Happy Christmas!

December 25, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Happy Christmas everyone!!

Hanni made it in safely on Wednesday, just before we got a small blanket of snow for Christmas Eve.  Last night we had our church services, and Isa did a wonderful job on her reading, and I made a passable job of Silent Night on the viola.  We came by the Lodge for green chili pesole and cookie decorating, before heading home to open presents.  A huge thank you to everyone!! (and Sadie... OMG, OMG, OMG!!)

When I came down to the store this morning, Robbie was still in bed, and Isa and Hanni were opening stockings.  I have cookies to deliver around the Lodge (Robbie and Isa made Biscochitos), and then home to open my stocking.  I'm off of laundry today, so I forsee a lot of sitting around, snacking and watching movies (again, Sadie... OMG).

I'll try to give everyone a phone call sometime today.  I love and miss you all!

I rarely visit this page! When I get on the i...

December 18, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

I rarely visit this page! When I get on the internet, I usually check my email, and then go to my college website. I passed my classes with A's and I passed a basic elementary test, that included algebra, Yuck! I got a 300 out of 300 on reading comprehension. I was excited that I did as well on my math. I hate math!

My foot is finally healing though I have the occasional ache across the top of my foot. I can now where my shoe and I don't have to walk around with a hiking boot and a slipper. Right now, I am helping out at Isabell's school where they are preparing for their Christmas show.  It's fun to hang out with Isabell's teacher and decorate the gym.

Still Here

December 09, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We are surviving a recent winter blast that is now heading out east.  We had frozen pipes a couple of mornings, and 7" of snow that blew around in large drifts.  I swept (yes the snow is dry enough to sweep) the porch 3x yesterday, and it kept blowing back!

My dryer is out, so laundry is building up until the new part comes in.  So, instead of the usual washing I do, I channeled all my ancient grandmother's and spent 2 hours at the washboard, scrubbing 4 loads of the muddiest towels.  I now have blisters and red hands, and firmly believe that people are the most disgusting creatures!

Now, I'm off to the evening part of my job, and the pot of curry bubbling on the stove. 

Birthday Ouch!

December 02, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

I will pass on all of the birthday wishes to Robbie - Thank You!

He is unfortunately stuck on the couch with a busted up foot - a bad sprain and some cut-up toes.  Nurse Seraph will not let him do much right now - good thing he finished up this weeks homework just in time!  We spent the day decorating for Christmas - lights, Dicken's Village and all!  We still have more to do, but Robbie did well directing from the couch.

Isa's doing well at school.  She has a field trip down to ABQ tomorrow to see Nutcracker on the Rocks.  Her teacher seems to think she's fairly brilliant - sigh... there go my hopes of a boring normal child. 

As for me, opening week at the resort blasted past last years records.  I don't think that says the economy is improving though.  I just think the word has gotten out that we're dirt cheep and give away a lot for free.  What it does mean, is that I have a small mountian of laundry to wash today.

I miss the OR crew a lot these days!  Thanksgiving was fun down here, but I really missed you all - craziness and all.  Hopefully we can all make up for it at Easter!  I suggest you all start fasting now.

Quick phone update for everyone

November 14, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Quick phone update for everyone. If you want to reach us call 1-800-587-2240 ext 207, and we can now answer any time! Isabell started her new school in Dixon and she loves it already. NO HOMEWORK SO FAR! So far I'm getting A's in my two classes. Yippy!

Today is Seraph's birthday! We are going to O...

November 10, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Today is Seraph's birthday! We are going to Ojo Caliente to celebrate in the warm mineral waters. Hopefully, when we come out of the waters we will be ten years younger with bodies of GODS! Maybe not, but we will be childless today, and we can relax!

We went for a long hike up the mountain yeste...

November 09, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We went for a long hike up the mountain yesterday looking for pine cones. We only found2 on the hike, but then at the bottom - 2 hours later - we found a spot covered with them! We're going to make small pine cone bird feeders to hang on the trees outside like ornaments!
Love to everyone - we miss you!

Hello again! A mild Indian summer has come an...

November 04, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Hello again! A mild Indian summer has come and warmed us up. However another storm is building and threatening with more snow. Us skiers are dancing naked and wanting this snow to come. For us, we have been looking at a school in Dixon for Isabell. We aren't very happy with Isa's school right now, as their focus is only on testing and not much else. We really want her to have fun at school and not worry about failing or passing, not that I'm worried about that. She does really well even though the constant hounding about the tests. The Dixon school is small and comfortable, where everyone knows each other. They do have testing, however it is not the major focus.

We have been feeding the locals birds, and it is great to see so many around the house. We have Stellar Jays, sparrows, magpies, and crows all around. However if you forget to feed them they become the Birds from Alfred Hitchcock's movie. They start fighting and chirping loudly and look at us like we are food. When fed, they are a beautiful sight to behold.

Merry Christmas

October 23, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Merry Christmas...wait it's only October and we already had our first snowfall. We woke up on Wednesday morning covered with about 3" of snow. Now, in Oregon this would be a major shut down of the cities, and children would be jumping for joy. For us, this is an itsy, bitsy, minor problem. It was truly beautiful to see the snow falling and the trees covered in powdered sugar. All of us stared out our windows, with one of us uttering a "Wow!" or "Look over there!" "Isn't it beautiful!" There is still snow around and especially on the slopes. If you drive ten minutes to Penasco, there is no trace of snow.
I've been busy with homework, and occasionally I feel like that dream where there is a major test and you forgot to study for it. I have a class where the professor is out sick, and the dean took over. There is a reason why she's the dean and not a professor! Most of the time I feel lost on where to post things on the site and find out later that it was suppose to be posted on another page. I can't find anything on the site and I'm always asking where to find things. Luckily, the other students will answer my questions, and then the dean will answer them after the fact. Other than that, I'm doing well on the work!

The owners were here working on our internet ...

October 22, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

The owners were here working on our internet yesterday, so we may be able to wade through the hundred e-mails or so soon!
Their also going to change our phones so that it will be easier for us to call you - yeah!!
I really just wanted to post a quick note for Sadie. Today was career day at Isa's school, and she went as you! She is telling everyone she is a grad student/teacher and a Mass university. I have a really cute pic I'll post when I can.

We are still here! Sorry I haven't posted in ...

October 16, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

We are still here! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Our lives are crazy at the moment, since we just moved to our new place at the base of Sipapu Ski Area. The last of aspens are loosing their leaves and bare limbs are weaving their arms into the sky. I have been busy with my online classes and I don't know if I can fit a job in there! Seraph is quite busy with laundry and checking in guests in the evening. Isabell has to wake up early in the morning to catch the bus. The first time the bus picked her up, Seraph and I waved as she left, it had a great country feel to it. To contact us call 1800-587-2240 ext 211 or ask for the night office. It's best to call us after 4:30 when Seraph can answer the phone.

Very quick not to say hello, and we are alive

October 08, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Very quick not to say hello, and we are alive. We don't have internet right now - the router (?) for the wifi is down. We've gotten mostly moved into the new house up at Sipapu (pic to come), and it's nice to be able to get so much stuff out of storage.
Today is Hunni's birthday (she's down here), so we're hoping to do a little something special : )
Love to all!

We've had a really busy week down here! I ca...

September 04, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We've had a really busy week down here! I can't even remember what we did on Monday! On Tuesday Robbie and I helped out in Isa's class. It was really a great experience for both of us, and it's helped us a lot to keep Isa pepped up about school. We're going to try and help out once a week until our own work schedules pick up later in the fall.
On Wednesday, Robbie and I did a bizillion little errands in Taos. We also closed our BofA bank accounts after 14 years with them. We are now set up with a much smaller local bank.
Yesterday morning I went into work to help set up the new ticket printer. This, of course, did not go smoothly. I'm also working on a "user friendly" manual for the new POS system that I've been helping with this summer. In the afternoon we all went to a friends house and made apricot jam (I now have a dozen jars on my counter), and picked a box of tomatos from her garden. The woman, Pam, and her husband are very active in the Penasco community, and Robbie and I might help get an activity/social center set up for teens at the community center.
Today, Robbie took Isa to school, then headed up to the Taos library to work on homework and his on-line courses. I'm taking advantage of catching up on a weeks worth of internet work, and laundry. Somewhere in here I also have some fresh plumbs and apples to turn into a tart, and some bread to bake.
Life is good.

We had a crazy run-around day

August 25, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We had a crazy run-around day. Robbie and I planned a quick run to Taos, that turned into a much more complicated deal. We went by UNM where Robbie had applied at the campus preschool. The building is brand new and beatuiful. Plus, their building 3 more classrooms. Everything is new and shiny and state of the art. The director & Robbie hit it off, and she basicly assured him an assisting job this fall, and a teaching position when the new rooms are finished. We then went down to NNMC to look at the teaching program, and 4 hours later Robbie was enrolled in 2 courses! Things are looking up!!
We had a storm blow through last night, and our power was knocked out for a few hours. The smell of ozone with candles aurrounding us took me back to summer storms in Normalville. The power at Isa's school was out for a little today too. She said it was great because they were given a long recess until the power came on.
This weekend is Trek for Trash. All of the villages along the High Road clean up before the annual fall gallery tours. Robbie & Isa did it last year, and I'm looking forward to joining in this time.

We've been back from England for almost 2 wee...

August 23, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We've been back from England for almost 2 weeks, and it's been non-stop going since then!
Isa started school the day after we got home. She's enjoyed seeing all of her friends again, but she hasn't yet warmed up to her new teacher, who is apparently the "hard one". Trapeze starts in a few weeks so she'll have that too.
Robbie had a meeting last Monday with the school directors, and was unfortunately laid-off. It sounds as though low enrollment and the bad economy has left them pairing back the preschool program this year.
After 24 hours of disapointment, he was back at it. He has contacted several schools (thankfully closer than Santa Fe), and is on substitute lists for the fall. He's also looking at signing up for a teaching program (preK - 3rd grade), that will certify him for the public schools, where he can also work while taking classes. This would be good because the local elementary schools are spread thin right now. He hasn't had much of a breather since moving here, so this is also giving him the time to check out other schools he didn't know much about before.
I've been working a few hours since we've been back. We had a big motorcycle rally at Sipapu this weekend. It's a club that raises funds for local youth organizations, and the group is so nice, and a blast to work with! Stating on the 1st I'll be back full-time - gearing up for ski season.
On a side note, we have a washing machine now, and I love hanging my clothes out to dry in the afternoon breeze. We've also started harvesting from the garden (see pic). I've been getting creative with carrots, peas, onions, and lettus.

We're off to Denver late this morning!! We c...

July 27, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We're off to Denver late this morning!! We can't wait to catch up with Mom, Adam and Sam! And Sadie, don't worry, I have carefully written down all of the cool design shops in London, and have planned a day of shopping for you : )

Happy Birthday Mom!!! We can't wait to see y...

July 23, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Happy Birthday Mom!!! We can't wait to see you next week! I'm e-mailing you the last of the details I have. xxxooo from the Cortez clan.

Yeah we're back on-line! Qwest got our servi...

July 14, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Yeah we're back on-line! Qwest got our service changed over yesterday so now I can check e-mail from our new temp house.
I've decided that the trailer reminds me of Grandma & Grandpa Steane's trailer in Florida, and am taking a nostalgic view of the cramped setup. Robbie won't let me redo the place in retro 50's pieces, but I'll see if I can sneak in some lime green and turquoise linins!
Last Thursday Isa came down with a bad case of the stomach flu. We ended up taking her up to urgent care in the middle of the night. They gave her some meds that stopped the vomiting, but she spent the weekend pretty weak, and not able to eat much. She's now doing better, but still hasn't regained much appetite.
Today I’m off to catch up on laundry and drink real coffee!!

(Ahhh

July 07, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

(Ahhh.... half way through my posting I lost it, so I'll try this again!)
Happy July to everyone! We had a nice 4th watching our neighbors massive firework display, and light a few sparklers ourselves. Alex & Carolyn were over for a visit, and Isa had a great time staying the night with them and swimming at the hotel pool.
The radiator on Robbie's car went out last week, so Isa and I drove him to S.F. 2 days in a row while his car was in the shop. We had fun wondering around the plaza and going to the children's museum.
Isa also started her summer term last week. They try to keep the learning fun and basic - this week they're studying butterflies. It's mostly a great way of keeping the kids from getting bored and mushy over the summer.
We're in the middle of moving from the casita to the trailer on Arlene's property. She doing some renovation on the old place, so this will keep us all from steping on each others toes.
In addition to all this, we're stuck changing lenders on the house we're buying. Our lender call the other day to let us know that their closing their office at the end of the month! I am now quite sure that this is all a test of my patience and cheerful nature!!
I'm also way behind on my part of the England trip planning - so I better go and catch up!

We've had a rather tramatic week down here

June 25, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We've had a rather tramatic week down here. Shilo, our new dog, was attacked by a larger dog on Monday.
While a lot of her wounds were superficial, she had one in her side that was really deep, and she had some air pocketing under her skin. Arlene saved the day with her animal know-how, and by Tuesday Shilo was doing better, but the air pockets were still there.
I made a vet apt for her on Wed morning, and they were worried that she may have punctured her lung. They did minor sugery in the afternoon, and drained off the air, and some other fluids, but found that the hole in her lung had already healed its self.
We picked her up this morning, and apart from her looking like a pathetic shaved poodle, she does have shockingly bad bruises on her belly. She's still moving a bit slow, but did manage a some barks "hello" to the sheep!
The vet's office recomends that she stay inside for a week, but they don't know Shilo very well. This little dog was really supposed to have much longer legs!

Happy Father's Day!!! We went to a pancake b...

June 21, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Happy Father's Day!!!
We went to a pancake breakfast at church this morning. After church we came home and Robbie got his gift. It's a portible disc catcher for disc golf. He set it up in the front yard, and threw a hole-in-one right away!
We then went up to Sipapu for lunch and a walk around. After we got back we rested a bit, then went for a long hike up the Picuris Road. Now, we're kicking back and nibbling on some dinner.

Happy summer everyone! Isa finished school u...

June 08, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Happy summer everyone! Isa finished school up on May 29th, and we've been going full seed since then! The one thing Isa wanted to do was dye her hair. We told her that if her grades remained good it was fine with us. Well, with an honor roll and citizanship award under her belt, she now has hot pink streaks. I'll post pics soon.
We also had a nice weekend with Alex and Carolyn who drove over and stayed near Santa Fe. Now, Isa really wants to go visit and learn to play golf.
We're working away at getting our house loan finished down here. But, the process seems to keep going slow. It will be nice just to get started!
England is fast approaching, and I need to catch up with Mom and Adam on all the plans. Robbie is hoping to sneak away for a day to visit an old professor of ours from SOU.

As everyone can see from Mom's posting, she a...

May 18, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

As everyone can see from Mom's posting, she and Bob are the super hero's driving our U-Haul down to NM. With the size of the truck we got, they could retire as long-haul drivers after this! The weather in our region has been beautiful, so hopfully the lovely scenary will make up for the long trip.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's in our li...

May 10, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's in our life!

Spring has finally arrived with blossoming co...

May 10, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Spring has finally arrived with blossoming cottonwood trees, lilacs, aspens, fruit trees, and various other unidentifiable vegetation. It's 7:00am and both Seraph and Isabell are sleeping. Seraph has had a sore throat this past week and refuses to go to the doctor, and only doses herself with over-the-counter drugs. For the moment I have the house to myself and I took the opportunity to step outside and enjoy the glorious morning sun as it floods the fields. We recently aquired a new family member named Shilo. She showed up last week at our house, hungry and scared. She's part beagle, and part blue heeler, and just a wonderful dog. We keep her in the breeze way where she has a bed and free roam of the huge yard. I pick her up and place her on my lap as I view "our backyard". Jicarita Peak peers over the foot hills as it's snowy mantle slowly melts away and feeds the rushing streams that go through the valleys. The birds are swooping from tree to tree and others are skimming the fields in search of breakfast. Magpies flitter there wings and there white tips skim along the ground as they fly low over the fields. A new sound has engulfed the area; there is a swampy area nearby where frogs are chorusing throughout.

Yesterday, at school, we had our May festival. Seraph, Isabell, her friend Niamh, and I drove down to Santa Fe where I helped out with painting rocks with kids. Seraph helped out handing out signs and talking with other teachers. We also had a silent auction where we bought a 6x3 Turkish Rug for only $25. After returning Niamh home, we came home to relax, watch movies, and enjoy a quiet evening.

Today, we will go to church, and we have reservations at the Bistro where we will celebrate Mother's Day.

Next Wednesday, I will be flying to Portland to finally sign papers on the house and pack a U-haul. Finally we can move on with our lives and start renovating our little old adobe house in Chamisal. Our lives have been like a puzzle here, and finally the house in Chamisal is the finale piece missing.

Yeah, Summer of Love

May 07, 2009 by Jamie in Cortez

Yeah, Summer of Love...guess what people? ADAM AND I ARE FORTY THIS YEAR ! Yikes!

Sorry I've been out of touch the last few days

May 06, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Sorry I've been out of touch the last few days. I started working again yesterday, and I've been sick for the last week or so. I seem to have gotten Isa's cold, plus a little more - yuck!
We had our first celeb siting here in Taos. Last Sat we went to an opening at our friends gallery, and Dennis Hopper was there. Appaently he's in town promoting his own art show at the Harwood that coincides with the Summer of Love celebration (40 years since '69).

It's starting to warm up down here

April 29, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

It's starting to warm up down here. This week we've had lovely 70 weather, with crystal clear blue skies. Everyone is now irrigating their fields, much to the eternal happieness of the magpies and other small birds, who have been playing the excess water while building their nests!
I'm laid up today with the same bug Isa had over the weekend. Uggg... I think I'll head back to bed and see if I can sleep it off this morning, before the days work sets in.

Just a quick Sunday morning note

April 26, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Just a quick Sunday morning note. Like Emma, Isa has also had and earache for the last 2 nights. They seem to clear up during the day though. She has also had a stuffed up nose and runny eyes, which I'm not sure if it's allergies or a cold.
We're off on a hike today. Isa & Robbie are going to show me the Santa Barbara area where they hiked a lot last fall. It will be interesting to see how the seasonal differences because our rivers are running really high right now. Anyway, hopfully we'll have some nice pictures to post later.

We made it back home safe and sound

April 22, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

We made it back home safe and sound. It was amazing to get out of the car to a sky full of stars, amazing fresh air, and millions of frogs singing!
In case I haven't already told everyone a million times, we now have a "sale pending" on our house! Although the next month will be really busy putting everything together, it will be really nice to move forward with all of our plans.
The photo here is what our garden looked like on Easter monring! Now, it's warm and green, and the sheep are grazing in the field.

This Friday, I woke to winter blizzard that l...

April 18, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

This Friday, I woke to winter blizzard that lasted all day long. When I left to go to Taos there was already four inches of snow, and Taos schools were on a two hour delay. I was momentarily worried that I would have to reschedule an observation I had to do for my class that I'm taking. However, my worries were unfounded and I was able to observe both the pre-k and 3-4 year olds. It was really refreshing to see how a proper school was run. The facility was new, and all of the toys, manipulatives, and art supplies were brand new. The kids were wonderful with a mix of both hispanic and anglo. I had several children come over to talk to me, while I was jotting down notes. I didn't mind as I finished my notes early and played a few games with them. If only they could pay me what I made at Dragonfly, I would change!

After my three hour observation, I drove directly to Santa Fe, where they were being hit with a huge snow storm. I was worried about the trip back home, but the snow stopped around 4:30 and the roads were clear. I had dinner at the bistro in Penasco, watched Raiders of the Lost Ark, came home had a Corona, and read Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows until one O'clock and went to bed.

Today I have the opportunity to do anything I want to do. I might go into Taos, or go to Santa Fe to a flea market, the possiblities are endless.

Post Part 2: Happy Good Friday! While we di...

April 11, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Post Part 2:
Happy Good Friday! While we didn't eat fish, Robbie did participate in the annual pilgrmige to Chimayo. He walked 10 miles (along with several thousands other people), and Hanni, Isa, and I met him at the church.

Post Part 1: Isa and I get into PDX on Tue 4...

April 11, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Post Part 1:
Isa and I get into PDX on Tue 4/14 around 4:45pm. I think we'll stay the night and head to Eugene on Wed. We fly out again on Tue 4/21. I can't wait to catch up with everyone!
Sadie - I don't know anything about Firefly!! You have to give me a crash course, and let me know if there's any particular costume theme I need be thinking of for my character.
Dad & Jenny - I bet we can round up a truck and get the table and chairs down there whileI'm in town. You will have a table to eat at - I promise!
Adam & Mom - I can't wait to start getting England ironed out. I promise at least 1 coffee & bagle as we all hash out details!
Yayoe - think art times that might work for you!!

Hi Dad- I'll have the exact travel details wo...

April 06, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Hi Dad- I'll have the exact travel details worked out tomorrow evening, but it looks like we'll get into PDX on 4/14 and leave 4/21. Let me know if you need to pick up the table at any other time, and I can let you know where the key is.

Robbie sanitized the baby lamb story a lot

April 02, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Robbie sanitized the baby lamb story a lot. I'll save the humor and gory details until you're all sitting around eating :)

New Mexico spring has arrived in a flurry

April 02, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

New Mexico spring has arrived in a flurry. We have had some blustery windy days, stretches of beautiful weather, and snow, all wrapped up in one week. Seraph has been quite busy up at the ski area, as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and a number of other southern states were on Spring Break. She worked for ten days straight, and she greatly anticipated the last days of skiing.
I went up skiing on March 22nd, and the snow was trecherous. A wrong turn could really mess up your knees, and I had no intention of already messing my knee up again. They desperately needed new snow, and the snow gods answered with a huge storm on Thursday and Friday. Since I had Friday off for the beginning of my Spring Break, I went up skiing again. This time the new fresh powder snow was to my liking, and I made friends with a man from Arkansas, but originally from the Czech Republic. We both were really good skiers, so we skied for most of the morning.
Later that day I picked up Isabell from school, and we went up again to ski. For just her fourth time up, she has amazing natural abilities. We took the lift up to the top, and with some fatherly intimidation, I was able to get her to come down. She was a little hesitant and scared, but I convinced her not to be scared and come down. I would ski a few yards down and encourage her to ski to me. Once her fear evaporated, she was able to make her turns down the mountain. What's great about her is that she is very cautious and she won't endanger herself. I called her my "Racing Snail", as it took us an hour to come down the mountain, but she is an amazing skier, and next year she will be out gunning me.

Saturday, was the pond skimming contest. Skiers and snowboarders swoosh down the mountain and try to ski across an eighty foot pond and hope for the best. When we got up there Isabell was not feeling good and very tired, so Seraph and I took turns watching macho men and a few women try to skim across and ice cold pond. One man actually crossed it twice, and on his third attempt he sprayed the audience. Maybe next year I will try to do this with a whiskey in my system.

I'm sorry to say that Isabell became really sick the next day with a fever and body aches. She tried really hard to be cheerful as we drove up to Taos Ski Valley to have a look around. She was wrapped up in Seraph's shawl as we ate at a restaurant over looking the ski area. By the time we came home, she was shivering and sleeping the afternoon away. She has been sick all week long, with a monstorous cough, and now her stomach muscles hurt from all of the coughing. She's tried going to school, but doesn't last long. Today, she is missing her field trip to Santa Fe to see puppets at the Museum of Folk Art.

Last week, she helped Seraph rescue two newborn lambs. I got a frantic call from Seraph asking for Arlene's phone number since she was not there to help. The momma sheep was a spring lamb herself and had no motherly insticts. The two lambs would have probably died if Seraph and Isabell didn't rescue them. When I got home I found Seraph, Isabell and Arlene were in front of the woodstove with a baby lamb wrapped up in blankets in front of the fire. It was the cutest scene ever, and Isabell was in love. We have several pictures of Isabell holding the lamb and I will post them soon. The other lamb was a bit healthier and was able to stay outside, and eventually the mother remembered to be a mother and took in the lamb.

News update from primative squalor! I had my...

March 23, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

News update from primative squalor!
I had my first day off on Sat after 11 consecutive working days. We went to Santa Fe for a spring party at Robbie's school. The weather was spring/summer like, and we all can home a little pink. I was back at work yesterday, and Robbie and Isa came out to ski in the afternoon. Isa made her first chairlift run, and her instructor announced that she has great potential. We were all worried that ski season would end early due to the warm temp's, but a cold front came in last night, and there was fresh snow on the ground this morning.
The snow is strange, considering last Thursday Isa and I were picnicing by the river in tee shirts! I went to Isa's parent/teach conference last week, and she continues to excell at school. Her class has started doing "show and do" where each kids shows & teachs something to the class. Isa did some of her Irish dancing with the class, and was consequently asked to dance for Culture Week in May. Adam - I'd love to work out something where the kids in her class could play with Robot on-line! The kids also have a field trip to the Santa Fe art museam in April, and Robbie & I should both be able to go along.
It looks like Isa & I will try to fly into PDX the Tuesday before Easter, and stay until the next Tuesday. Robbie is still trying to work out if he can fly in just for the weekend. I can't wait to see everyone. I've been having dreams about cooking kulich and chocolate torte!

A really quick note of appology to everyone f...

March 17, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

A really quick note of appology to everyone for not being in touch lately. We're swamped at work, and I've been covering for a co-worker who was in a car accident. With spring break skiing on, I've been working the last 5 days, and will be going strong for the next 6. Happily, this will help us get home for Easter! Yeah!

Happy Birthday Dad!! We hope you can see mor...

March 05, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Happy Birthday Dad!! We hope you can see more clearly now!
We had our first drizzle of rain this year, early yesterday morning. I made Robbie and Isa jump out of bed and go outside to smell the fresh rain sent. It was a small OR moment here in NM.

Just to catch up on what's going on here in t...

March 01, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Just to catch up on what's going on here in the Land of Enchantment. Over Valentine's weekend, Sipapu Ski area had a three day festival. Seraph worked on Saturday, so we went up to participate in the games and fun. They built a huge snow castle that all of the kids and a few unnamed adults climbed and slid down the six snow slides. It was also costume day, so many people dressed up in silly costumes and skied down the mountain. They had costumes inside that one could borrow, so Isabell dressed up in a pink dress, black sequence tank top, and a faux fur vest. She claimed she was Madonna, and won first prize. She won a free kids lift ticket, and gift certificate to Baskin and Robins.

On Sunday Seraph worked again, while we went to church and afterward, the Wise Fools Theater had a shadow puppet making class. Isabell and another girl made puppets for a show that they will present next week.

On Monday, we went back to Sipapu and went skiing. Isabell rented some skis and had private lessons. I went up for the first time in three years and was a bit hesitant, since I twisted my knee pretty badly. However once I was on top of the mountain my nervousness evaporated and I skied without fear. My knee was a little sore, and I took it easy for the few first runs. By the end of the day I wanted to continue skiing. But all good things come to and end.

Last weekend, we drove down to Albuquerque and went to the Zoo. It's not as nice as the Portland Zoo, but have more variety of animals. The cages are a bit smaller, and you feel for the animals. However, it is a beautiful zoo, and we will return soon for they have an Aquariame and Botanical Gardens that you can take a train up from the zoo to there.

It has been a stressful week worrying about the sale of our house, and after talking with Seraph and our realator, we have decided to lower the price of the house considerably. We just want to get rid of it, and have just enough money to put down a down payment and pay off the new windows that we had installed last year. I can't wait until it is over with.

Yesterday, Isabell went to a Birthday party, while Seraph and I went to Dixon and walked around the quiet town. We walked down a dirt road and discovered a small river flowing by us. We wished that we had a small lunch to sit by and enjoy the tranquility of the river. After the party we went to Taos, to go the Wal*Mart and to the library.

Today, Seraph worked up at the mountain, while Isabell and I went to church. This afternoon the Wise Fools Theatre is having a puppet show with life size puppets. Every Sunday from today til April 16 they will present a variety of different puppet shows. I love this community.

Hopefully this week, I will start walking everyday to get in shape. I'm planning to take a pilgrimage to Chimayo on Good Friday. I plan to walk from Nambe to Chimayo, a ten mile walk with beautiful views of arroyos, mesas, and mountains. Chimayo, as I mentioned before is the only church in the United States were people will pilgrimage from all of the way from Albuquerque. Though mine is not as far, I will feel proud to do such a walk.

Sorry I haven't writen in a while

February 08, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Sorry I haven't writen in a while. Since Seraph is here, I end up telling her about my days and not enough energy to sit at the computer and retell the stories.

We have been quite busy at work, as we are preparing already for next year. Last Saturday we had an open house, where many new families were welcomed and had time to chat with the teachers. Since I get a long with most parents, I thought I did a great job selling our school to these new parents.

This week seemed long as our assistant was out sick for a few days, and it didn't seem the same without her. She's the one person I'm able to talk to about the vast improvements that this schools needs. I'm hoping things will turn for the better next year, as I am scheduled to take over the Pre-K program. The current teacher is venturing out and having an infant run program out of her house. I will be in a separate classroom and out of the following eyes of Stephanie. I might be able to do what I want to do. Yeah!

On Thursday, I was sitting with my kids during snack, when I felt pain on my left front side, and when I stood, the pain radiated to back. I could hardly stand, and the pain became excruciating. I tried to walk it off, but it didn't help, and so I talked to Stephanie and told her I had to go home. She suggested I should go to urgent care, since I didn't have insurance I said I'd rather go home. Somehow, I drove the hours trip home in extreme pain, and luckily Seraph was at home. I staggered into the house, calling for her, and she came racing into the living room helping me to Isabell's bed. I cried out and couldn't find a good resting position. The pain was so bad, I vomited several times. I took warm showers, rested a bit, until the pain returned, and took another shower. About nine hours later the back pain subsided, and the pain in the front slowly ebbed away. By Friday morning I felt a lot better, but I decided to stay home and rest. Seraph thought I probably pinched a nerve. I obviously have no tolerance to pain, and Seraph joked that I was lucky that I didn't have to deliver babies. She's probably right!

While I rested, I finished a fanstastic book called Merle's Door. About a man named Ted Kerasote who found and kept a dog named Merle. It was a story about him raising him and giving great insight on how dogs behave. It had great humor and also many tear jerking moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs.

We have been doing careful research on dogs, since we will be getting a dog when we move into our new house. We have been fond of New Foundland dogs, and have researched them extensively. Finding that they are very family oriented and are very calm. We found a New Foundland mix in Albuquerque, and it has a friend that has Pit Bull mix. They are inseparatable and I have emailed them to see if they will hold them for us. I received an email from them and they said they could hold them for us. We will have to go down and check them out. We are all quite excited by this prospect!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying there weekend! We are expecting another few inches of snow this weekend and this week! We have had a glorious January and early February weather wise with beautiful sunny warm days. A false spring, and now snow has come and descended upon us!

We are all recovering from a nasty cold bug t...

January 26, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

We are all recovering from a nasty cold bug that has hit us hard. Working with children with this cold is unbearable. Most of the time I feel like I'm not there and I'm viewing a film of children that I know. It was an especially hard week with two children who are very hard to handle.

We had a nice quite birthday party for Isabell on Thursday night. With Isabell requesting tacos, and cupcakes. It was nice just sitting around the table while we watched our eight year old daughter opening presents.

On Saturday we rented out the Penasco Theater, ordered pizza and had a few of her friends come to the party. I feel bad that I don't know many of her friends or parents at her school. When we lived in Portland, I worked part time, and I was able to help out at her school a lot, so I knew many parents and kids. If I knew her friend's parents, it would be easier to invite her friends. It was a small group of friends, however Isabell had a great time as she played, jumped roped and watched Arthur Spiderwick.

After the party her friend Niamh came over for a sleepover, and they had a great time watching movies and playing pet shops.

Sunday we went for a drive over to Chamisal to look and take photos of the house. We discussed future renovations of the house, and finally left after Isabell got bored. We took a drive down to a village called El Valle, a place I've wanting to for a long time. Two authors live there and wrote a book called A River of Traps. We found there house and drove along the beautiful snow covered fields.

The weekend is over, and we are now getting ready for bed.

Most everyone here in our corner of the state...

January 21, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Most everyone here in our corner of the state is still flying high after yesterday’s inauguration. Even those on the other side are keeping quiet, or pleasantly happy not be the butt of every joke for a while.
I watched the swearing in and speeches while doing laundry in Taos. A few other folks and I were all standing, with our chins propped on rows of industrial washers, sighing and wiping away stray tears.
Isa's school watched it, but Robbie's school couldn't get reception. Isa's comments were mostly about Obama's kids, whom she seems very interested in.
After the ceremonies were over, I was listening to radio commentary, and thought it interesting that the democratic guy did not think Obama's speech was very inspiring, while the republican guy thought it was one of the best political speeches he'd ever heard. It's always strange when I find myself siding with the republicans!
Other family news this week - we're gearing up for Isa's birthday tomorrow. I pointed out to her that she was born 2 days after G.W.Bush took office, and could (hopefully) be 16 before we see another president! We're going to have a small family dinner tomorrow, and then a party with friends on Saturday. We will be renting out the small theater in Penasco, and there will be pizza, cake, movie, and general chaos served up!
We're all fighting colds right now. I just need up to recover before the party. Anyway, I'm off to the kitchen to bake bread and make cinnamon rolls. I think I'll start doing my part for the country by making extra for my neighbors!

The Drive As I head to Sa...

January 18, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

The Drive
As I head to Santa Fe in the morning, the sky is slowly turning a soft saphire color as the Sangre de Cristo Mountains hide the expecting sun. Primevil pine forests hide the sky from me as I drive through the sleepy towns of Penasco, Chamisal, Las Trampas, and Ojo Sarco. Only in this town do I have any sense of time. Cars line up on a side road with parents and children waiting for the bus. The more cars, the later the time. Finally the sky opens up as I enter Truchas. Looking up I see the familiar Truchas Peaks towering over me, as I see dark mauve colored clouds floating in front of them. As I start my descent down from Truchas the views open up and opposite of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the Jemez Mountains come into view. The suns rays are starting to stretch over the west, and the ever changing light reaches the peaks of the Jemez Mountains. As you drive down, you can watch the cascade of light flow down the side of the mountain, and by the time I reach Nambe the face of the mountains are all in glow. By the time I reach Santa Fe, the round orb of the sun is at the pennicle of the mountains, and the great blue sky has welcomed another beautiful morning in the Land of Enchantment.

Sam you are such a stud!! You actually look ...

January 14, 2009 by Seraph in Cortez

Sam you are such a stud!! You actually look a lot like Josh now.

Our winter holidays are over and a New Year i...

January 07, 2009 by Robbie in Cortez

Our winter holidays are over and a New Year is on it's way. Though there were chaotic moments during Christmas, it was a nice relaxing one with many late morning sleep ins. It was a rather nice surprise to see so much snow in Portland before Christmas, and it was sad to see it go when we returned to Portland after Christmas. We had a great New Year's Eve with our good friends Blake, Emily, Mo, and Parker.

We flew out on Friday the second and had a good flight into Albuquerque. The unfortunate thing was I lost my favorite green wool hat. I've tried several times to contact US Airways, but have been lead on a wild goose chase. We spent the night there, and ate at the Waffle house for dinner.
The next morning we woke up, took the bus into downtown Albuquerque to catch the Railrunner back upto Santa Fe. We didn't realize that it was the last free Saturday ride between the two towns. It was jam packed full of free riders enjoying a joy ride. We didn't get even close to boarding the train, and we decided to take the train South bound in order to head North bound. We eventually found seats, and when we returned to Albuquerque, more people entered with standing room only. It was a packed ride all the way there. When we arrived at the train depot it was packed with returnees. When we got off, people commented that we had our luggage and thought we were staying overnight and that it was a good idea. Funny thought, but WE use the train for transportation!

When we finally arrived home, Anne had started a fire for us, and the house was warm and cozy. We woke up to a snow storm, and we braved our way to Taos to do some shopping and pick up a flat screen TV that my dad and Carolyn had sent us for Christmas. That night more snow fell, and I woke to hear that all Taos Schools were canceled. I hopped out of bed, turned on the computer and found out that there was school in Santa Fe. I slowly got dressed and headed to work. There was snow in Santa Fe, but not enough to cause any hazardous conditions.

Today is Three King's Day and it is celebrated by many hispanic families. We made Three King's bread, a sweet and savory desert bread, however we didn't realize the preperation time, and we'll have to celebrate tomorrow morning.