opening ceremonies, we were having a party to celebrate their marriage. Congratulations Max and Maureen.

Maureen

Encore une fois, un mariage approche. Cette fois, c’est le mariage de ma fille Maureen. Elle est née il y a 24 ans. Ce jour là, j’étais très contente d’avoir une petite fille. Elle a toujours été une joie pour nous. Nous n’avons jamais eu de problèmes avec elle. C'est une jeune fille douée et intelligente. Sa capacité de travail est énorme. Rien ne lui est impossible. Il n’y a pas de montagne trop haute pour elle. Elle a cette qualité depuis sa plus tendre enfance.

Quand elle était petite elle avait des problèmes de lecture. Au début, elle s’est sentie stupide et son amour-propre en a souffert. C’était une expérience difficile pour une mère. Mais quelque part dans sa petite âme, elle a trouvé la force. Elle a décidé d'utiliser sa faiblesse comme une force. Elle a étudié plus dur. Elle a fait beaucoup d’efforts. Elle s’est attaquée à l’orthographe et à la grammaire anglaise avec enthousiasme et optimisme. Avec détermination, elle a cherché à obtenir de bons résultats. Il lui a fallu plus d’efforts pour avoir d'aussi bonnes notes que les autres enfants. Donc, elle a su développer l'amour du travail bien fait.

Je l’admire. J’ai beaucoup de confiance en elle. Elle va bientôt quitter la maison familiale mais jamais mon cœur.

Maureen, je t’aime et je suis fière de toi.

Only in Albuquerque!

At 7:45 am, my daughter rushed down stairs saying a hot air balloon was about to crash into the house next door. We threw open the door and ran outside to see if we could help. Fortunately, the pilot landed the balloon safely right in the middle of the street. Since no one could leave for work until the balloon chase vehicle arrived to pick up the pilot, passengers and the balloon, the neighbors gathered around the gondola to chat with the passengers. They were proud to show us the leaves they had picked from the tops of trees as they floated by. The chase car soon arrived and we helped guide the quickly deflating balloon onto a protective tarp and away from the mailbox and rooftops. As we did this, several other balloons floated just over us with the travelers calling down to saying, “Good Morning! We thought we’d drop by.”

Only in Albuquerque!

1958

1958 a été une année importante. Aux Etats-Unis, l’ouvrier moyen gagnait $4600 par an. Un professeur pouvait espérer $5,100 par l’an. Trois familles sur cinq possédaient une voiture. Deux familles sur trois avaient le téléphone. Pour les femmes, l'âge moyen pour se marier était de 20 ans et elles devenaient le plus souvent des femmes au foyer, en ce temps là, très peu poursuivaient une carrière professionnelle. Les voitures étaient de plus en plus grosses avec des ailerons de plus en plus pointus. L’essence coûtait 25 cents le gallon. L’Alaska est devenu le quarante-neuvième état. Le premier satellite a été lancé de Cap Canaveral. Cela a aussi été l'année où lntel a développé le microprocesseur. Une maison neuve coûtait $12,750.00. La NASA a été créée.

Dans le monde, il y a eu une catastrophe aérienne à Munich où sept joueurs de Manchester United ont été tués. Nikita Khrouchtchev est devenu le Numéro Un de l’Union Soviétique. Il y a eu une grande famine en Chine pendant laquelle 30 millions de personnes sont mortes de faim. Elvis Presley est parti à l’armée, et des milliers de jeunes filles en ont été navrées. Les films les plus populaires ont été Le Pont de la Rivière Kwai, Pacifique Sud, Gigi, Sueurs Froides et King Créole. Les chanteurs célèbres étaient Elvis Presley, Billie Holliday, Ricky Nelson, Frank Sinatra, et les Frères Everly. A la télévision, les gens regardaient les émissions Candid Camera, le Jack Benny Show et le Ed Sullivan Show.

Enfin, en 1958 à Dallas Texas, Tom et Ann Smith ont eu leur premier enfant, une petite fille. Ils lui ont donné les prénoms de Muncie comme une de leurs amies et d’Ann comme sa maman.

Sick to Death of Politics

I know I need to finish my essays on my trip to France. But I must tell you, this eternal election has me absolutely exhausted. Personally, I think all three presidential candidates STINK. ( McCain, Obama and Madame Clinton) Come January '09, I will wish more than ever to live in France so I will not have to witness first hand what will take place in the US for the next 4 years. I make one prediction here... Whoever is elected president this fall will only serve one term. It's gonna be that bad. I comfort myself with the thought that Jimmy Carter allowed us to have Ronald Reagan. That fact gives me hope.



The picture is an early spring shot of the Sandia Mountain range from the banks of the muddy and shallow Rio Grande.

Room Make Over

For my daughter Rebecca’s 20th birthday we planned a special surprise. Because she loves television shows on remodeling and decorating homes, we thought we’d make over her bedroom. It was really tough planning and keeping this idea secret. The whole family was in on the idea. My daughter in law Stephanie called Rebecca and told her that she wanted to have a girl’s night out to celebrate Rebecca’s birthday. So she arranged for Rebecca to come directly after work to spend the night at her house and then she’d leave for work the next morning without coming home. Tyler excused himself and came over to help us paint furniture and install a ceiling fan. The next morning when Rebecca left for work Stephanie came over and helped us paint walls and install new blinds and curtains. With only minutes to finish we put on new sheets and a bed spread and hid in her room.




Rebecca was totally surprised. For three months we planned this and she had absolutely no idea what we were doing. She kept saying, “You guys got me soooo good!”

Two Days in Paris

The last two days in France were spent in Paris. This was my third stay in Paris. I enjoyed the first two, but I really liked this trip because this time I was with my husband Jon. He is a bold, non French speaking adventurer. This attitude has helped him visit famous cities all over the world. This time I did the more traditional tourist things that I had avoided previously. We stood in line for 45 minutes to take an elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It is cliché, but who cares? It is such an amazing structure, it has to be experienced! Next, we took a boat tour on the Seine, also a typical tourist thing to do. I loved it. The British English recording that explained what we were seeing was so over the top with enthusiasm it made us laugh. The young female French tour guide barked out instructions in an impressive four languages. When we finished the tour, we pulled to the dock at 7:00 pm just in time for the Eiffel Tower light show. The 75 or so Japanese tourists on the boat gasped and then, “ewwwwed and ahhhhhhhed” over the sight. It was stunning. We walked across the bridge to get a better view of the Eiffel Tower. This was challenging because tourists are bombarded by young 'foreign' people trying to sell Eiffel Tower key chains or beg for money. The females are the beggars. They first ask you if you speak English, if so, they shove a typed card with a sob story on it and ask for money. Feeling like heartless Republicans,we say non merci. We had lots of practice saying no because we were constantly approached. It’s so well organized I’m sure it’s a big money making venture for someone. Vive entrepreneurism! However, I wonder if the young women are doing this freely. I wonder if they are penalized for not making a certain quota of money each day. I wonder about the nature of whoever collects the money from the young women. Are they cruel?

Despite my wonderings, we didn’t give them any money just the same.

We ended our first Paris evening having dinner at a Chinese restaurant. We did this just because I thought it was totally ridiculous to eat Chinese food in Paris. I like being ridiculous.





The next day was Sunday so we went to church at a little place called Notre Dame. Actually, we were there as tourists and I felt like I was intruding because they were having a Sunday morning service and taking communion while folks like me were walking around gawking. So we sat down on the dusty rush seated chairs they use instead of pews and waited for the service to finish. It is a glorious cathedral. Its treasures museum was amazing. The Virgin Mary has a lot of jeweled crowns waiting for her there. How will she decide which one to wear?

We saw where Marie Antoinette spent her last couple of months before she was guillotined. There were huge lists of names, ages and professions of people who were beheaded during the revolution, including some of the very people who began passing judgment on others.








We spent an unusually warm February afternoon walking along the Seine with all the other Parisians. We looked at the ancient magazines and books of some of the ‘green box’ vendors that line the Seine.








We had a nice lunch at a Bistro across the street from Notre Dame and a late dinner at a bistro near a subway entrance where I took this photo. I had a salmon crepe. It made me miss the yummy seafood I’d had in the South West a few days before.








I like Paris. There is an endless list of things to do. I’ve just scratched the surface. I will go back and do some more scratching, hopefully soon.

Andernos Les Bains, France

The next few days were spent in Andernos Les Bains with my conversation partner Serge and his wife Françoise. I’ve told you about Serge in an earlier post (in French.) When Serge was stationed with the military in this area, they searched for a place to live. When he and Françoise toured Andernos, they fell in love with the little village and decided to make it their home. With some luck, they found the perfect house and have been there for 6 years and hope to never leave!

Now that their daughter Anne is attending medical school in Bordeaux, they have to focus their attentions on their beloved dog, Socrates. Socrates is as intelligent as his namesake. Several mornings we took him for a walk to do his business. He knows the route by heart. He’s so well trained, Serge doesn’t need a leash because Socrates obeys voice commands. But in reality, this golden retriever is so well behaved he doesn’t need much discipline.










This time I found another new seafood treat, les huîtres, or oysters. Serge and Françoise took me to a nice restaurant called l’Esquirey located right on the bay. I had a dish of « les fruits de mer farcis » stuffed fruits of the sea, namely oysters, muscles and clams. They were filled with herbs and very tasty. My mouth waters just thinking about it! How fortunate they are to live so close to great, fresh treats from the sea.






Andernos is located more or less in the middle of the bay of Arcachon. During the day the tide is out, leaving lots of pinasses (old wooden fishing boats) stranded on mucky land. When the tide is in, it’s a perfect beach for families with small children as the water is shallow and they can play without fear of it becoming too deep.




Serge and Socrates took me to the northern tip of Arcachon Bay, Cap Ferret. Again, I was so impressed with lovely beaches of France on the Atlantic. Dotted all along the coast of France are the remains of German gun turrets that were meant to protect from ally invasion during WWII. Now they serve as canvas for graffiti artists.










I climbed the Cap Ferret lighthouse with “Mr. Bicycle” himself who is in such good shape he could have run up the stairs four times to my one! All the huffing and puffing was worth it! The view of the bay was spectacular. From here I could look across to Arcachon and see the steeple of the Chapelle very close to Fabienne’s house. Coucou Fabienne! Also I could see the Dune du Pyla and just how long and high it stretches along the coast.














In Bordeaux, I saw Anne’s apartment where she stays while attending school. We walked to her favorite Salon de Thé for a treat and then to a giant bookstore, Mollat. This is where Serge likes to spend time browsing the English language novel section. The students also buy their text books here. It was a busy place! I bought myself an Adventures of Tin Tin book. It’s a comic strip that was written in the 1920s by Hergé ( RG in French, Remi Georges) from Belgium.

Serge and I also visited a Carrefour which is like our Super Walmart only with appliances and electronics. Here we walked up and down the aisles comparing items and prices to what we have and don’t have in the US. For the most part, things were the same or slightly more expensive. But many things were unique to France with no comparison. I also learned that the French call tall size refrigerators "frigo americain" American fridge. Their refrigerators are smaller and don't have a freezer compartment.

I got up early Saturday to catch the train back to Paris where I was meeting my husband for a few days before we went back to the States. Serge made sure I was on the right platform and he even put me in the right seat on the train where we said good bye. Then he stood outside the window until the train left acting like he was crying! I think he’s watched too many old movies! I would have been sad to say goodbye, but I just know I will see him again! Hopefully in New Mexico.

Arcachon, France

My second week in France started with a train ride to southwestern city of Bordeaux. I was met at the station by Fabienne. Up until this moment, we had only spoken together via the internet. So it was wonderful to meet her in person. She took me to a few of her favorite shops in Bordeaux and then introduced me to a colorful treat, macaroons (macarons in French.) It is a cookie that consists mainly of almond paste according to my dictionary. But to me they were just plain yummy!




I stayed with Fabienne and her family for 3 days in Arcachon. Arcachon is a city located on the southern tip of le Bassin d’Arcachon, Arcachon Bay in English. She and her husband are pharmacists and live above there pharmacy. It’s an ideal location only two blocks from the water! We also climbed the Dune of Pyla. It’s a huge, naturally created mountain of sand next to the sea. Going up was really hard work, but going down was a joy as you could run fast with no fear of falling because the sand acted as a shock absorber, keeping your feet steady! We also climbed the Belvedere Tower that was made by a fellow named Gustave Eiffel. From this observation tower you can see the city of Arcachon as well as the bay.



While I was visiting Fabienne, I fell in love with coquille Saint Jacques. We call them scallops in English. I’ve had scallops before, but not fresh off the boat and bought in the shell! They are simply delicious. I’ve always admired the way the French go grocery shopping. They have little markets with vendors selling fruit and vegetables, flowers, meats, fish, cheeses and pastries. There are even people selling prepared Moroccan and Asian dishes. I guess it’s the French version of ‘fast food.’ It’s neighborhood centered and friendly. I wish we had something similar in the U.S.








One night we went out for dinner at a nice restaurant called l’Encoche. Since I was in love with coquille St. Jacques, I ordered them again. I had really wonderful food in France. The second picture is Fabienne and her husband Laurent. They are really wonderful and lots of fun!

Rouen France

Dreams really do come true. I went to France last month for two weeks. I spent the first week in Rouen, France. It’s located in Normandy and is famous for several things, mainly the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. There is a chapel dedicated to Jeanne d’Arc near the place were she was killed.

Rouen is a charming old city. There are many half timber buildings in the old part of the town. There is a university there so students keep the place youthful and lively. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen is also very famous. Monet painted several famous paintings of the front façade, demonstrating the changes in the natural lighting at different parts of the day. I liked this old cathedral for several reasons. The first is inside there are the tombs of several Dukes of Normandy; Rollo and Richard the Lionhearted to name a few. My husband’s family traces their genealogy to Rollo and William the Conqueror . So it was a bit like visiting the grave of a relative. Also, they are restoring many of the statues of saints and prophets that were on the outside of the building. They brought the old ones into the cathedral so people could get a close up look at them. It was amazing to see what time and environment had done to the ancient carved stone ‘people.’ Lastly, on the outside of the building you can still see the effects of war. Rouen was a battle ground during the Second World War. The building is pocked and scarred by gun battles. Yet she still stands firm in the heart of the city, to eventually outlive us all.

Rouen is famous for its lovely ceramics. I was seduced by these shops myself. I have a lovely plate with a rooster for my collection. But, next time I visit and I hope it’s soon, I will buy a few more things I regret not getting while I was there!

Since we were there for Valentine’s Day, we celebrated with an 8 course French meal at the La Couronne ( the crown in French.) It is supposed to be the oldest restaurant in France. Who am I to judge? The food was superb. However, the meal lasted 4 hours. I’m afraid my husband and I have been married too long to have interesting conversation for 4 continuous hours! :-)

Next time... le Bassin d'Arcachon

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me

It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say
"Merry Christmas. May your New Year dreams come true"

And this song of mine in three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too.

Joyeux Noël à tous

Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving is called “Black Friday.” It is the official kick-off of the Christmas shopping season. Most people have the day after Thanksgiving off from work, so merchants lure these idle people to their stores by offering sales on desirable merchandise. The stores open extremely early at 5 am and offer incredible deals for only a few hours to get people in and spending money. Reporters with cameras show the stampede of humanity as some poor store employee unlocks the door and makes a dash for safety before being trampled by eager bargain hunters.

The local news channels have helicopters circling above the shopping malls, reporting on traffic tie-ups and over crowded parking lots. Usually, we sit back in the comfort of our family room and laugh at people who would line up in the cold and wait for a store to open just to buy things. But this year, the laugh is on us.

Today my husband was reading the advertisements in the newspaper. He saw an ad for a laptop computer at an extremely low price. It just so happens we are in the market for a laptop computer for one of our kids. “The store opens at 5 am and they only have 15 computers at this price” he called to me as I was preparing our Thanksgiving feast. “Only15?" I groan back to him. " That means we will have to be in line at 4 am at the latest!” Silently, we weigh the benefits of saved money for lost sleep.

So, tomorrow we’ll join the stampede of humanity in search of Christmas bargains in the land of Capitalism. Vive the USA!