7/28/2025
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower,
the righteous run unto it, and they are safe."
Proverbs 18:10
Today's my baby sister's 69th birthday!! I cannot believe life is going so fast. It seems like yesterday when she was a teenager, lounging out in the sun on weekends, greased up with oil, fit to be fried. I never joined her in those adventures, as I was busy cleaning the house. But I really wasn't a lie-in-the-sun person. I preferred swimming under the water when I went to the beach or pool. I had to be doing something, not just lying around baking my skin. It's a good thing, because my freckles are not treating me well in old age!
Since I moved back to Virginia, my sister and I have had a few adventures. We only live about 45 minutes from each other, so to me, after living in Northern New Mexico for 35 years, traveling long distances to visit clients or get anywhere, that is a breeze. Besides, I can always entertain myself looking at all the green trees and foliage. Virginia truly is a beautiful State, and the topography of the land dips and sways, twists and turns, rolls and waves. Although I have not yet found my hiding place, I do have some scenic places I love to stay. I don't have to do anything, except sit and commune with God and nature.
My sister has four adult children who will be honoring her day by taking her out to a favorite restaurant. It seems as if they love one called Mexico Restaurant, that has six locations in the Richmond area. She knows that I don't like the cuisine of most Mexican restaurants, as I much prefer the taste of New Mexico's southwestern tastes. My favorite food by far is a large plate of green chili chicken enchiladas prepared by Chef Linda in North Dinwiddie, Virginia. I'm not well-known by locals here, but many know and appreciate the flavor and zest of my creation in New Mexico. This is why, each season, I order 25 pounds of hot green chiles from Fresh Chile in Hatch, and we roast our own, so I can prepare my feasts. Anyone desiring to taste and see, let me know.
I must say I do enjoy Don Quixote Restaurant, located near my home, even though they do serve green chili sauce rather than the actual chopped green chili cooked into the dish. What I enjoy mostly with this restaurant is the customer service. When I walk into that place, I am greeted warmly with a welcome back, and I only go once a month at best. The main waiter knows what we enjoy from the menu. It reminds me of El Parasol in Ohkay Owingeh where I used to go several times a week just to get green chili chicken tacos with guacamole!! The young waiter there smiled when he saw me coming, because he knew what I wanted. I told him once that I was going to trip him up, and I did and ordered a side tamale! He only laughed at me, but the point is that he knew me, and over the years, we became friends. This is making me homesick, but hopefully I'll see my friends soon, as I really hope to make the journey this autumn. I can't wait to see the aspens in color!
My birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks, my 75th year! Just think - a quarter of a century!! I would love to celebrate this joyous occasion with friends in New Mexico, but at the same time, I'd love to find my hiding place here, so I can have some quality "think time" with Jesus. That may not sound like a birthday celebration to most people, but over the many years of living alone, I have learned to cherish those little getaways with the Lord. Since Sipapu is rather far to travel for a couple of days, I will have to find another place to lay my head, swing in the shade of the evening (without mosquitoes), and enjoy the countryside. Virginia offers so much, so I just need to spend a little time looking. Maybe I'll just pack a bag and strike out on an adventure on my own. I have been known to do that before!
When I was younger, my Papa used to take me to Gretna, where his sister Gracie lived. My Papa's family roots go back to the Cherokees, so maybe this is why I loved to visit. I remember Aunt Gracie making hoe cakes, a rather large biscuit, and for dessert she made jam cake. Yummy! Papa would also take me to Goshen Pass, and we'd have a picnic with the family. I believe the last time we went was right before TJ, my second child, was born. That's 50 years ago! Can that be possible?! If that is the case, then perhaps that is where I should set my sail. Wherever I go or whatever I do, it has to be memorable, as I will never pass this way again. Sadly, for my 70th birthday, the pandemic restrictions were in place, cramping my style. I had planned a Zoom birthday, but I only had one visitor on that call. My dear friend, Irma, who is now with Jesus enjoying all the joys of eternal life! This time must be different.
So with that, I'll end this rant. Until I visit with you again - remember the important things that make us unique, our roots!
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