14 Days in the Land of Enchantment - Day 14

Day 14 – Re-entry

This is Houston Command Central calling, you’re cleared for re-entry.

As much as I’d like to orbit once more, it was time to splash down, back in my other world. Not even my vitamin wanted to risk the meteor showers of its outer atmosphere. I had to pry it loose from the last day’s space in my pills-for-a-week container.

The re-entry began yesterday with one last ride on the Bosque trail. The mountains and the million-dollar homes are in shadow now, obscured by the brilliant rising sun. Even the coyote has decided to seek greener pastures.

I passed an older man on the trail. His graying hair was showing beneath his ball cap. Oddly, it was just like the one I keep in world Albuquerque. We nodded with familiarity to each other as we passed – him coming and me going, at least for now.

And so I tuck in my southwest planet for it’s midsummer nap. We close the condo door and leave it in the hands of Wings Soaring until we return.

Tomorrow, it’s shaving off my vacation beard. It’s back to the spinning plates. I’ll collect those that have fallen and send them back in orbit again. But it’s also reconnecting with old friends.

But this time, I’m taking the samples from my parallel planet along with me on re-entry. I hope to take the days, the hours, the moments from my 14 days in the land of enchantment.

14 Days in the Land of Enchantment - Day 11

Day 11 – Fearing Fear

We’ve been attending the Albuquerque Film Festival over the last several days. Like most of these, you see some really great independent films as well as those that fall in the category of “valiant efforts.”

One movie of particular note was The Highest Pass, a documentary chronicling the journey of seven Americans who take a motorcycle expedition lead by a modern yogi and guru up the highest passes of the Himalayas in Northern India.

The film captures the many physical and logistical difficulties the riders encounter including the frenetic traffic of overloaded trucks, the icy edges of narrow cliffs, flooded roads, altitude sickness and a mountain pass that is only open three months of the year.

But the film’s real power comes from the psychological and spiritual difficulties the riders overcome. Their emotional transformation is compelling to watch as they take guidance from their yogi along the way.

For me, the most thought provoking parts of the film come when they deal with fear. The yogi tells them that fear is the emotion that keeps us from living. We can only move on if we push through this wall to get to the other side. For most, that requires a leap of faith.

“Only the one that dies, truly lives,” instructs the yogi.

The riders come to learn that pushing beyond fear liberates them and gives them a chance to experience a higher life. With each breakthrough, the next time becomes easier. You just learn to trust that you’ll be okay.

I can identify with that in small and large ways. Remember that first time you took-off on a bike, liberated from your training wheels? You move beyond your fear of falling, your balance somehow becomes right and you elatedly take off.

It’s a skill you take with you from that moment on. “It’s like learning to ride a bike,” we say.

And then there are times in our life when we take our emotional two-wheeler for a spin. For me it was learning not to wait until things are perfect before I let myself enjoy life.

I’d tell myself – “In two more years I’ll have my degree and then I’ll be set.” “I need to have my career in order before (fill-in the blank).”

Sure, these are great goals but does it have to be all or nothing? What was I afraid of? Some goals become an excuse.

I can’t remember what triggered the breakthrough but I know it was a conscious decision. I found myself doing things like buying two season tickets to the symphony. I need to be in a relationship first before I do that. Don’t I?

The reality was it gave me the chance to invite friends and family as my guest. I could connect with them, not as the gang from work or the entire clan but as individuals.

It was to one of those concerts that I invited the Mrs. for our first date. Could a never-married, childless bachelor find love with a Ph.D. with two twenty-something kids? That’s not the way it was supposed to happen, or was it? In my case, it’s lead me on a path to great joy (at least most days).

It’s the fear of fear that prevents us from living. But it’s the decision to push beyond that will take us to the highest pass (especially when it plays out on the big screen).

14 Days in the Land of Enchantment - Day 10

Day 10 – Retirement Virgins

For those of you who are a HGTV groupie like me, you know the joys of virtual house hunting in your underwear. My favorite program is hosted by the realtor/life coach, Sandra Rinomato, who counsels first-timers in the seduction of home ownership.

As some-day retirement virgins, the Mrs. and I decided to bite from the forbidden apple and have our nakedness revealed. What kind of house might be out there for us? Of course, there’s the danger of peaking too soon since retirement is several years away. But I decided to practice tantric house hunting to avoid such premature exhalation.

While not as buxom, our trusted realtor could out-diva Sandra any day. He helped us buy our first training condo and understands our turns-ons and turn-offs. And he’s introduced us to a couple of new tricks as well. At our age, you’re always looking for ways to bring some spice to the 3-bed, 2-bath, walkout.

And so the episode begins.

House 1 – Lucy, I’m Home

House number one is a 2,000 square foot territorial style house in the Ridgecrest area of Albuquerque. It had three bedrooms and 1.75 baths. It also had the requisite stainless steel appliances and granite tile counter tops that someone decided any house worth considering must have. And the fenced in patio had a mountain view.

Built in 1960, the homeowners managed to freeze time. This included a paneled den, brick wall fireplace with gold-finished grate and vintage porcelain bathroom sinks (in pink, course). Perhaps my favorite was the master with twin beds, perfect for two virgins. Can Lucy and Desi be far behind?

House 2 – Ranched in Rio

House number two was a 1,800 square foot, pueblo style in Rio Rancho with three bedrooms and two baths. It included our requisite kiva fireplace and viga ceiling in the main room. The desert landscaping had some great stone tiling and the front of the house boasts a panoramic view of the Sandia Mountains.

Only 4 years old, the home had many of the modern features including surround sound. But the only windows in the living room were four small glass blocks located near the ceiling line. There’s no amount of lamps that the Mrs. could turn on to read the paper in that room.

House 3 – High Desert Dessert

House three was a 1,560 square foot pueblo style in the High Desert area of Albuquerque. Nested in the foothills, it offers full frontal views of the Sandias. Like the others, it was a three bedroom, two bath but with the toilet in a water closet (a much appreciated respite from the aftermath of a bean burrito).

The layout is well planned with strategically placed windows everywhere to enjoy the mountain view yet maintain privacy. It also takes advantage of natural light skylights in rooms without windows.

The desert landscaping was outstanding with little or no maintenance required. And it’s part of a complex that includes access to a pool.

So which home did our almost retirement virgins choose – the Dated Territorial in Ridgecrest, the Darken Ranch in Rio or the High Desert Dessert?

The Territorial was spacious but might require more fixing-up than we were willing undertake. The Rio Ranch pueblo had many of the elements we wanted but we just couldn’t get past how dark it was inside. The High Dessert was the smallest of the three but compensated for that with good design and natural lighting.

And our choice was . . . the High Desert home.

“Ah, sweet mystery of life at last we’ve found you,” we sang as we lie back and took another puff from the Virginia Slims. We can only hope to find the same bliss when the real retirement virgins mature one day.

14 Days in the Land of Enchantment - Day 8

Day 8 – The Dyslexic Soccer Mom

It started off innocently enough, a day trip to Truth or Consequences just 150 miles south of Albuquerque. But then we saw the sign and were hooked. Who could resist a town that might easily be mistaken by a dyslexic soccer mom from Alaska as her southwest hacienda – Mesilla, New Mexico?

So the first stop was to be Truth or Consequences (or “T or C” as us New Mexico insiders call it). It really does get its name from the 50’s game show of the same name. This is the one with Ralph Edwards, not Kitty Carlisle who’s on “To Tell the Truth.” Apparently game shows of that time frowned on fibbing.

Edwards offered to bestow the program’s name on any city that would change its name to Truth or Consequences. Hot Springs, NM reached its boiling point and a new city name was born. Edwards taped the program’s television debut there in 1950 and returned every year for 50 years to march in their parade.

Just outside of T or C, we noticed that the town of Hatch was just 34 miles beyond. Seeking to satisfy my pension for all things chile, the plan was to stop by and pickup some of their world famous green chiles, roasted to perfection. Then we’d turn back to T or C.

But then as we neared Hatch, we found out that Mesilla (and its larger next-door neighbor, Las Cruces) was a mere 38 miles further. The plan changed again. We’d drive to Mesilla first then work our way back north to the original destinations.

Mesilla did not disappoint. While you can’t see Russia from there, it has flown the flag of six nations in its history. It dates back to 1848 and has played a role in the Gadsden Purchase and the Civil War. And it’s where they tried Billy the Kid (likely just part of that gotcha journalism of the day).

The town means “little table” and we pulled up to one to them in a local restaurant that surrounds the town square. Where else can you stop for lunch and have fish tacos with a watermelon juice chaser?

We worked off lunch in the many adobe-style shops of this 2,200-person village. It never ceases to amaze me how many different items you can make out of a chile—pens, salt/pepper shakers, adult appliances, earrings, comical underwear that likely impresses only the guy wearing them.

Like Paul Revere galloping off to warn the British, we saddled up and turned back north to Hatch. We just missed the annual festival over Labor Day weekend, but we did lasso a half-bag of chiles, which they roasted and peeled for us.

As I found out later that night, a half-bag is more chiles than a family of five would eat in five years. But they’ll make nice (albeit early) holiday gifts. Word to us fellas—you may want to thoroughly wash you hands after handling them and before using the little boys room.

I’ve long experienced the disabling effects of “fire-rrhea” after a particularly spicy burrito but who knew it could have similar effects on the front end as well. Just saying.

Finally, we arrived back in T or C in late afternoon. Now days, the town relies on its natural resources rather than its TV fame. The hot springs and homeopathic spas are the big draw. Lounge in a natural spring, then go get your chakra aligned.

It’s also thinking strategically. The town was recently selected as a regional spaceport by Virgin Galactic (no kidding). Talk about an experience that must be out of this world.

We’re penciling that in for a future day trip. You know, Saturn isn’t all that far from Uranus. It’s right over the bridge to nowhere.

14 Days in the Land of Enchantment - Day 7

Day 7 – Bend it Like Bosque

I successfully wooed my bike and the deed was done, a well-inflated back tire. Of course, it took two trips to the local bike coop to get it done but at a certain age, a fella needs a little help now and then.

I’m ready for the first of my ritual bike rides as a weeklong resident. Not only does it give me a chance to work off the breakfast burrito, I get to don my new biking ensemble. I may not be Lance Armstrong but one can at least look the part (as all the other bikers are passing me up).

Not too sure about the crotchal padding though. I suppose it will give me a chance to experience what it’s like to wear Depends. But the black shorts are stylish (once again, always correct) and the color-paneled shirt is sure to turn heads (perhaps away).

My favorite bike trail is the Paseo del Bosque, a 16-mile route that follows the Rio Grande as it meanders through the valley between the Sandia Mountains and the West Mesas.

Recently resurfaced, it’s a fairly level trail that sports a variety of sites along the way including million dollar homes, a zoo, a botanical garden, a chile processing factory, merging arroyos, a miniature train for kids as well as the flora and fauna along the river.

With each season, I experience something new on the trail. Today was no exception. During the summer, the cottonwood trees obscure much of the view of the river. But occasionally you catch glimpses and watch the Canadian geese come in for a landing on the sand bars.

This is monsoon season in New Mexico so the water level is high on the river. Of course, you have to put it in the context of Mark Twain’s quote that the rio would really be grand if you put some water in it.

As a result, the flora is less brown than it usually is. Actually there were a number of flowering plants with gold and deep blue blossoms. There are also a variety of silver leafed native plants along with the usual cacti.

The fauna comes alive during summer. You run across (and over) a number of small lizards on the trail. They dart out like deer in the headlights. I also heard some rustling of leaves on the ground that I’m certain is a massive rattlesnake ready to strike me with its fangs if I dare get too close.

Oddly I also heard a confused rooster who apparently couldn’t shut off his morning alarm clock. I thought that he hit the snooze bar for a while but the crowing continued. Perhaps his hens were hearing impaired. I imagine them wearing tiny little hearing aids that buzz constantly because they have them turned up too loud. “What please?” they squawk.

But the star of this excursion was the beautiful, young coyote who’s path I crossed along the trail. There she was on the shoulder of the trail. Her markings and size were unmistakable, nearly full grown. She saw me coming and darted down the embankment as I approached.

I slowed down to take a look. We checked each other out – her shifting back and forth on the ground and me with my foot on the bike pedal ready to dart off at a second’s notice. I was torn between calling it over to pet it and respecting its wild instincts. I chose the later and continued on.

With crotch pad still in place, I finished the ride that has become such a reviving part of my second life. The experience reaffirms for me that life is about enjoying the passage of time (as James Taylor sings).

We choose the paths we take but what we encounter along the way isn’t always predictable, thankfully. Sometimes it’s great wonder, sometimes danger but it leads us to the place we need to be. So I bend it like Bosque on my trail.

14 Days in the Land of Enchantment - Day 5

Day 5 – Breakfast Burrito

Any one with any amount of fashion sense knows instinctively that black is correct for any occasion. From office to evening to a funeral to a wedding, you just can’t go wrong. Well it’s like that with burritos here in New Mexico. It’s good for any meal. And today it’s the breakfast burrito.

The day started out with the best of intentions. I wanted to pre-fund my caloric intake with an early morning bike ride. However, the gods of tire pressure were conspiring against me. No amount of coaxing could make the back tire inflate. I even offered to buy it dinner first but it still would not rise.

When did biking get so complicated? I remember hopping on my Schwinn Sting-Ray at a moments notice. No helmet, no reflective gear, no padded seat (or pants). Just me on the open road of suburbia standing on the seat, no hands on the handlebars. The wind in my hair (yes, I had some once) and Sinatra’s Strangers in the Night playing on my transistor radio.

A short walk stood in as my substitute today. Hardly the same thing but it’s easier on the joints, or so I’m told.

So we arrived at the Frontier Restaurant, one of the city’s many staple diners. And of course the breakfast burrito was proudly displayed on the menu overhead, along with the lite-lunch burrito and the late-nite burrito. See what I mean, always correct.

Breakfast burritos come in a number of varieties. Some are smothered in queso others with red or green chile sauce. Others include beans (black or pinto). For the meat lover, it can come with bacon, ham, or more authentically chorizo sausage.

The burrito I ordered was one of the more purist varieties. Along with the scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese, it included green chiles. These are not the chiles that you find in Midwest restaurants as part of their Santa Fe special. These are just spicy enough to provide a kick but still provide that roasted flavor.

Wrapped in a freshly made, flour tortilla, the dish was complete. Served with a side of beans, you get to enjoy the culinary experience well into the afternoon.

Then for dessert (also appropriate at any meal), was a sopapilla. It’s fried bread puffed with air in the middle. You tear it apart and pour fresh honey in the center to sweeten the treat.

Top it off with a steaming cup of coffee and the experience is complete, as is my burrito meter for the day.

14 Days in the Land of Enchantment - Day 4

Day 4 – Trip to Bountiful

Woke up today in our final destination—Albuquerque. But this time, the weekend resident becomes the weeklong resident. Wings Soaring, our ancient caretaker, welcomes us for our extended visit and my spirit lifts.

It is this second life that I step into now, like a comfortable pair of worn jeans. Neatly tucked away since March, it waits for me to return and reveal its bounty. It’s the other side of my mirror that reflects what might be—some day.

Provisions were first on today’s list. That means a two-block walk to the Downtown Farmer’s Market. It is high growing season and the pickings were astounding.

Yellow watermelon, anise-infused berry lemonade, chocolate-almond pastries, field-grown cantaloupe and fresh eggs of brown, blue and white.

Of course, no summer would be complete without homegrown tomatoes, in red and yellow, and beans, in green and yellow. Not to ignore other parts of the color spectrum, there were white potatoes and orange carrots.

We’ve got more fiber than we’ll need for the next three months but I guess it’s fitting that it’s not just the spirit that gets flushed clean on these visits. I guess we’re gassed-up and ready to go.