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Life In 'Cruces - Happy Birthday to ME

My Birthday Month is HERE and I am turning 49 on Monday. OMG! I am taking a little adventure to Silver City this weekend. Check back throughout the weekend for pictures, comments, etc.

On turning 49, I'm excited and ready for this new chapter. I am so glad to close the book on my 40s – this decade has SUCKED and I am ready to see it end.

Well – I am off to enjoy my weekend and my Birthday Month!!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - July 2022 Recap

July was ON POINT - hot, lots of events, lots of good food, and lots of cocktails. I still can't believe I have been in Las Cruces for an entire year! OMG! It seems like the year went by really fast. I am still amazed at how I pulled off the move without a hitch. Now...don't get me wrong – I had to work hard to move into my place and I have had to adjust to how people work down here in little Las Cruces. But I still love it and I am looking forward to the next year – especially all the work I got to do to prepare for my Big 50!

On to the highlight of July – the Tequila Festival was the top event of the month. I love me some Tequila and the festival was very unique. I could sip on Tequila ALL day! And I love me some festivals.

On the work front, work was extremely busy in July but good. Last week was super busy and I completed all the many jobs tossed at me. I even started another job and quit it all within the same week – LOL!!

On personal development, I read all the books on my Summer Reading List, I was up in the gym all month, I relaxed a lot, and did get in some walks around town. I also got to visit City Hall and landed a volunteer position with the city. I am excited. I start volunteering after my birthday.

In other news, I watched a lot of horror movies, loved me some buffets, and got to try some good eats. I really had a good time in July and I am going to miss the long days and short nights the month had to offer.

On a bad note, I didn't leave the city though. I had plans to travel but stayed in Las Cruces instead. I am going to make up for this lack of travel soon.

Well...we all know August is my Birthday Month and I am looking forward to kicking off the month in a few hours. I am excited about Silver City next weekend and I am excited about my birthday.

Come on 49!!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - July Is Almost Over

What??

The year is halfway over, my birthday is in two weeks, I am still having fun this summer, and I just celebrated one year here in Las Cruces. Oh my!!

Yes...the year is halfway over and I am shocked at how fast 2022 is going. I have CRUSHED a lot this year and I am looking forward to the second half of 2022. In other news, I can't believe how one year in Las Cruces flew by. I still like the little city in the south. I have a busy social calendar, I love the weather, and I am OK with the multiple jobs I have. I do miss Albuquerque though...I guess because I spent over 10 years up there in that little city in the middle of the state.

A quick recap of last week...I worked my ass off on many work projects. I didn't even have time to visit a new eatery. But I did have Chinese food on Friday to celebrate my one-year anniversary. I love me some buffet! I didn't do anything new though. I have to make up for that during my birthday month. Yes...I celebrate my birthday the entire month of August.

Well...this week is also all about WORK. I have a lot to do and I even worked today for a few hours. It is all about the money and moving mountains.

I am off work now and listening to 101.1 Gold. I got to rest up because I have a lot to CRUSH this week before I kick off my birthday month.

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Las Cruces One Year Later

OMG...My one-year moving anniversary is coming up this Saturday and I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. I remember this time last year was crazy busy. I was driving between Albuquerque and Las Cruces almost every weekend. Then I remember all of the totes and boxes to unpack – it was so much to do. I am glad all of that is done and I am kicked back in Las Cruces.

My move still feels unreal though. From all the packing to unpacking and then redecorating my apartment. I wake up each day still thinking I have some boxes to move and unpack. But I have to say, I have really enjoyed the last year in this little city.

Alright...fast forward to this week...I have a busy one ahead – so many work projects, home projects, CRUSHING projects, and preparing to do something exciting on Saturday to celebrate my one-year anniversary here in Las Cruces. I am thinking of a drive to a town close by and checking out an eatery I haven't been to. I have no city events planned this week. I am saving all of my energy for Saturday.

Let me do a quick recap of the weekend. One word – AMAZING. The Tequila and Tacos Festival was a lot of fun on Saturday. I sampled a lot of Tequila and had some good eats. The music was great and the Lucha wrestling was interesting to watch.

Today, I am chilling at home until 7 tonight and then I am off to Young Park for the Al Hurricane Jr. concert. I can't wait to hear some New Mexican music, watch the sunset, enjoy a cool breeze, and enjoy the park.

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Rio Grande & Tequila

In only a few weeks...my big day hits and I will be 49! OMG!! I am already planning my birthday, of course. I did some retail therapy yesterday and I picked up some new shirts and pants. I can't go into 49 with old clothes. My plan is to completely redo my wardrobe this new year.

I am both excited and scared about turning 49. I know the 5-0 is next year! I have a bucket of stuff I must do before turning 50 including working on my fitness more, paying off all of my debts, purchasing a new car, and seeing as much of southern New Mexico as I can.

But before turning 49, I want to do a quick impromptu evening of wine, music, good food, and beautiful views at the Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery at 5321 N Highway 28 (also known Avenida de Mesilla) here in Las Cruces. The winery is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 until 8 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 until 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 until 8 p.m. I got to go before August 5^th to see the sunset and enjoy the views. Of course...lots of wine-sipping!!

Click here to check out Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery's website.

Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery is also a great place for a date night as well as a single date “day” or “night”. Check out my latest Picnic Talks on how to host your own single date “day” or “night” by clicking here.

Let me tell you about last week...it was fun and the 4^th of July was relaxing and entertaining. I went to the light parade last Sunday and had a great time. Then on Monday, had good eats and watched the fireworks from my balcony. I LOVED it!!

This week is all about working and resting up for the sixth annual Tequila, Taco, & Cerveza Summer Festival, Saturday, July 16^th at Plaza de Las Cruces. The festival is from 5 – 11 p.m. I already got my ticket!! I can't wait to enjoy some tacos and sip lots of Tequila.

Well...today I am hitting the gym, reading the next book in my stacks of books, checking out the radio program, and eating a light lunch/dinner.

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Happy July 4th

June 2022 – Oh What A Ride!! The month was busy and so much fun. I kicked off the summer the right way - lots of outdoor events, photo shoots, good eats, and lots of firsts!!

One first that I did was celebrate Juneteenth. Las Cruces rolled out the red carpet for this event including several jazz music events, a lot of in-person history events, several online events, and even outdoor music events at Plaza de Las Cruces. I loved every bit of this holiday and all of the celebrations.

On the ME front – I did a lot of walking in June and I am still on my gym kick. I am all about exercising and trying to keep the weight down. I still need to CRUSH harder in the fitness department.

On the R & R front – I had a few picnics and a few R & R days. I love relaxing and just taking time for myself. I have really enjoyed my palace now that the refresh is done. I even managed to catch up on my favorite shows and got to watch a few classic horror movies like Friday the 13^th and Exorcist 3.

On the reading front – I got a stack of books from the Thomas Branigan Library last week and I kicked off my Summer 2022 Reading Challenge. I love reading and learning new things.

So what is on for today? Nothing much until tonight's Electric Light Parade tonight at Apodaca Park. Click here to learn more about tonight's event.

I am also grilling this afternoon and enjoying the day since I am working tomorrow and then going to the fireworks event at NMSU campus tomorrow night. Click here to learn more about tomorrow night's event.

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Park Walks

I love parks and I love walking around parks. I also love having a picnic in a park. Now...I got all of that out! My favorite park in Las Cruces is Young Park. This park is very popular – rolling hills, a pretty lake, ducks, art sculptures, and a collection of food trucks that park outside the park every weekend.

Young Park is also home to musical performances, festivals, car shows, and other events. I live about ½ mile from the park and I even walk there sometimes. I love this park.

Tonight...Young Park is hosting two music acts – Triple Jack and Truman Provencio – two Blues bands that also play other music genres. I am going if it doesn't rain. Young Park is located at 850 South Walnut Street.

Now...let me at least talk about a few other parks here in Las Cruces. If you are downtown, you must check out Klein Park. This park is in the middle of the Mesquite District south of downtown. Like Young Park, Klein Park has a lot of activities and amenities but it doesn't have a lake. Klein Park is located at 155 North Mesquite Street.

Next up...Apodaca Park. This park is HUGE and west of I-25. Apodaca Park is next to the old airport that is now being repurposed into something. This park is home to outdoor movies, lots of sporting events, and a few car shows. Apodaca Park is located at 801 East Madrid Ave.

To wrap up the major parks in Las Cruces...you have to visit the park next to the Rio Grande River – La Llorona Park. The park is located at 3440 West Picacho Avenue and yes...the river is flowing with water since it is summer and the dam has been released. La Llorona Park is about 30 acres and is the park to end all parks. You can sit by the river, eat by the river, run by the river, and just do anything you want by the river. Also, the views from the park are amazing.

Soooo...my fingers are crossed that it doesn't rain tonight because I really want to go to Young Park for the Blues concert.

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Brews and Cools

I love some craft beers even though I don't get a buzz off of them! OK...with that out in the open...I am encouraging everyone to run out and grab some IPA and other craft beers and just enjoy them! Here are some of my favorite craft beers: Lemon Lime Seltzer, Grapefruit Hard Seltzer, Light Lager, Mexican Lager, and any IPA.

Here in Las Cruces, there are a few breweries that offer an array of craft beers including Icebox Brewing Company. But the best craft beers are found in any local grocery store and even big box stores. My only problem is...I can drink a six-pack and feel nothing. It is like drinking iced tea. I feel good afterward but I am not loopy loopy. I like to be loopy loopy. With wine, I feel the buzz and I feel loopy loopy...LOL!!

Click here to check out Icebox Brewing Company's website.

Sooo...I enjoy some craft beers on an “every now and then” basis. I love wine more than beer and I never mix the two. Mixing the two causes issues.

Now...off to the cool side of this post. In order to really enjoy a craft beer, it must be COLD. And when I say COLD...I mean ICE COLD. Warm beer sucks and here in New Mexico, any beer outside becomes warm in only a few minutes. Sooo...you need a lot of ice or a koozie that can keep your beer COLD. One way I keep my beer cold is by freezing it. I love a COLD FROZEN beer.

Well...I am sipping on Goose Island IPA – 55 IBU (International Bitterness Unit), 5.9% alcohol and it is brewed in Fort Collins, CO as well as in Chicago, and Baldwinsville, NY. Click here to check out Goose Island IPA's website.

Time to enjoy Sunday and sip a cold one. But you already know I am going to switch to wine later today!!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Juneteenth Summer Plans

It is summer and it is hot here in Las Cruces. I am loving the heat during the day and the cool nights. That is one thing I love about the southwest...it cools off at night. And when I say cools off, it is cool at night especially if you leave your swamp cooler on overnight...it is freezing.

Well...my summer is fully booked with local events, day trips, Zoom-call events, and scheduled Rest & Relaxation Days. This weekend was one of R & R – I stayed at home all day yesterday and I am at home today. I had an art opening yesterday but it was rescheduled. Next Saturday, I am going to Elephant Butte Lake for a day trip. Click here to learn more about Elephant Butte.

I can't wait to live stream from Elephant Butte Lake and take a lot of pictures. I have only driven through Elephant Butte – this will be my first visit to the park. You already know I am going to picnic by the lake, hang out with some friends, enjoy the breeze, and just love the day. I am hoping that gas doesn't exceed $5 a gallon because I don't really want to spend a fortune to get there. Elephant Butte is about an hour and a half from Las Cruces.

In other plans...I am saving for my birthday trip to Silver City. I am going on my birthday trip no matter what. Even if I have to walk! LOL!

So what is going on with me this week? This week is all about the New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival kicking off on Tuesday night and running through next Sunday.

Here is the schedule:

Tuesday, June 14^th · a virtual concert will be performed by Jacobo Vega-Albela Group. Access via Zoom.us with webinar ID: 82056965925 starting at 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday, June 14^th - free film screening of “Bird,” starring Forest Whitaker, at the Rio Grande Theatre starts at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 15^th - The Branigan Cultural Center presents, “The History of Juneteenth as an American Celebration of Freedom,” presented virtually by NMSU general counsel and Chief Legal Officer, Roy Collins III. Following the presentation, a virtual concert will be performed by Reggie Lewis and Simply This Quartet. Both events via Zoom.us with webinar ID: 82056965925 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 16^th - The Branigan Cultural Center presents, “Jazz History is Black History,” presented virtually by Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History Senior Producer, James K. Zimmerman. Following the presentation, a virtual concert will be performed by Joe Dunn Chamber Fusion Ensemble. Both events via Zoom.us with webinar ID: 82056965925 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, June 17^th - Jazz musician, Derrick Lee will facilitate a Jazz Improvisation Workshop at the Doña Ana Arts Council from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. The Doña Ana Arts Council - 250 W. Amador.

Friday, June 17^th - The New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival Opening Concert featuring Billy Townes Group at the Rio Grande Theatre. Doors at 6 p.m, concert at 7 p.m. The Rio Grande Theatre - 211 N. Main Street.

Saturday, June 18^th - Free Film Screening of Disney Pixar’s “Soul” at the Rio Grande Theatre - 211 N. Main Street. Doors at 11 a.m., film starts at 12 p.m.

Saturday, June 18^th - New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival musical performances begin at 1 p.m. on the Plaza de Las Cruces - 100 N. Main Street. Performances: Las Cruces Community Jazz, Side Effect Quartet – 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., and Havana Quintet – 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

In addition, another set of musical performances continues at the NAACP Juneteenth Banquet at the Las Cruces Convention Center along with a keynote address from Dr. Patrick Turner, NMSU Associate Provost. Ticket purchase is required in advance from the Doña Ana NAACP website. Click here to purchase tickets.

Sunday, June 19^th - New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival continues on the Plaza de Las Cruces, 100 N. Main Street, with musical performances beginning at 1 p.m. with the Sam Barlow's Jazz Diversion, Encore Jazz – 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., and the Alliance Project - 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 19^th - The New Mexico Juneteenth Jazz Arts Festival closes with a final concert at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Main Street, featuring the Ricky Malachai Trio and the Derrick Lee Group. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.

I have a busy week ahead and I LOVE IT!!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Summer In Las Cruces

Happy Summer 2022!!

May is DONE and summer is here and I am loving it. I love June so much. The sky is clear and blue, the sun is hot and pouring down the heat and I just love June and all the activities it throws at me!!

I kicked off the month by attending several events this week in downtown Las Cruces including an art opening at The Museum of Art, a photo shoot on Main Street, an outdoor musical event at The Branigan Cultural Center, and I wrapped up the week at a fine arts fair on Plaza de Las Cruces. I wrapped up yesterday by sipping mimosas at Amador Live. Then I came home and enjoyed a bottle of mimosas while watching some true crime shows. It was a fun week.

Today...I am relaxing and finishing up some last-minute decorating. You already know I am going to listen to 101.1 Gold on the radio and you already know I am going to sip on some cocktails. I love Sundays. I am a little sad that tomorrow is not a holiday though. Back to working five days this week. I am not going to bitch about it though. I am going to work, attend events, love my summer, and love my life.

Now...for something serious...I have to talk about the elephant in the room - high prices on everything, especially GAS. Let's just say that I am having to adjust travel plans due to gas prices. I am still going to enjoy events and outings but they are going to have to be local within Las Cruces.I am watching gas prices with a big pair of glasses. I have my birthday trip to Silver City planned and I am hoping I can pull it all off. I hate having to cut back on things. Gas is $4.59 a gallon here in Las Cruces and that is not cute but not as bad as in other parts of the country.

Well enough bitching about prices...my summer plans include attending all the free events here in Las Cruces, once a week visiting different restaurants for Picnic Talks, watching the sunrise, watching the sunset, and finally getting back into car projects. I am also going to finish reading the books I have started, get my novel published in August, and get myself mentally ready for my big 49th birthday. I am still in a state of shock over turning 49. I am both excited and nervous. I am excited to see my 40s come to a close. My 40s have really SUCKED. I can't wait to live the final year of this fucked up decade.

In other news...my palace redos are all done and I can now enjoy my fresh and clean place. I recommend everyone to do some spring cleaning and toss out the old and put in some new.

Alright...now I am off to enjoy my Sunday!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - May 2022 Recap

One word for May – Remarkable!

I don't even know where to start in recapping this month. Let me start with this – I CRUSHED a lot of goals including redecorating both my bathroom and bedroom; decluttering a lot of useless items; staying the course with my gym routine; having some great meals out, and taking a fun trip to Albuquerque.

I have to say I accomplished, CRUSHED, celebrated, and filed away a list of goals that seemed a mile long. I am beyond happy!

On the work front, I worked my ass off and paid off one bill, paid extra on another bill, and still had money to wine and dine. The only thing I am upset about is the price of GAS!! I have noticed that Little Nicky has better gas mileage than my Baby Volvo. I am going to drive Little Nicky more this summer and give my Baby Volvo a break.

So...today...I am going to work on some living room decorating and decluttering. I am also going to enjoy Cruisin' In Cruces on 101.1 Gold. Click here to listen to the radio show – it starts at 11 a.m.

Before I forget...Happy Summer Kickoff! Summer unofficially starts tomorrow and I am so ready. It already feels like summer down here in 'Cruces. It was 96 on Friday and I was in heaven.

Well...I'm off to eat, sip coffee, watch my shows, and love this three-day weekend.

Happy Summer Everybody!!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Mid-May Fun

May is moving along nicely and I can feel summer coming in only a few weeks. As you know, I am in the middle of my palace refresh. My bathroom is DONE and I start redoing my bedroom TODAY. I am excited and ready to enjoy not only a new bed but also new EVERYTHING from pictures to rugs. The only task I am hating is cleaning the carpet. Carpet cleaning is such a pain. I am going to tackle that task Friday and then do the meat of the remodel next Saturday and Sunday.

Today...I am decluttering items from the bedroom, washing down the walls, framing pictures, and getting things ready for the big redo. And yes...I will post before and after pictures.

A quick recap of last week: work took up the bulk of my time last week but I did have a fun Saturday at the Farmer's Market downtown and then lunch at an eatery I will feature in an upcoming Picnic Talks. Saturday was a mini-vacation day because I didn't do much other than work early that morning.

On the online front, I did manage to post a few pics on Instagram but this week I promise I will take more pictures and post more on all sites.

I can't believe Memorial Day is in a week. I don't have any plans other than enjoying my new bedroom and working on blog stuff. I am taking that day off though. I may even declare it an R & R day. Just enjoy the day and sip lots of red wine.

Well...I'm off to work on the bedroom!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - My New Bathroom

I am beyond happy - my bathroom is completely refreshed! Check out the pictures to your right!!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - May Refresh

Well...what a fun weekend in Albuquerque. I went up to the big city to help my mother decorate her apartment. I also went up to celebrate Mother's Day with her. We had a great time eating, drinking, riding around, and decorating. She has a lot of pretty items that fit in well in her apartment. I love her kitchen!

Now...I am back in Las Cruces and I am kicking off my “May Refresh” starting tomorrow. The refresh includes redecorating my bathroom, bedroom, part of my office, and part of kitchen. I have all the things I need for the refresh and I am ready to start the decorating process.

In other news, I know this work week is going to be busy and there are a few social events I want to go to also. I am going to fit it all in and CRUSH all these goals.

I am going to chill tonight...it was a smooth drive back from ABQ but I was so sleepy after a big Mother's Day Brunch at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. If you get to ABQ, you must check out this eatery. The salad bar is to die for and the tableside meat service is excellent. The service is beyond excellent. Click here for Fogo de Chão's website.

Time to relax!!

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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Life In 'Cruces - Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Enjoy Your Day!!

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