Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Back from the Ranch

My sister and I visited our cousin Tracy and her husband John at my cousins' ranch in Wagon Mound, NM this last week. So many wonderful things happened!

We dove deeply into the family scrapbooks from my mom's young life which Mary and I had never seen; we rode in the canyon looking for arrowheads and caves; went on beautiful hikes; had intense discussions about quilting and art (Tracy got me started in quilting in the '70's). We shared a campfire in honor of my uncle, Tracy's dad, who passed away a year ago, and things got good and rowdy....

But most of all this trip demonstrated that when family and friendship merge together, it is just pure unadulterated joy...

Here's a little tour....

The Main House was built in 1800 and has been added onto over the years.

Mary and I had the red guest house all to ourselves which is just a short walk from the Main House...

I had a cozy room, didn't I? While snuggled under the quilts I could hear mountain lions screaming under the stars at night and wild turkeys gobbling in the mornings....

My sister and I were joined by Jag and Swig on our morning walks.

They would follow us back to the barn.

It sure was pretty.....

We all loved Ralph, an orphan calf that Tracy was raising. He followed us around and reminded me of my dairy days...

We spent a lot of time going through old family papers together, but we did talk quilting some.
Tracy bequeathed all her dad's old ties to me, and I got to thinking about how I could use them...

I laid them out on the floor in a very rough fashion with some old fans in two of the corners, just to see how they'd fit in the Vintage CQ...
He wore these ties to all the meetings, dinners, conferences, flights, classes, and broadcasts he made during his career in government, business, education, and television over the decades...I love the idea of my uncle's life being part of this quilt, especially because my aunt is already here with her polka dot scarves and the Bicentennial ribbon. We'll see....

Tracy gave me some of her quilt blocks from when she used them in her work as a professional illustrator back in 1971....you read that right; as a quilter she was way ahead of her time. I'll share those in a future post.

Meanwhile...

Thanks, Tracy...you are the absolute best!

18 comments :

Vicki W said...

That sounds like an incredible visit!

Judy S. said...

Sounds like a fun break from your normal routine, Allie. Is Wagon Mound anywhere near Las Vegas, NM? We have good friends there. I love the blue NM skies, don't you?
Welcome home. I think it's finally spring.

Lynn said...

I love Ralph! That is the best picture! I just want to kiss his soft wet nose and look into those long eyelash eyes. How Sweet!!

Your trip sounds like heaven on earth - thanks for bringing us along.

Lisa Boni said...

What a wonderful trip! The area around Wagon Mound is so gorgeous. Love the vastness of the open spaces in that region. The ties look like they have great possibilities as a way to "tie" your vintage quilt together!

Summerset said...

What a great trip - I can tell you're feeling refreshed and recharged.

Debra Dixon said...

What a great resort!

Nellie's Needles said...

Thanks for sharing the highlights of your wonderful trip and great family. Bill's ties couldn't have found a better end ... or beginning.

Possibilities, Etc. said...

New Mexico is good for the soul!! What a wonderful family gathering, also.

Granny Fran said...

This is why I love New Mexico so much. Your photo of the river winding toward Wagon Mound is great! Love that old hacienda! Glad you had such a good visit.

Unknown said...

Allie,
So glad you had a lovely trip with family. I am also glad you are back! I check your blog daily and can't wait for the crazy quilt online class. Have a wonderful day.
Cynthia (Texas)

Barbara C said...

It sounds like you had a very special trip. What a beautiful place.

Marty52 said...

Thanks so much for the little glimpse into the Wagon Mound hacienda. What a wonderful place to retreat to... especially since it's in the family! Sigh... you have such strong family connections.

Jacqueline Davis said...

Allie-
Sounds like you all had fun! Tell Tracy I said hello and to keep in touch!

Susan Elliott said...

Looks like a spot of heaven to me. I'm so glad you connected on all those levels -- you must feel like the earth after a fresh rain shower. Good luck with the class...and I am intrigued by the ties. I actually think they look pretty cool!!

FredaB said...

What online class? Did I miss something? You better sign me up.

Glad you had such a good trip and to just spend time with your sister is pretty special. I was only in NM once but it was very impressive.

Hugs

FredaB

Pat said...

Allie, Looks like your visit was just wonderful. I lived in NM 1978/1981 and thought it was a beautiful place..still miss it on occasion..loved the climate! And, you and your sister...a cute pair..so glad you had a great time! pat

Rian said...

What a special time. Love the horse name Swig. LOL.

Unknown said...

Allie, when you could hear the mountain lions screaming in the night what was that like? I could not imagine. I would be on the first flight, bus, car, donkey out a there......LOL
your work is breath taking.