MOTHERS DAY ISSUE Alamodoso Magazine 2026 web ready

nichols ranch cherry festival see ad page 7

Lincoln County Art Loop Studio Tour

The Lincoln County Art Loop began 31 years ago in 1995. A gathering of creative artists who resided in the county decided to create a loop outside of Ruidoso so that visitors to the area would be able to experience the novelty of visiting artists where they worked.

Artists demonstrated their talents from potters to painters to batik painters to jewelers and many more. Patrons were excited! The first year was successful and so the Loop began its tradition.

Since 2005, Ruidoso was added to this experience. The Lincoln County Art Loop has become one of the oldest and most successful studio tours in Southern New Mexico.

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Artists are juried in, ensuring the art is of distinctive quality.

Lincoln County Art Loop allows art lovers to explore the scenic landscapes of Lincoln County while the visiting artists in their creative spaces.

Wearable Art!!! Linda Caperton is a master at creating luxurious hand dyed silk scarves and nuno felted wraps. Linda also adds eco botanical printing to repurposed clothing. See her artwork at Zoe DeNegri's Studio, # 12 on the Art Loop 2026 map. And, not only is Linda a wonderful fiber artist, but she also creates watercolor and acrylic paintings of Southern New Mexico.

This self-guided tour offers a behind-the-scene look into the creative heart of Southern New Mexico,

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pro-viding a unique opportunity to purchase original work directly from the creator.

Imagine the excitement of a

Creating art since childhood, Kay Smith, #4, Practices the art of watercolor with an emphasis on the fauna and landscape of Lincoln County. Come to her Alto home studio and enjoy the scenery of the mountains.

Kay's mixed media pieces add dynamic color and texture to her beautiful wall art.

The Lincoln County Art Loop is more than just a gallery hop. It is a journey through the stunning Sacramento Mountains of the Ruidoso area. It offers a diverse range of styles and mediums of art, handcrafted in the private art studios that

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Continued from page 10 visitors can visit. Admission is free, making it a perfect family-friendly addition to the 4th of July weekend festivities.

A potter, a painter, a mixed media artist, and a teacher, Judy Pekelsma opens her studio/ gallery, Heart of the Raven, #16, in Carrizozo during this year's ArtLoop and will demonstrate Raku firing on Saturday from noon til 1. Experience the excitement of fast fire pottery! And view all of Judy's current adventures in clay and paint created with Celtic and Southwest influences.

The Art Loop is more than just a gallery hop; it’s a journey through the stunning mountain scenery of Ruidoso and surrounding commun-

Gourds grow is amazing shapes. Betty Day, The Gourd Bloom in Ruidoso Downs, turns nature's bounty into amazing art by cleaning, incising and dyeing the surface of gourds. Stop by her studio & see her demonstrations ities. Whether you are a serious collector or simply looking for a beautiful way to spend a summer afternoon, the tour offers a diverse range of styles and mediums.

Admission is free, making it a perfect familyfriendly addition to your holiday week-end festivities. Grab a map and discover the vibrant artistic soul of Lincoln County!

Please, join the excitement and fun Lincoln County Art Loop Studio Tour July 3, 4 & 5 2026 Friday and Saturday: 10 to 5 Sunday: 12 to 4

ALAMOGORDO AND DONA ANA COUNTY

An Alamogordo Poem

The History of Alamogordo

by Chris Edwards

In the ancient basin where gypsum whispers white,

Long before the rails or the thunder’s bite,

Paleo footsteps etched the dunes eleven thousand years ago,

Hunters tracking mammoth in the Tularosa glow.

Apache winds swept the valley fierce and free,

Guarding secrets of the land, the sky, the mesquite tree.

Then came 1898, the iron horse arrived,

El Paso and Northeastern, by Eddy brothers contrived.

Charles and John laid tracks through desert sand,

Named the townAlamogordo— fat cottonwood grand—

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Aplanned dream in the basin, streets straight and wide,

New YorkAvenue rising where wild dreams abide.

Lumber from Sacramento peaks, coal from afar,

Ajunction born of vision beneath the desert star.

Incorporated 1912, a city took its name,

White Sands Monument in ’33 brought tourists to the game.

Gypsum dunes like frozen waves,awonderpure&bright,

Sleds and laughter echoing under endless night.

But war clouds gathered, 1941’s alarm,

AlamogordoBombingRange, vast and without charm.

HollomanAir Field rose in ‘42’s haste,

Training wings for battle, no time to waste.

Then July sixteen, nineteen forty-five,

At dawn’s hush, the Gadget came alive.

Trinity bloomed—a sun born in the sand,

First atomic fire from human hand.

Mushroom cloud over Jornada del Muerto’s plain,

The world forever changed, in fire and in pain.

Postwar rockets roared from White Sands’floor, Von Braun’s captured dreams, V-2s seeking more.

Holloman renamed, renamed again in ‘48, Missile tests and space dreams at the missile gate.

Shuttle Columbia touched down in ‘82’s flight,

Ham the chimp’s grave a quiet sentinel of might.

Atari graves in ’83, E.T. buried deep,

Aquirky footnote where legends sleep.

Ancient tracks unearthed in recent light,

Human prints preserved in gypsum white.

Today the city stands, between mountain and dune,

Flickinger lights, ghost tours beneath the moon.

Holloman drones hum overhead,

White Sands gleams where history’s threads are wed.

From cottonwood fat to atomic dawn’s roar, Alamogordo endures— forevermore.

This Was The Worst Mother’s Day Gift I Ever Received

Mother’s Day is a great time to stop, celebrate, and acknowledge all the hard work moms do to keep their families running. Celebrating it might involve brunch or breakfast in bed, a beautiful floral arrangement, a spa day, gift basket, or a thoughtful, homemade gift.

What’s important is that partners keep in mind the emotional aspect of the holiday. Mother’s day is a celebration of your wife and Mother’s Day gifts should reflect that. The gift should

be, at the very least, thoughtful. That is, it displays an understanding of the person’s personality and interests.

Unfortunately, some of the $23 billion total spent on the holiday is wasted on some really boneheaded, if unique, stuff. Sure, the thought does count. But if the gift reflects little-to-no thought in the first place, well, do better.

A Garbage-Picked Lamp

“My husband got me a really beautiful lamp one year. It had a vintage look to it, was colorful –which I love — and seemed like a really thoughtful gift. But he garbage picked it. I’m not snobby when it comes to spending money on gifts, but I kind of draw the line at garbage. It seemed like he just drove by a pile in someone’s driveway and thought, ‘This’ll do.’

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An Ode To The Magnificent Mother

By: Sashi.Prabhu

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society.

The moon, the stars, the sunny skies, so beautiful they seem,

All mankind can sense and appreciate what it means,

Their beauty and the beauty of others,

Are in no way a comparison to our mothers.

Mothers are God’s gift to us,

Least appreciated and most worked without a fuss.

Mothers are there to help teach and guide,

And through thick and thin stay by your side.

Mother loves us right from the start,

From the moments she fondly holds us close to her heart.

These moments forever seem to her like only yesterday,

But we all know they were a few eons away.

Mother is there right through our troubles, conflicts and strife,

And every endeavor she undertakes to keep us afloat through pains of life.

Any time in life we can rely on her strong helping hand,

And she is there for you till you have regained the strength, alone to stand.

Mother is one we can lean on, As deep in her heart she is very strong.

At times it is only mother who can soothe our running tears,

And calm our mind’s lurking shadows of fears.

Mother filled our days with multihued lights,

And put us to bed with lullaby and sweet dreams nights.

And on a foreign land you gave life to me,

And when I was old enough to my wife you set me free.

Whenever I needed you were there with tender care,

For advice and support you were always there.

You taught me right from wrong,

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Regular cleaning of solar panels can boost efficiency by 10–25%, depending on environmental conditions, using safe, non-abrasive methods and proper equipment.

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, but dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and industrial grime can block sunlight, reducing energy output by 10–25% in some cases. Even a thin layer of debris can quietly lower efficiency, costing homeowners hundreds of dollars annually in lost production. Cleaning also prevents permanent damage from baked-on grime or mineral deposits, which can shorten panel lifespan and potentially void warranties.

Cleaning solar panels is essential for maximizing energy efficiency, extending lifespan, and protecting your investment. While some panels selfclean with rain, manual or professional cleaning is necessary in dusty, polluted, or high-debris environments. Using soft tools, mild cleaning solutions, and proper safety precautions ensures effective maintenance without damaging the panels.

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And how to the world whistle my own song.

Mother, I wonder if I could give a diamond to you,

For every tear you shed for me without much ado.

Mother, I wonder if you could accept an emerald from me,

For each truth you made me realize and see.

Mother, I wonder if I could give a ruby to you,

For every midnight coffee you did brew.

Mother, I wonder if I could give a pearl to you,

For every lesson of wisdom you have given me anew.

But I don’t have these and this you are aware,

And all I can offer you is my love devotion and care.

You are so dear to me but yet it took me so long to say,

Have a “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY”.

The roots of Mother’s Day intertwine with traditions far older than the holiday as it is recognized today, tracing back to ancient civilizations that venerated motherhood through various deities and festivals.

These early celebrations provide a fascinating insight into how societies have historically revered the concept of motherhood, highlighting its universal significance across different cultures and epochs.

In ancient Greece, Rhea, known as the mother of the Greek gods and goddesses, including powerful figures like Zeus, was honored with a spring festival. These celebrations were characterized by offerings and rituals designed to appease and honor her, acknowledging the nur-

turing aspects of motherhood that were seen as critical to both family and societal well-being.

Similarly, in Rome, the festival of Hilaria was held in late March and dedicated to Cybele, the mother goddess. Over several days, a series of Roman games, processions, and ceremonies were conducted, underscoring the Romans’reverence for motherhood as a funda-

mental pillar of their social and religious life.

These festivities are not direct precursors to Mother’s Day but rather illustrate the deep historical roots of celebrating motherhood. The shift from these widespread cultural practices to a more uniform and secular observation like Mother’s Day reflects the changing dynamics of society and religion over millennia. Despite the varied origins and practices, the core idea of honoring the nurturing and sacrificial aspects of motherhood remains a constant.

Furthermore, these ancient celebrations underscore the adaptability and enduring nature of motherhood as a concept worthy of honor and celebration. While Mother’s Day in its contemporary form does not derive its practices directly from these ancient rites, the underlying sentiment of reverence for mothers finds echoes in these historical traditions. This continuity from ancient to modern times showcases the universal and timeless nature of motherhood, transcending specific cultures to become a globally recognized value.

The establishment of Mother’s Day as a recognized celebration is attributed to two

remarkable women whose pioneering efforts were driven by a shared vision of peace, unity, and the recognition of mothers’important role in society.

These women, each contributing from their unique platforms, laid the ideological and organizational foundations that would culminate in the creation of Mother’s Day. Their cam-paigns, deeply rooted in social activism and a heartfelt appre-ciation for motherhood’s societal importance, have left an indelible mark on how we honor mothers today.

Ann Reeves Jarvis, with her initiative to create “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs,” aimed at addressing public health and promoting reconciliation in the post-Civil War era, demonstrated the powerful role mothers could play in societal healing and community well-

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being. Her work set a precedent for using the plat-form of motherhood to bridge divided commun-ities through acts of service and compassion.

Parallel to Jarvis’s efforts, Julia Ward Howe, an acti-vist and the author of the famous “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” made a significant contribution through her “Mother’s Day Proclamation.” Written in 1870, Howe’s proclama-tion called upon mothers to unite in promoting global peace, highlighting the profound influence that mothers could wield in the pursuit of societal harmony and justice.

The "Appeal to woman-hood throughout the world" (later known as "Mothers' Day Proclamation") by Julia Ward Howe was an appeal for women to unite for peace in

the world. Written in 1870, Howe's "Appeal to womanhood" was a pacifist reaction to the carnage of theAmerican Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War. The appeal was tied to Howe's feminist conviction that women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level.

The Original Mothers' Day Proclamation, Julia Ward Howe, 1870:

Arise, then... women of this day!

Arise, all women who have hearts, whether our baptism be that of water or of tears! Say firmly: We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience. We, women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.

From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own.

It says: Disarm, Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence vindicate possession.As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of council.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them then solemnly take council with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after his own kind the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women, without limit of nationality, may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient, and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.

In 1872 Howe asked for the celebration of a "Mothers' Day for Peace" on 2 June of

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Continued from previous page every year, but she was unsuccessful. The mo-dern Mother's Day was established byAnna Jarvis 36 years later.

Together,Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe’s contributions form the cornerstone of Mother’s Day, reflecting a movement that transcends the simple celebration of maternal bonds to encompass a broader vision of peace, unity, and social change. Their legacies remind us of the profound societal impact of mothers and the importance of acknowledging and honoring their contributions not just one day a year, but every day.

The relentless campaign by Anna Jarvis to have Mother’s Day recognized as a national holiday eventually paid off. Through her efforts, including a massive letter-writing campaign to politicians, business leaders, and women’s groups, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914. This declaration marked the culmination of Jarvis’s vision to have a day dedicated to appreciating all mothers.

Ironically, as Mother’s Day grew in popularity, it also became highly commercialized, a development that deeply troubledAnna Jarvis. She had envisioned the day as an intimate occasion for expressing love and gratitude towards mothers, primarily through handwritten letters and personal gestures.

The shift towards buying premade cards, flowers, and gifts, in her view, undermined the holiday’s true meaning. Jarvis spent the latter part of her life opposing the commercialization of Mother’s Day, even initiating lawsuits against organizations that used the name “Mother’s Day” for profit.

The celebration of

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Mother’s Day, both in the United States and around the globe, demonstrates the day’s versatility and widespread appeal, rooted in diverse cultural traditions yet united in its core purpose. The inaugural official Mother’s Day in the United States, celebrated in 1908, was not merely an isolated event but an important moment in the broader recognition and appreciation of mothers’roles in society.

This initial celebration, spurred byAnna Jarvis to honor her late mother and the broader concept of motherhood, quickly gained national recognition, leading to President Woodrow Wilson’s 1914 declaration that earmarked the second Sunday in May as a day of national observance for all mothers. This formal acknowledgment was a significant milestone that underscored

the collective need to honor the sacrifices and love of mothers.

In contrast, the United Kingdom’s observance of Mother’s Day has its roots in the Christian tradition of “Mothering Sunday,” a practice distinct from the American Mother’s Day yet sharing similar sentiments of maternal honor and recognition. Mothering Sunday, falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent, originally provided an opportunity for people to return to their ‘mother church’—the main church or cathedral in a family’s area.

Over time, this religious tradition gradually merged with theAmerican Mother’s Day concept, transforming into a secular celebration that mirrors the U.S. holiday in spirit but occurs in March.

These historical and

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cultural nuances of Mother’s Day celebrations underscore the holiday’s adaptability and its capacity to resonate across different societies, each incorporating its unique traditions into maternal appreciation. While the U.S. and U.K. represent key points in the holiday’s evolution, Mother’s Day has found a place in many other countries, each with its own customs, yet all sharing the universal theme of honoring motherhood.

This expansion of Mother’s Day around the world signifies not just the adaptability of the holiday but also the universal recognition of mothers’ integral roles in families and societies. The celebration has transcended its initial advocacy for peace and reconciliation, advocated by Ann Reeves Jarvis, to become a global day of appreciation for mothers’ unconditional love, sacrifice, and enduring influence.

The choice of May for its celebration in the U.S., motivated byAnna Jarvis’s personal tribute to her mother, and the adaptation of Mothering Sunday in the U.K. to align with this sentiment, both highlight the

deeply personal yet universally shared respect for mothers.

As Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated worldwide, it remains a poignant remin-der of the shared human experience and the universal appreciation for the women who shape our lives. This day, regardless of the specific traditions or the date on which it is celebrated, serves as a testament to the timeless and borderless homage to motherhood.

Two children ordered their mother to stay in bed one Mother's Day morning. As she lay there looking forward to breakfast in bed, the smell of bacon floated up from the kitchen.

But after a good long wait she finally went downstairs to investigate. She found them both sitting at the table eating bacon and eggs.

"As a surprise for Mother's Day," one explained, "we decided to cook our own breakfast."

It's Mother's Day and the whole family has enjoyed a delicious dinner.

As all were done, the mother stands up and as she's about to grab the empty plates, the father asks :

"Honey... what are you doing ?"

Mother : "... Bringing the dishes to the kitchen and putting them in the dishwasher, what else ?"

Father : "Come on darling, today is Mother's Day ! You'll do that tomorrow !" ***

Three brothers are arguing over who got their mom the best Mother's Day present

The first brother says "I got mom the best gift! I bought her a brand new house! It's so huge, its practically a mansion!"

The second brother says "No, I got mom the best mother's day gift! I bought her a brand new luxury car and I even hired her a chauffeur to drive her around! She just has to tell him where she wants to go, and he'll take her there in her new nice car instantly."

The third brother says "My gift is the best one! Mom has always been very religious, so I bought her a pet parrot trained by the church to say any bible verse! If you just tell the parrot the book, chapter, and verse number it will be able to recite it from memory!"

A few weeks go by and each brother gets a letter from their mom regarding the gift.

To the first brother she writes "The new house you bought me is too big. I only need one room to live in, yet I spend my day cleaning up the entire house."

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Stronger and more intuitive than ever, this month of May looks very interesting for your spirited and conquering nature. Indeed, Mars (your planet) will be in your sign from the 1st to the 18th, and Saturn and Neptune all month will give your behavior power and lead to great achievements. Until the 21st, your focus will be on your possessions, then the call of friendship or a journey may be felt. Some minor troubles at home are possible, but from the 19th, they should calm down, even disappear. A friendly or activist project could start to take shape under the influence of Pluto, especially for the first decan. Uranus brings enough originality to your morale to satisfy your wildest ideas or make very promising encounters.

Love in General

From the 1st to the 18th, the beautiful harmony between Venus and Mars makes it easier for you to express your emotions and make decisions, boosting your charisma. Social interactions with neighbors or friends may capture your heart. After the 19th, the idea of committing appeals to you!

In a relationship

Sweep away any worries related to your home to take matters into your own hands and rekindle the flame between you! Mars and Venus, until the 18th, boost your sensual and emotional life, you will be able to reassure your partner about your mutual love.

Single

In general, networking will be a source of opportunities throughout the month. Your pursuit will be very active until the 18th and could pay off thereafter. Your feelings will be sometimes mischievous and sometimes capricious: balance them or you may scare off your conquest!

Career / Finance

The planets in Taurus stabilize your main source of income with enough drive from the 18th onwards to either secure a pay raise or a better-paying position. From the 4th to the 17th, Mercury could also facilitate promising financial conversations or introduce you to the right people.

Astrological information provided , do not replace, and should not be construed as financial, legal, medical, psychiatric, psychological, or any other type of professional advice on any subject matter. If you require such advice, please consult a licensed professional.

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To the second brother she writes "I'm too old to go many places. So the car and chauffeur just sit in the garage doing nothing all day."

To the third brother she writes "Your gift, I liked. The chicken was delicious."

"I always say if you aren't yelling at your kids, you're not spending enough time with them." —Reese Witherspoon

Son: “Mom, can I have $20?”

Mom: “Does it look like I am made of money?”

Son: “Well, isn’t that what M-O-M stands for?”

I told Mom I’d cook her a fancy Mother’s Day dinner. After tasting it, she smiled warmly and said, “Sweetie, the effort is what counts.” Then she quietly ordered pizza.

At the end of Mother’s Day, Mom hugged us and said it was perfect. Then she looked at the messy kitchen, the wrapping paper everywhere, and sighed, “My real gift tomorrow will be when everyone goes back to work and school.”

OPEN DAILY 6 A.M. Until Midnight!

Family having Specially Planned Dinner on Mother's Day, But the Mother was So Quiet....

Finally, her husband asked what was wrong.

“Nothing,” said the woman.

Not believing her, he asked again. “No seriously, what’s wrong?”

Finally she said, “Do you really want to know? Well, I’ll tell you. I have cooked and cleaned and fed the kids for 15 years and on Mother’s Day, you don’t even tell me so much as ‘Thank you.'”

“Why should I?” he said. “Not once in 15 years have I had a Father’s Day gift.”

“Yes,” she said, “but I’m their real mother.” ***

Anton, do you think I’m a bad mother?

My name is Paul. ***

Mom’s recipe for iced coffee: Have kids. Make coffee. Forget you made coffee. Put it in the microwave. Forget you put it in the microwave. Drink it cold.

***

“Some days I find myself doing strange things that don’t have any real purpose, in faraway corners in my house, and I realize I am literally and deliberately hiding from my children.” —Kate Hudson

Recipes in the ancient world existed differently than how they do today.

Roman households had a prominent cook or kitchen staff, who created cuisine and meal rotations based on their unique skillset/spice repertoire and prior foodstuff knowledge.

Because of this, organized cookbooks were uncommon as cooks often lacked the ability to read or write complex recipes. However, one famous cookbook emerged from this period that gives modern readers a look into the possi-bilities of ancient Roman cooking.Apicius: De Re Coquinaria ("on the subject of cooking") --named after a legendary gourmet-- is the only standing

classical cookery book of its time. The book is des-cribed as "a businesslike collec-tion of recipes, apparently for banquets at which no expense was to be spared, for many costly spices are called for"

This highlights thatApicius was created to share between fellow household cooks and to display the author's diverse knowledge of foods and spices.

Apicius' cookbook is divided into 10 smaller books grouped together by the main foods they surround. Books highlight cuisines such as wines, minced dishes, seafood, roast meats, and more.

The cuisine that follows is from Book VI ofApicius' ancient cookbook which highlights fowl. The recipe is found in Section 231: For Flamingo and Parrot.

"Scald the flamingo, wash and dress it, put it in a pot, add water, salt, dill, and a little vinegar, to be parboiled.

Finish cooking with a bunch of leeks and coriander, and add some reduced must to give it color. In the mortar, crush pepper, cumin, coriander, laser root, mint, rue, moisten with vinegar, add dates, and the fond of the braised bird, thicken,

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strain, cover the bird with the sauce and serve. Parrot is served in the same manner" Flamingo tongue and brain were also considered a delicacy in ancient Rome and were a step-up in luxury from the alreadyextravagant braised flamingo.

The lack of measurements or specifics regarding each ingredient bring forth a common theme of ancient food: vagueness.Apicius is essentially a long ingredient list, with many recipes being one sentence in length. The cookbook was originally created for distribution between cooks. With their previous expe-rience with listed ingredients, cooks could decipher the inten-ded quantities or preparation materials to replicate the dish.

Wealth in ancient Rome was displayed through lavish dinner parties, entertainment, and attentive slaves that gathered in the Roman convivium. Hosts in an upper-class household would flaunt their experienced cooks and share meals with guests, expecting their praises. Braised flamingo would be constructed for these types of situations and would not commonly be found on the average dinner table because of their rareness and price point.

Roast Wild Boar

Boar is cooked like this: sponge it clean and sprinkle with salt and roast cumin. Leave to stand. The following day, roast it in the oven. When it is done, scatter with ground pepper and pour on the juice of the boar, honey, liquamen, caroenum, and passum. (Apicius, 330)

Ostrich Ragoût

For boiled ostrich: pepper, mint, roast cumin, celery seed, dates or Jericho dates, honey, vinegar, passum, garum, a little oil. Put these in the pot and bring to the boil. Bind with amulum, pour over the pieces of ostrich in a serving dish and sprinkle with pepper. If you wish to cook the ostrich in the sauce, add alica. (Apicius, 212)

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It didn’t even work! He didn’t bother to test it before he gave it to me, which showed me that he was too busy to care.”

–Anna, 37, Wisconsin

Food Poisoning

“He and the kids made me break-fast in bed. It gave me food poiso-ning. We think it was the spinach they used.At the time, I was in agonizing pain, and stuck in the bathroom for hours at a time, so I just kept cursing them out to my-self. But, it was a sweet gesture. Breakfast in bed is a pretty stan-dard Mother’s Day gift, so at least they made theirs stand out.” –Lisa, 42, California

A Temporary Distraction

“Usually, a day at the spa never fails. My husband got me a daylong spa package a few years ago,

and I thought it was fantastic. I went in the morning, and was ex-cited for a massage, some skin therapy, the works. Turned out he just wanted me out of the house so he could have his friends over to watch sports. I got home a little earlier than expected, and the house was a mess, the kids were crying, and he was just yelling at the TV with his friends. The spa day turned out to be just a tempor-ary distraction, which really hurt my feelings.”

– Rebecca, 39, Michigan

A Really Dumb Mug

“I work for my husband’s company. He’s the boss, and I deal with client relations and retention. One Mother’s Day, he got me a mug that said, ‘I Story continues next page

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Sleep With The Boss’. I just rolled my eyes. Like, seriously? What am I supposed to do with that? I can’t take it to work, obviously.And I can’t use it at home because our kids will start asking about it. It was just a dumb gift, which he thought was hilarious.” –Kaicey, 38, Tennessee

“Probably spice jars shaped like gnomes. Or elves. I don’t know what they were. Creepy little figures that he thought were from Lord of the Rings. I’m a big fan, and I guess he assumed that all small, magical beings come from Middle Earth. I couldn’t be mad, because it showed genuine thought, but I did end up just tossing them after he’d forgotten about them.

6,000 soldiers fought here - and almost no one remembers

Deep in the New Mexico desert stand the ruins of Fort Craig, once the largest military post in theAmerican Southwest.

In 1853, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment began constructing a new fort on a bluff nine miles downriver from Fort Conrad.The new fort was named in honor of Captain Louis S. Craig, an officer in the Mexican–American War who had been murdered by deserters in California in 1852.The new fort was garrisoned in 1854 with troops transferred from Fort Conrad.

Life at remote Fort Craig was uncomfortable and lonely at best and deadly at worst. The buildings were a constant source of misery to the soldiers, and records reveal litanies of complaints

about leaky roofs, crumbling walls and chimneys, crowded conditions and filth from crumbling dirt roofs and muddy floors.

In 1862, this remote out-post became the center of the largest Civil War battle ever fought in the western United States.

Nearly 6,000 soldiers clashed near the Rio Grande at the Battle of Valverde Ford.

Confederate forces hoped to capture New Mexico and eventually push west toward California.Although the Confederates held the battlefield, their supply wagons were destroyed and their campaign soon collapsed.

Within months their attempt to control theAmerican West was over. Today the ruins of Fort Craig remain in the desert — the quiet site of one of the largest and most forgotten battles of the Civil War.

Emerald, the birthstone for May, has been beloved for millennia, evoking rebirth and renewal.

Widely regarded as the definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for spring. From the poetic description of Ireland as “the Emerald Isle” to the vibrant green of the famed gemstone itself—the May birthstone emerald has captured hearts and minds through the ages.

From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald has enchanted royalty. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emerald and used it in her royal adornments. The legendary Crown of theAndes, fashioned in colonial South America, is one example of how the Spanish revered the

May birthstone.According to lore, its largest stone— now called theAtahualpa emerald—was taken from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, by conquistador Francisco Pizarro.

The word “emerald” comes from smaragdos, ancient Greek for a green gem. Roman author Pliny the Elder, wrote in his encyclopedic Natural History that “nothing greens greener.”

He also stated that the May birthstone had therapeutic properties that helped gem cutters: “(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” Science now proves this belief: The color green relieves stress and eye strain.

The green birthstone was also thought to have magical powers. By placing it under the tongue, one could see into the future. Some believed it made one an eloquent speaker and exposed lovers who made false promises.

Five

Generations Behind the Counter:

50 Years of Family, Community, and La Luz Market

Celebrating 50 years of family, service, and community in La Luz

By Ronnie Merrill

I’m Ronnie Merrill, and I was asked to write a story about my 50 years as owner of the La Luz Market.

But this is not just a story about me. It’s a story about a lot of good people—my family, our employees, our customers, and the wonderful community of La Luz, New Mexico.

My journey really began long before La Luz Market. I

grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and as a boy I spent many summers in Paducah working in my grandpa’s store, Green’s Grocery. That’s where I first learned what it meant to serve people and where I was inspired to become an entrepreneur.

Carolyn and I met as kids and went to school together from ninth grade through high school. We both got our start in retail at the same TG&Y store. I was just 15 years old when I began working there.After graduating in 1965, I was promoted to assistant manager in Odessa, Texas. Eight months later, I received my draft notice into the United StatesArmy during the Vietnam War.

Carolyn and I were married in 1966, just two weeks before I left for basic training.

I served two years on active duty and four years in theArmy Story continues next page

Reserves. During that time, I took correspondence courses in business management to pre-pare myself for the future. That was the only formal business education I ever had—every-thing else I learned through hands-on experience and a lot of reading.

When I returned in 1968, I went back to work with TG&Y and was sent to Alamogordo, New Mexico to help open the new TG&Y Family Center store. By then, we had started our family, welcoming our first daughter while I was still on active duty, and our second daughter

two years later.

In 1970, at just 23 years old, I became a store manager in El Paso, Texas.After four years there, we moved back toAlamogordo, where I became a small partner in Surplus City.

Not long after, in 1975, we bought a home in Laborcita Canyon near La Luz.At that time, the only place to shop outsideAlamogordo was a small store and gas station in La Luz. In May of 1976, we purchased the La Luz Market from Tom Brazil. Our goal was simple—to Continues next page

provide the pro-ducts this community needed.

In the early years, Carolyn and my mother, Opal, managed the small store while I worked other jobs to help us grow. I also served on the board of directors for two grocery ware-houses and worked as a sales representative for a warehouse out ofAbilene, Texas.

Those were busy years, but they laid the foundation for what was to come.

In December of 1984, we replaced the old building with a new, larger, full-line grocery store. That expansion allowed us to add a full meat market and produce section—some-thing we knew the community needed.

One of the most remark-

able parts of that time was Carolyn. To prepare for the new store, she moved to Las Cruces for several months and worked without pay at a supermarket just to learn how to be a butcher. Because of her, we were able to open without the added expense of hiring one.

Carolyn ran the meat and produce departments, but her impact went far beyond that. She fought hard alongside others to get a new, larger elementary school built in our community, led Girl Scouts, volunteered with the fire department, and raised our daughters—all while helping build the business.

She welcomed every customer like family, remembered names—especially the kids — and gave tours to school groups to show them how a grocery store works. She truly loved this community, and they loved her right back.

Serving this community was never limited to the store. I also had the privilege of volunteering with the La Luz Volunteer Fire Department for many years, including serving as fire chief.

In addition, I volunteered for many years on the Board Continues next page

of Directors for the local water department. These roles gave me another way to give back to the community that has supported our family for so long, and they remain some of the most meaningful parts of my life.

Over the years, we’ve seen many changes. When larger stores came intoAlamogordo, including Walmart, our grocery business declined. We adapted by adding movie rentals, bringing in a pizza operation, and later obtaining a liquor license. Each change helped us keep going.

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In recent years, we made more adjustments, including bringing pizza back in 2025 through the Hunt Brothers Pizza program. It required a complete reset of parts of the store, but it’s been a welcome addition. Our customers continue to thank us for bringing pizza back.

Over the years, countless kids have come in for their first candy bar, learned how to pick produce, or toured the store to see how a small business runs—memories that make La Luz Market more than a grocery store.

Not all of the years have been easy. In 2011, we lost Carolyn to cancer after 45 years of marriage. That has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. Her presence is still felt every day in this store and in this community.

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During the COVID shutdown, we stayed open and served people from all over the county who were struggling to find groceries. We were grateful to be able to continue supporting our community during that time.

Today, our family continues the work. Our oldest daughter, Sandi, and our grand-daughter Jennifer, along with her husband Chris, have taken on much of the responsibility of running the store as I’ve begun to slow down a bit.

Our youngest daughter built her life in Tennessee, but her children each spent a summer in La Luz working in the store, learning the value of hard work.

Jennifer’s oldest son still works at the store today, making it four generations of our family actively involved in keeping La Luz Market running.

Over the past 50 years, five generations of our fam-ily have contributed to the store’s story, with four generations still working daily to keep La Luz Market a clean, well-stocked, and friendly place for people to shop, get fuel, and connect.

As we begin our 50th year in

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2026, I know this would never have been possible without the incredible employees who have worked with us over the years and the loyal support of this community.

This store was never just a business. It has always been about people—five gene-rations of them—and the community that made it all possible. And it still is.

Lily of the valley is a sweet, nostalgic flower that typically thrives during the rich spring conditions of May. These clumping blooms sprout their delicate bell-like blossoms throughout the month, making them a lovely choice for the May birth month flower.

These sweet-scented blooms have bell-shaped flowers on thin sprays, with clumping foliage providing a luscious green base. Depending on the variety, the leaves may be a rich, deep green (similar to the May birthstone, emerald), blue-green tones, or lighter variegated striping.

Lily of the valley has many symbolic meanings—from serenity, purity, and innocence to humility, humbleness, and freshness. These blooms may be used to denote youth as well as rebirth and rejuvenation but are also known to symbolize tears and mourning.

The story of Duran begins not with the railroad, but with water. In the late 1800s, this area was dominated by sheep ranching, and two brothers, Blas and Espiridón Durán, established themselves by securing the rights to vital wells.

When the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad pushed through around 1902, they faced a crisis: steam locomotives needed massive amounts of water to operate in the dry high plains. The railroad struck a deal with the Durán brothers, and almost overnight, a depot and a massive sandstone roundhouse were constructed, turning the brothers' sheep camp into a

booming village.

As the railroad grew, so did the population, bringing together a unique blend of local Hispanic families and immigrant entrepreneurs.

Alex Hindi, a Lebanese immigrant, became a central figure in the town's history. He married Clarita Durán, the daughter of Ventura Durán, bridging the gap between the established local families and the new merchant class.

In 1908, they built the Hindi Store, a magnificent two-story sandstone structure that remains the town's most recognizable landmark today. For decades, the Hindi family provided everything from groceries to hardware, serving as the heartbeat of the community.

The town’s social life revolved around the railroad schedule and gatherings at the Continues next page

Coury Family’s hotel and general store. The Coury name is also tied to one of the darker chapters of Duran’s history; in 1921, a brutal robbery and murder at their store led to a manhunt and eventually one of the last legal hangings in New Mexico.

Duran’s peak lasted until roughly 1921, when the railroad moved its division point and repair shops to Carrizozo.

The loss of those jobs caused the population to plummet, but the ran-ching families stayed on. They transitioned from a railroad hub back to a resili-ent ranching community, anchored by the Hindi Store.

Today, the sandstone ruins and the quiet cemetery stand as a testament to the families who turned a dry watering hole into a vital piece of New Mexico's "Iron Horse" heritage.

The Candy Hearts of Billy the Kid

Billy is depicted as a close friend to women. He spent his teenage years with his mother, without a father, and unnoticed by his stepfather, WilliamAntrim. Billy naturally gravitated towards warm relationships with motherly women.

Abrana Garcia, Nasaria Yerby, Celsa Gutierrez, Paulita Maxwell, and Sallie Chisum have all revealed Billy's romantic interests.

"Billy the Kid, I'll tell you, has fascinated many women. His record as a heartbreaker was quite as formidable as

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you might say his record as a man killer. Like a sailor he had a sweetheart in every port of call, every placita in the Pecos had some little senorita, who was proud to be known as his querita.

If I had loved the Kid... and he had loved me, I will say that I would not have hesitated to marry him and follow him through danger, poverty or hardship to the ends of the Earth in spite of anything he had ever done or what the world might have been pleased to think of me. That is the way of Spanish girls when they are in love"Paulita Maxwell.

During his time in Silver City, Billy faced hardships as his mother Catherine passed away from tuberculosis. Fortunately, Clara Louisa Truesdell took Billy and his brother Josie under her wing, with the help of their teacher Mary P. Richards. William

Open7Days11:30until5

BillytheKidGiftShopislocatedintheoldcourthouse,oneofthe mosthistoricbuildingsontheplaza.Atripthroughitisan absolutemust.Taketimetolookattheoldvigasandlatillas.The vigasarethelargewoodenbeamswhichsupporttheroof.The latillasarethestrippedbrancheswhicharelayeredbetweenthe vigas.Thisoldadobebuildinghastheoriginal18inchwallsmade ofmudbricks.

ItwasherethatBillytheKidwastriedandsentencedtohang onApril13,1881.HewastakenbacktothecourthouseinLincoln whereheescaped.SomesaytheghostofBillytheKidstilllivesin thisbuilding.

Antrim, their father, had abandoned them. When the siblings were old enough, they left and went their separate ways. Billy was later found practically lifeless on Mrs. Jones' doorstep, and she nursed him back to health. These three women surely held a special place in Billy's heart for the rest of his life.

Years later in Fort Sumner, Billy formed a close relationship withAna Maria De La Luz Maxwell (known as Luz), the matriarch of the Maxwell family.Although Billy had feelings for Luz's daughter, Paulita, she always denied them. Nevertheless, Paulita was likely one of Billy's love interests. When Billy was apprehended at Stinking Springs, he was brought back to Fort Sumner in chains. Paulita was rumored to be pregnant,

Continues

Continued from previous page possibly with Billy's child, at the time. She requested to see Billy before he was taken to jail.

Jim East recalls that day;

"She gave Billy one of those soul kisses that novelists tell us about till it was time for us to hit the trail for Las Vegas, we had to pull them apart, much against our wishes, for you know all the world loves a lover."

However, on the contrary, during an interview Paulita puts up her defenses,

"An old story that identifies me as Billy the Kid's sweetheart, has been going the rounds for many years, perhaps it honors me, perhaps not. It depends on how you feel about it. But I was not Billy's sweetheart. I liked him very much, oh yes, but I did not love him. He was a

nice boy at least to me, courteous, gallant and always respectful. I used to meet him at dances and he was of course often at our home but he and I had no thought of marriage.

There was a story that Billy and I had laid our plans to elope to Mexico and had fixed the date for the night just after that on which he was killed. There was another tale that we proposed to elope riding double on one horse neither story was true and the one about eloping on one horse was a joke,

Pete Maxwell my brother had more horses than he knew what to do with and if Billy and I wanted to set off for the Rio Grande by the light of the Moon, you can depend upon it that we would have at least had separate mounts!"

"There were three girls at least in Fort Sumner, who were mad about him, one is now a respected matron of Las Vegas.Another who died a long ago, had a daughter who lived to be 8 years old and had a striking resemblance to Billy. It filled her mother's heart with pride.

The third was his inamorata when he was killed."

Story continues next page

Continued previous page

But who is she referring to?

Fort Sumner was Billy the Kid's sanctuary. He was admired by many women, drawn to his legendary status as a strong and brave fighter.As he frequented the traditional Fort Sumner fiestas, Billy's zeal radiated with love and light…

“Billy the Kid, let me tell you, cut quite a gallant figure at these jolly dances. With his smiling boyish good looks and easy debonair bearing, he was in great favor as a cavalier, and the little Mexican beauties made eyes at him from behind their fans and brought into play all their arts of coquetry to capture his attentions". ..Paulita Maxwell.

Senora Celsa Gutierrez, a woman who inspired and nurtured Billy's spirit. Despite being married and a mother, Celsa opened her home to the Kid and always made sure he was well-fed and taken care

of. Rumors swirled of a secret romance and whispers that one of her children was Billy's. It was at Celsa's home where Billy may have been in the moments before his supposed passing.

Her love and support may have touched the Kid's life in ways that cannot be measured.

"Billy the Kid, after his escape at Lincoln came to Fort Sumner it is true, to see a woman he was in love with, but it was not I. Pat Garrett should have known who she was because he was connected with her and not very distantly by marriage. The night the Kid was killed, Garrett asked my brother Pete why the Kid was in Fort Sumner, he shook his head and said he did not know...but he merely wanted to save Garrett the embarrassment.

He knew... and I knew. I was standing beside his chair at the time and would have answered Garrett's question if Pete, with a look, had not warned me to keep my mouth shut.Paulita Maxwell.

It is suspected that Abrana Garcia held a place in Billy's heart. Reports and

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rumors have circulated that Billy andAbrana were secretly wed. It is also possible that Abrana was the woman who may have been in the peach orchard with Billy on the night of his murder.

Speculation suggests that the couple had a child named Jose Patrocinio Garcia, followed by two daughters who passed away prematurely.

Billy's connection to Nasaria Yerby was no mere rumor. She was the housekeeper of the Yerby Ranch, a known hideout of Billy's, and was rumored to even have had a child fathered by him. The young woman, barely 18, had a daughter named Florentina Yerby, bornin 1881. With confidence, it can be concluded that Billy was indeed connected to Nasaria and her family, but was he the

father?

On the night of July 14th 1881, it is widely believed that Billy the Kid met his demise at the hand of Pat Garrett. However, some speculate that the notorious outlaw may have received assistance from locals who had grown to admire him. It is even said that the influential Maxwell family and their matriarch, Mother Luz, who held a strong affection for Billy, may have played a role in his escape. Nevertheless, the details surrounding Billy's supposed death continue to be a source of mystery and fascination....

Paulita remembers the night; “They carried the body into a deserted storeroom, full of dust and cobwebs, and laid it on an old work bench. The town was aroused by now, and Mexican men and women crowded in. When they saw the Kid lying dead, the moon shining on his face through a window, the women broke into frenzied tears, filling the place with their shrieks. Celsa Gutterrez screamed as one demented, and pounded at Garrett's chest. Nasaria Yerbe was wild with grief.Abrana Garcia, shaking her clenched fists aloft, called down curses on Pat Garrett’s head and

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threatened to kill him.

Deluvina Maxwell, to whom the Kid always had been a hero, burst into hysterical lamentations. She threw her arms about the Kid and covered his face with her tears. ‘Mi muchacho, mi muchacho,’she wailed." Billy often visited the Chisum ranches with the other Regulators after the Lincoln County War broke out. During this time, he met John Chisum's niece, Sallie..

George Coe recalls;

"Miss Sally Chisum was on our judgment, a more beautiful girl was not to be found. She was a gracious hostess and made us feel completely at home, in fact our hearts got to flopping so badly at times we could hardly be natural.

Miss Sally did not do the cooking but she managed the entire house and we competed with each other as dishwashers in order to be near her, and occasionally win a smile of approval. It has been generally conceded that Billy the Kid fell hard for Miss Sallie's charms.

Sallie and Billy spent a lot of time together. They danced together, mostly square dances, and took wild

rides, racing along the Pecos River bed. They would sit out on the porch in the evening and talk for hours.

As Sallie states in her diary:

"Two candy hearts were given to me by Willie Bonney."

Sallie also wrote a bit more about Billy,

"He was brimming over with lighthearted gaiety and good humor. He always looked as if he had just stepped out of a band box. In a broad brimmed hat, dark coat and vest, gray trousers worn over his boots, gray flannel shirt and black hand tie, and sometimes, would you believe it?...Aflower in his lapel, quite the dandy."

Hatch Green Chile Dip

Ingredients

• 1 cup Sour Cream

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 medium garlic clove, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 cup chopped fireroasted Hatch green chiles

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• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Directions

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a small (3 to 5 cup) shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

• Stir the sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon and cumin in a medium bowl until blended.

• Stir in the green chiles, cilantro and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

• Spoon into the baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

• Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.

• Serve with your favorite dippers.

ROSEMARY’S RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Southwestern Chicken Powered Salad

Vinaigrette

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon garlic

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tbls Mexican crema

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Salad

• 1 (5-ounce) container mixed salad greens

• 1 cup diced cooked chicken

• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed

• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn

• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and sliced

• 4 thin slices red onion, or to taste

• 1 jalapeño, sliced, or to taste (optional)

• 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds

Directions

• For vinaigrette, place cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, cumin and cayenne in a bowl or a blender and pulse several times.

• For a creamy dressing, include the optional Mexican crema (for

salad) line a serving plate with mixed salad greens.

• Arrange chicken, pinto beans, corn, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cotija, avocado, and red onion in a pleasing design on top of greens.

• Drizzle with vinaigrette (place all ingredients in a large salad bowl and toss with vinaigrette). Garnish with pumpkin seeds and jalapeño slices.

Immune Boost Tea

Blueberry Rooibos, Blueberry White Tea, Fenugreek, Astragalus Root, Elder Flower, Papaya Leaf, Rosehip, Orange Peel, Hibiscus, Olive Leaf, and Pau D’Arco. HERBAL INFUSION: Bring water to a boil and turn off heat. Add 1 tsp. herb per 1 cup of water. Let sit covered for 10 minutes before straining. Always shake condensation from the lid covering back into the tea. Add honey or lemon. Enjoy hot or iced.

sufferers feeling like their body is at war with itself.

For Angela of Las Cruces, it meant every task had a trade-off. “Everything I do feels like a tradeoff,” she explains. “If I do a load of laundry, then putting together lunch that day becomes much harder By the end of the day, the pain makes it hard to concentrate and the pain killers I was relying on to fall asleep weren’t helping matters.”

Her story is not unique

At Sonoma Acupuncture Integrative Health, a growing number of patients seek care for fibromyalgia, many of whom have gone undiagnosed for far too long. According to Angela, “There’s definitely not enough awareness of fibromyalgia. The average person hasn’t even heard of it, and even those in healthcare often don’t fully understand the day to day impact it has on my life.” Sonoma Acupuncture Integrative Health is dedicated to changing this narrative by offering personalized care that addresses the invisible and complex nature of fibromyalgia, providing treatments designed to help patients like Angela, reclaim their lives.

Acupuncture Integrative Health is Redefining

Life with Fibromyalgia

tsaddress singon asking s.Thisisn’t helping Sonoma alth, yoflife.

understand that fibromyalgia is not something that just goes away,” shared Director of Patient Care, Maira Gaytan, “And that everyone’s experience is different. We take the time to understand their particular experience. We think about how we can accommodate them, and sometimes the smallest things can make a world of difference ”

For Angela, the most challenging symptom was “brain fog,” which often made remembering if she took her pain medications a struggle. “I would pay for it when I forgot,” she said.

She also faced the frustration of others not fully understanding her condition. Some friends and family suggest she take aspirin, while others jokingly refer to fibromyalgia as “fibro-my-lazy,” assuming that her pain is just an excuse “On the worst days, even the clothes you wear bother you,” she shared “It’s an invisible disability ”

“O3 ReBoot Therapy® treats brain fog at the source by improving oxygen utilization and enhancing cellular function,” shared Maira.

“The difference it’s made in my day-today life is simply amazing,” she said with gratitude. “I can bowl again. I joined my first league in years. I had the energy to spend Christmas with my family, something I thought I had lost forever ” She also shared how her mind feels clearer now. “I can think so much more clearly, and I don’t have to use this ‘seeing clearly’ just to remember if I’ve taken my pain meds,” Angela said “It’s like a weight has been lifted, allowing me to focus on the things I love again.”

Angela credits the team at Sonoma Acupuncture Integrative Health for helping her regain her life. “The team at Sonoma Acupuncture Integrative Health truly cares about my well-being,” she explained “I don’t know where I’d be without their help”

Ifyouorsomeoneyouknowis strugglingwiththeinvisible,butvery realpainandsufferingoffibromyalgia, SonomaAcupunctureIntegrative Healthisheretohelp.With personalizedcareandacommitment tounderstandingeachpatient’s uniqueneeds,SonomaAcupuncture IntegrativeHealthismakingareal differenceforthosewithfibromyalgia Call575-618-6900tobookyour consultationtoday

DISCOVER THE SACRAMENTOS

CLOUDCROFT MUSEUM FEST

July 18, 10 AM — 4 PM

Free and Open to the Public, at the Cloudcroft Pavilion on US82. See exhibits from 20+ Southern New Mexico Museums

More Details below, but first a little story to introduce folks to Cloudcroft and the Sacramento Mountains Historical Society. The image on the next page shows the surviving two room fragment of an eleven

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room summer residence that J.A. Eddy, the founder of Cloudcroft, built 1900-1905. It is on the grounds of the SMHS Pioneer Village, and visitors are welcome to tour the cottage.

In the parlor, they may take a deep breath and imagine that they were lucky (and rich) enough to have been there in 1905 when Mrs. Eddy, clad in silks, presided over an elegant dinner, with the Governor of New Mexico as one of the guests.

Now the connection. J.A. Eddy, in creating Cloudcroft was enticing El Pasoans to enjoy the cool air at the top of the Sacramento Mountains, and the Cloudcroft Museum Fest extends a similar invitation to museum curious folks

to travel to Cloudcroft, enjoy the cool mountain air, and sample the exhibits of many local museums.

Planning is still underway, and the list of participating museums is growing. Who knows? There may be twenty five exhibitors.

A few teasers —

Why would the folks in Truth or Consequences want to name their museum the Geronimo Springs Museum?

Las Cruces has a Railroad Museum. Is it possible that there were railroads in New Mexico other than theAlamogordo and Sacramento Mountains Railroad that ran to Cloudcroft and beyond?

Ruidoso has a Wingfield Heritage House Museum.

Who were the Wingfields?

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cloudcroft beer festival see page 11

Continued from previous page

How is it that Kingston, with a population less than 100, can put together a Kingston Ghost Town Museum?

The Tularosa Basin Historical Society occupies a historic building at the corner of white Sands and 10th Street inAlamogordo. What is the history of that building?

What is in theAmerican Armed Forces Museum, about mile 2 on US82? How many times, as you sped by, have you asked yourself that question?

The next time you drive to Arizona, you might want to stop at the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum in Deming, and on the way back try

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out the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Museum.

How many times, on the way to Las Cruces, have you wondered about the White Sands Missile Range Museum? What went on at the Missile Range that laid the foundation for our current space programs?

Or. if the history of Eastern New Mexico tickles your fancy, museums in Carlsbad, Artesia, Roswell, Lovington (pending), and Hobbs (pending), would be delighted to have you visit.

At the Sacramento Mountains Historical Society museum, there is an exhibit about the Baby Sanitarium that provided cool air relief to fragile children before air conditioning became available.

What is in the archives at NMSU in Las Cruces that could tell folks about our local history? And a bit more about Cloudcroft Museum Fest.

The planning is still under-way. We hope to have raffles, hands on activities, tours focusing on Cloudcroft History, food vendors and more. Stay tuned.

The paragraphs above have focused on the Exhibition at the Cloudcroft Pavilion and nearby SMHS grounds, where museum folks will have exhibits designed to attract visitors.

The same day, museum personnel will be able to participate in a Roundtable, where they can ex-changes ideas and ways to make their efforts better.

For More Information

Contact Lynn Melton, lynnmelt@gmail.com, cell: 972-998-8567

Sunspot Solar Observatory Closed Indefinitely

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced it will proceed with demolition and site resto-ration at the Sun-spot Solar Observatory.

The de-cision follows years of re-duced operations and a mer-cury spill that has kept the facility closed for more than seven weeks.

According to theAlbuquerque Journal, on January 5, two New Mexico State

University researchers working inside the tower housing the Richard B. Dunn Solar Telescope discovered an unspecified amount of liquid mercury that had leaked or spilled onto the telescope platform. Mercury is a neurotoxin, and safety protocols were implemented immediately.

The telescope, visitor center, hiking trails, and surrounding grounds have remained closed since, with no estimated reopening timeline given. Officials at the observatory have stated there is no threat to the public or the environment.

Per the NSF announcement:

“After assessing the engineering challenges, anticipated repair costs and safety and environmental risks, NSF determined that removing and safely disposing of the telescope’s mercury is the most prudent course of action. This process will render the Dunn Solar Telescope inoperable. Following remediation, NSF will move forward with demolishing the telescope and restoring the site.

Until the advent of the NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar

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Tele-scope and other more ad-vanced facilities, the Dunn Solar Telescope was central to the scientific exploration of the sun, enabling the study of sunspots, solar flares and the dynamics of the solar atmosphere.

NSF is working with local stakeholders to develop an educational exhibit about the legacy and scientific contributions of the Dunn Solar Telescope and Sacramento Peak Observatory.”

According to NSF, the Dunn Solar Telescope was originally constructed by the U.S.Air Force in 1969. Its 250-ton optical system floated on 120 gallons of liquid mercury sealed within a bearing — a design that was state-of-the-art for its time. TheAir Force transferred the facility to NSF in 1976.

The Cast Iron Cleaning Mistake That Ruins

Your Pan

Most people think they know how to clean cast iron, but almost ever-yone makes the same critical mistake that slowly destroys their pan’s surface.

The biggest error isn’t using soap (that’s actually fine!) or scrubbing too hard—it’s what happens after washing that causes the real damage. This simple oversight leads to rust, sticky surfaces, and food that won’t release properly, turning your reliable kitchen workhorse into a frustrating mess.

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Not drying your pan completely after washing

The most destructive habit people have with cast iron is leaving it damp after cleaning. Even tiny droplets of water left on the surface will cause rust spots to appear within hours. Many people rinse their pan, give it a quick shake, and put it away thinking it’s dry enough. This creates the perfect conditions for oxidation to begin eating away at the iron surface.

Water is cast iron’s biggest enemy, and incomplete drying is how most pans get

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ruined over time.After washing, the pan needs to be completely dried with a towel, then placed on the stove over low heat for a minute or two to evaporate any remaining moisture. Proper drying is the single most important step in cast iron care, yet it gets rushed more than any other part of the process.

Skipping the oil treatment while the pan is warm

Right after drying comes another crucial step that most people either skip entirely or do incorrectly. The pan needs a thin layer of oil applied while it’s still warm from the drying process. This isn’t about heavy seasoning—just a light coating that gets wiped almost completely off with a paper towel. The

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warm surface helps the oil spread evenly and penetrate properly.

When people skip this step, their seasoning breaks down faster with each use. The oil creates a protective barrier that maintains the existing seasoning and prevents moisture from reaching the iron surface. Regular oil treatments keep the pan’s non-stick properties intact and extend the time between major re-seasoning sessions.

Without this protection, even well-seasoned pans start developing sticky spots and uneven cooking surfaces.

Using the wrong cleaning method for stuck food

When food gets stuck to cast iron, most people either soak the pan in water or attack it with harsh scrubbers. Both approaches cause damage that builds up over time. Soaking allows water to penetrate any weak spots in the seasoning, while aggressive scrubbing removes the protective oil layer that took months to build up properly.

The correct approach involves adding a small amount of water to the warm pan and letting it simmer for a few minutes. This loosens stuck food without prolonged water exposure.Ametal spatula or pan scraper can then remove debris without damaging the seasoning.

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Gentle scraping works better than harsh scrubbing and preserves the surface that makes cast iron so effective for cooking.

Storing cast iron in humid environments

Even perfectly cleaned and oiled cast iron can develop problems when stored incorrectly. Humid environments like cabinets near dishwashers, areas under sinks, or poorly ventilated pantries create conditions where moisture slowly attacks the pan’s surface. Many people notice rust appearing on pans that seemed fine when put away, not realizing their storage location is the problem.

Cast iron needs to be stored in dry locations with good air

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Continued from previous page circulation. Placing a paper towel inside the pan absorbs any residual moisture, while storing it in a dry cabinet or hanging it on a wall hook prevents humidity buildup. Some people even place a small packet of rice in their cast iron storage area to absorb excess moisture from the air.

Ignoring early signs of seasoning breakdown

Small dull spots, slight stickiness, or minor discoloration are early warning signs that the seasoning needs attention. Most people ignore these signals until the pan becomes difficult to use, at which point fixing the problem requires much more work. Catching seasoning issues early means a simple oil treatment can solve the prob-

lem before it becomes a major re-seasoning project.

Regular inspection after cleaning helps identify problem areas before they spread. Preventive maintenance involves applying extra oil to any spots that look different from the rest of the surface. This targeted approach keeps the entire pan in good condition and prevents the uneven performance that makes cooking frustrating.

Using too much soap or harsh cleaning products

While soap won’t ruin cast iron like old myths suggested, using too much or choosing harsh products can strip away seasoning unnecessarily. Heavy-duty dish soaps, degreasers, or anything with bleach will re-

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move the oil layer that makes cast iron nonstick. Even regular dish soap should be used sparingly—just a drop or two mixed with warm water is enough for most cleaning jobs.

Bill Graham

Baking soda makes a better cleaning agent for cast iron than soap in many situations. It neutralizes odors and breaks down stuck food without attacking the seasoning layer. For stubborn messes, a paste of baking soda and water works more effectively than harsh chemicals and

won’t require as much reseasoning afterward to restore the pan’s performance.

PEOPLE 3RD PLACE: ROB LANG

"Day Off on a Ranch in New Mexico."

Letting rust spots spread without immediate action

Small rust spots seem harmless, but they grow quickly once they start. Many people notice a tiny orange spot and figure they’ll deal with it later, not realizing that rust spreads beneath the seasoning layer where it can’t be seen. What looks like a minor surface issue often indicates more extensive damage underneath.

Rust removal needs to happen immediately when spots appear. Steel wool or a metal scrubber can remove surface rust, though it will

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Continued from page 151 also remove seasoning in that area.Aggressive scrubbing followed by immediate reseasoning prevents the rust from returning and spreading to other areas of the pan.

Not understanding what sticky residue really means

When cast iron feels sticky or tacky to the touch, it usually means too much oil was applied during the last treatment or the oil wasn’t heated enough to polymerize properly. Many people think sticky residue means the pan needs more oil, which makes the problem worse. The stickiness comes from oil that hasn’t bonded to the surface

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and will transfer to food during cooking.

Fixing sticky cast iron requires removing the excess oil buildup, not adding more. The pan needs to be heated in a hot oven to burn off the sticky layer, then properly re-oiled with just a thin coating. This process might need repeating several times to completely eliminate the stickiness and restore the smooth surface that makes cast iron so effective.

Assuming all cooking oils work the same for maintenance

Different oils create different results when maintaining cast iron, but most people grab whatever cooking oil is handy. Oils with low smoke points

like olive oil or butter can create sticky residues that attract food particles. High smoke point oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil work much better for maintenance because they polymerize more completely when heated.

The type of oil affects how long the treatment lasts and how well it protects the surface. Neutral oils without strong scents also prevent offflavors from developing in foods cooked later.

Choosing appropriate oils for maintenance makes a significant difference in how well the seasoning holds up between uses and how easy the pan is to clean after cooking.

Cast iron care doesn’t have to be complicated, but getting the basics right makes all the difference between a pan that lasts generations and one that becomes a rusty disappointment. The key is developing consistent habits around drying, oiling, and storage that become automatic after every use. With proper care, that cast iron skillet will outlast every other piece of cookware in the kitchen.

TRUISMS for MOM

“I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.”

—Phyllis Diller

“May your coffee be stronger than your toddler.”

—Unknown

“In the end, mothers are always right. No one else tells the truth.”

—Randy Susan Meyers

“Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease.”

—Lisa Alther

“Everybody wants to save the Earth; nobody wants to help Mom do the dishes.”

—P.J. O’Rourke

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’it’s a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.”

—Erma Bombeck

“It just occurred to me that the majority of my diet is made up of food that my kid didn’t finish.”

—Carrie Underwood

“A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.”

—Tenneva Jordan

“Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children.”

—Sam Levenson

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“Having children is like living in a frat house. Nobody sleeps, everything’s broken and there’s a lot of throwing up.”

—Ray Romano

“My sister said once: ‘Anything I don’t want Mother to know, I don’t even think of if she’s in the room.'”

—Agatha Christie

“A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.”

—Tenneva Jordan

“Ah, babies! They’re more than just adorable little creatures on whom you can blame your farts.”

—Tina Fey

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