Llamas, Crows and a Magic Bean Pot

Monday December 9, 2024  Our first New Mexico Christmas is fast approaching. It’s the first time in as long as I can remember that we won’t have our kids around to share the holiday. It feels kind of strange, but we’ll be OK.  All of my Christmas decs were left behind in the move and I wasn’t sure how much I’d try to recreate for just the 2 of us. But I did put up a live tree, got it all decked out and we’re both enjoying it. A few twinkly lights on the mantle and it looks almost festive in here. 🎄  Thank goodness for FaceTime so we will be able to connect with the kids when we need to.

I finally met my llama rescue neighbor last week and had a great time meeting her animals. She takes in llamas who are unwanted or in need of a new home, trains them, and then finds them that new home.  A very noble endeavor. Here’s her website if you need a end-of-the-year charity to support. Llamas Del Sol. I’ll share some photos below. My heart exploded with joy when I saw the llamas and I was so happy to take photos of beautiful long neck creatures once again. They were all sweet as could be, so hint of any spitting or other llama misconceptions.

Besides the llamas I’ve been so enthralled by the local crows. Back in 2020 I remember hearing crows calling in Woodland which was actually rather unusual. What were they saying?  I wasn’t sure but I knew I had to listen. When I named my yarns that year, one became “The Crow’s Secret”. As time went on, I grew very aware of crows and their calls. Strange as it might seem, it felt personal. Were they calling me? Why?  Well guess what bird is so abundant here, that I hear them every day and watch them in wonder. Crows of course!  Our home is very close to the Rio Grande River and the crows love to roost in the tall cottonwood trees by the river.  I can go to the river at dusk and watch them by the hundreds. Magical. Did they call me to New Mexico?  Perhaps they did! I hope you’ll watch the video below.

We finally had to close the pool down, although the whole family enjoyed it during Thanksgiving week and I’m grateful for that. I will miss my daily water exercise but will appreciate it even more when we open it all again in the spring.  Do we miss the snow?  Not one tiny bit!  lol  Actually, it does snow here occasionally, and we enjoy all four seasons, but the snow always melts by noon and that seems like a great plan.

One more thing.  Did you know beans are trending as a healthy food right now?  It’s true. So maybe that’s why my daughter gifted me with this amazing bean pot for my birthday. It’s made of 100% clay, so totally non toxic and it makes the most amazing beans! I kid you not. When I first used it Farmer Ed said, “how did you make these beans taste so good?”. Well, it’s the magic bean pot, I told him. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😂  Seriously if you’re interested, I will add a link here. If you’re into cooking beans, I think this is the way to do it.  Ranch Gordo Bean Pot. You’re welcome.  Our favorite beans are the Mayocoba. Yum!

I finally got my soap molds delivered by my kids over Thanksgiving. I mistakenly left them at the ranch but now I am fully prepared to start making new soaps!  Stay tuned.  Once again, I’m grateful for anyone who has stuck with me and is still reading these blog posts. I’m grateful for you. Thanks as always for checking in.

Photos:  When they pose like this, I am obligated to take a picture!

Lovely animals. ❤️

This sweet boy got right in my face. ❤️   In a good way of course.

Crows at the Rio Grande.  Many crows were hiding in the shrubs below. You might see some if you look hard enough.

Watch this and you’ll see why I love to sit at the Rio Grande River at dusk!

The magic bean pot!

Magic beans! Yum!