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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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Life In 'Cruces - April 2022 Recap

Happy May 1^st!

Whoa!! April is over and it was an excellent month of so many events, good eats, a great holiday, sunny days, and fun nights. April was looonnnggg and I really enjoyed it.

On the work front, I worked a lot but also relaxed a lot. I got a new work tablet for Job I and this tablet is making my job a lot easier since I no longer have to use my phone. I do have to purchase a new phone because my little Moto is just not cutting it on Job II and with all the pictures/videos I am taking for Life In 'Cruces.

On the exercise front, I am so proud of myself – I am in the gym at least three times a week. I did not give up in April! I love going to the gym after work. YAY ME!!

On the food front, oh boy. I have loved me some steaks, salads, dishes out, and strong cocktails. With all of that said...I am going back to my “no meat diet” TODAY. I am also stepping back from cocktails. I just made two pitchers of iced tea and I am going to once again love water.

On the apartment remodel, I have all the things I need for the remodel. I have already started framing pictures for the bathroom and covering pillows for the bedroom.

On the life front, I am saving money once again and I am loving that. It feels funny to save more than I spend. My taxes are paid including federal taxes as well as CA land taxes. This month – I want to pay off at least one bill.

This month is all about checking things off of my many checklists and remodeling my bathroom/bedroom. Sooo...I will be at home most of this month except for next weekend – I will be in Albuquerque for Mother's Day.

Well...it is time to crush some projects before the new work week.

Welcome to MY Life In ‘Cruces!!

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To read previous Life In ‘Cruces posts, click here!