How the late, great Gertrude Zachary built a castle in downtown Albuquerque, NM.

We meet the Château...and the fabulous Gertrude Zachary.

We visit with our friends Connie and Katie, consider my late parents, and get ready for the Big Turquoise Day.

We finish with El Pinto’s, and then, the next day, visit the wonderful jewelry shop, Turquoise World, which is (alas) closing.

We dine at El Pinto...and I consider forgiveness in marriage. Including my own.

In my newest blog post, we have a bit o’bleedin’. But then we head to El Pinto’s restaurant and everything is truly fine.

I get an attack of altitude sickness (and turn green as a lizard). Then we get singed at the Slow Burn.

We arrive in Albuquerque and things are good...except...except...I fear for America.

We begin a new adventure, this time in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And, more, we seek the Turquoise Palace.

I say goodby to “Fred,” curse ALS, and praise the glory of the Sunflower.

We explore Newkirk, OK, meet a Stagecoach and a Bald Farmer...and I hear from “Fred” for the very last time. Ever.

More about Winfield, Kansas, and more about Fred...in his final days.

We tour the lovely town of Winfield...and I worry about my friend. And death.

More on our trip to Kansas. And I discover one of my oldest friends is dying.

We travel to Winfield to see an old friend...and I learn that someone I’ve known for decades is dangerously ill.

We finish in San Antonio. Judy’s fine. We’re fine. And the Big Pig is fine. Plus new adventures are coming.

We see Ismo and he’s very, very funny. Then...whew!...we finally hear from Judy after her fall.

We go to lunch at Schilo's and enjoy ourselves enormously. But then we get disturbing news from Kansas.

We enjoy a romantic walk in the rain along the River Walk. Would make a great scene in a movie.

We fight our way through the traffic construction from hell, and then deal with the world’s snottiest desk clerk. But the hotel was terrific