Enjoying Fall

A Train Ride in New Mexico

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR line, going
 from Antonio to Chama, NM.

We have a son who is quite a train fanatic, and planned a little vacation in NM with a train ride from Antonio to Chama - the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. We had taken the Durango to Silverton route a year ago and really enjoyed it, but John (our son) told us this was even better. I had to agree - we did enjoy this more, but I think it was because the scenery was so beautiful! The fall colors were really coming out in those mountains, and the many scenic vistas were spectacular.

John and Patricia in the open air
car, and getting a little rained on.

John, Patricia, Cathy, and Dale
enjoying our ride.

We did, however, run into a small problem during the trip down - I fell and broke my wrist! We ended up spending 5 hours in the emergency room is Alamosa, CO. We were supposed to meet John and Patricia for dinner, but did not make it to Chama until after 9 pm. We missed dinner with them, but were to meet them at 7am for breakfast the next day. I decided I needed to get up at 5 am, since I did not have any idea how long it would take me to get dressed when I very awkwardly only had the use of 1 hand, was still in a bit of pain, and could not get my cast wet. (A wise decision - I needed every minute of that time!) After breakfast, we rode the bus from Chama to Antonio, boarded the train there, and enjoyed a wonderful and leisurely ride back to Chama. I was very thankful that I could just sit and relax that day!

Cathy and Dale overlooking the Rio Grande -
what a view!

A Huey displayed at the Vietnam
Memorial - my brother flew one
of these, so this was a very
tearful moment for me.

The home we were able to tour
at the Earthship community.

After our ride, we enjoyed  dinner with John and Patricia, then headed on down to Taos. The ride there was also very scenic, and we were able to enjoy fall immensely - don't you just love the wonderful colors this season offers?. In Taos, we were unable to do all that we intended, with me being handicapped, but we were able to enjoy our stay. Taos is a very friendly and nice town, with a lot of interesting (and bloody) history. For probably the very first time, we did most, possibly all, of the touristy stuff - enjoyed the town market (lots of history there!), drove the Enchanted Circle (hiked a little bit and visited a Vietnam Veteran's Memorial), toured the Kit Carson home and cemetery, visited several of the local historic churches, checked out the Rio Grande gorge, and finished with a tour of  the Earthship community - a self sustaining group of homes that are built into a hill using spare tires, bottles, cans, and other interesting items. They look unusual, but the Eco-friendly concept was very fascinating and quite different from the typical home.

I have since had surgery on my wrist - they put in a metal plate to hold everything together - and am trying to get along with the use of 1+ hands (I have gained the use of my fingers again), but, amazingly, am still able to quilt! (The Lord blessed me greatly by leaning me to the left when I fell, instead of the right!!) I am able to hold the quilt with my left hand, while I move my machine with my right, but I do have a little problem trying to handle that bobbin.

Well, that's my vacation report. Life brings us many challenges, but we are still always blessed in so many ways! Until next time, happy quilting!
Cathy

Verse for the day: "For as many are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:13)