Refreshments for all!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Halloween 2005
Well what do more "mature folks" do on Halloween? We can't show up at the neighbors with our baskets thrust in front of our faces saying "trick ot treat". That just isn't done. By the way, what ever became of the "trick" part of that mantra? Were you ever really expected to do some sort of gymnastics in order to receive a piece of toffee?
The "mature" crowd goes to the home of a halloween fanatic dressed in costume and then stand around laughing at the creativity of the other guests as they come through the door. Who will it be this time? Elvis was there along with Carmen Miranda (think fruit on her head) the Scarecrow and Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz along with Darth Vader, a rough looking cowboy and a number of other characters ready and willing to laugh at themselves. On top of this are "goodies" to challenge anyones willpower.
The evening concludes with a song by Elvis and the awarding of prizes for the best male, female, creative costume and best food.
Its a hoot of a time.
Now you know our secret. Now you know what the more "mature" crowd does to celebrate Halloween.
The "mature" crowd goes to the home of a halloween fanatic dressed in costume and then stand around laughing at the creativity of the other guests as they come through the door. Who will it be this time? Elvis was there along with Carmen Miranda (think fruit on her head) the Scarecrow and Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz along with Darth Vader, a rough looking cowboy and a number of other characters ready and willing to laugh at themselves. On top of this are "goodies" to challenge anyones willpower.
The evening concludes with a song by Elvis and the awarding of prizes for the best male, female, creative costume and best food.
Its a hoot of a time.
Now you know our secret. Now you know what the more "mature" crowd does to celebrate Halloween.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Thursday, October 13, 2005
2005 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
At 6:00 am we rustled ourselves out of bed, threw on our clothes and hurried out of the hotel. We were trying to beat the traffic on Interstate 25 going north in Albuquerque. For a short distance the traffic moved along but that didn’t last. Five miles up the road traffic slowed while cars jockeyed for position. Being the nice guy I am I let a car that had driven up beside me, passing a whole lot of cars mind you, into my lane right in front of me. It was the right thing to do but I have to admit I was getting a bit grumpy. We didn’t get an early enough start and now we were stuck in traffic that barely crawled along. For some reason I still don’t understand I directed my grumpiness at the driver I just let in front of me. She appeared awake and acted like she didn’t have a care in the world. When she started putting on mascara I wanted to go up and punch her in the face. I was grumpy!
The dawn was approaching and here we were on the Interstate right next to the launch site. We could see balloons launching for the Dawn Patrol. I wanted to be there right now. I WAS GRUMPY! Eventually we joined the throngs in the parking lot looking for spots and pulled up next to the car with the woman I had let in ahead of me. I didn’t look at her.
WE HAD ARRIVED! Cindy, my brother Don and I were at the 2005 International Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloonists from all over the world were there for a 10 day (I believe) balloon rally. Thousands of people converge on Albuquerque and hotel rooms are very hard to find.
The weather started out overcast but by the time of the launch at 7:00 am the clouds had moved off. The pictures give you a sense of the crowds milling around the field and the wonderful balloons we witnessed.
Picture a gigantic football field. Cindy found a spot in the end zone on a raised patch of ground overlooking the field. From there she could see all the activity. I think it is probably the best place in the house. Along one side of the field is where all the vendors selling balloon stuff, film, refreshments, etc. are set up. Donny and I walked among the crowds and balloons down the middle of the field. Slowly but surely the balloons filled with the hot air generated by the burning propane while crews of people held on to ropes and the basket so the balloon wouldn’t launch before things were ready. At the given signal the balloons launched in waves. Soon the sky overhead was filled with all these multi-colored balloons with the sunshine making them even prettier. It was a beautiful sight.
By 9:00 am the mass ascent is over.
The rest of the day was spent wandering around Old Town and the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens. We always enjoy Old Town. It is the central plaza that marks the original 300 year old city. It is a place for shopping for nice things as well as rubber tomahawks. There are some great Mexican restaurants like La Hacienda and places to wander into all over.
We were very impressed with the aquarium and botanical gardens. After living in the Milwaukee area where the zoo is world class and its botanical gardens are excellent as well we are always prepared to be unimpressed by what other cities offer. We were very pleasantly surprised. Now we want to see the zoo when we get up there again. Since Albuquerque in only 3 hours north of us we will go back again soon.
The dawn was approaching and here we were on the Interstate right next to the launch site. We could see balloons launching for the Dawn Patrol. I wanted to be there right now. I WAS GRUMPY! Eventually we joined the throngs in the parking lot looking for spots and pulled up next to the car with the woman I had let in ahead of me. I didn’t look at her.
WE HAD ARRIVED! Cindy, my brother Don and I were at the 2005 International Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloonists from all over the world were there for a 10 day (I believe) balloon rally. Thousands of people converge on Albuquerque and hotel rooms are very hard to find.
The weather started out overcast but by the time of the launch at 7:00 am the clouds had moved off. The pictures give you a sense of the crowds milling around the field and the wonderful balloons we witnessed.
Picture a gigantic football field. Cindy found a spot in the end zone on a raised patch of ground overlooking the field. From there she could see all the activity. I think it is probably the best place in the house. Along one side of the field is where all the vendors selling balloon stuff, film, refreshments, etc. are set up. Donny and I walked among the crowds and balloons down the middle of the field. Slowly but surely the balloons filled with the hot air generated by the burning propane while crews of people held on to ropes and the basket so the balloon wouldn’t launch before things were ready. At the given signal the balloons launched in waves. Soon the sky overhead was filled with all these multi-colored balloons with the sunshine making them even prettier. It was a beautiful sight.
By 9:00 am the mass ascent is over.
The rest of the day was spent wandering around Old Town and the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens. We always enjoy Old Town. It is the central plaza that marks the original 300 year old city. It is a place for shopping for nice things as well as rubber tomahawks. There are some great Mexican restaurants like La Hacienda and places to wander into all over.
We were very impressed with the aquarium and botanical gardens. After living in the Milwaukee area where the zoo is world class and its botanical gardens are excellent as well we are always prepared to be unimpressed by what other cities offer. We were very pleasantly surprised. Now we want to see the zoo when we get up there again. Since Albuquerque in only 3 hours north of us we will go back again soon.
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