tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85680450424078403942024-03-14T07:51:18.734-04:00No Write or WrongFollow me on my journey to become a published author.
I am a professional editor and an aspiring writer of both novels and short stories.Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-72339475020482526992016-06-22T12:44:00.005-04:002016-06-22T12:44:50.401-04:00Website update...I'm currently working with the web designer for my new site! I'm not positive when the migration of this blog will happen over to Wordpress, but it will likely be soon.<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-4520805244028461612016-05-31T18:21:00.002-04:002016-05-31T18:21:31.275-04:00Quick update...Hey, everyone!<br />
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Just a quick update-I'm still working with my web designer, and I'll still be migrating my blog over to Wordpress.<br />
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She's also working on a new logo for me--I love what she's come up with so far!<br />
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We recently moved into a new house and have been super busy unpacking, so I haven't been around online much.<br />
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I'll keep you posted when I know more!<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-11847718397145553492016-04-30T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-30T05:00:06.938-04:00Z is for Zia @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeThe Zia Sun Symbol is commonly seen around New Mexico, even on their state flag. But where did it come from? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Mexico's state flag, Picture from <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_New_Mexico.svg/1024px-Flag_of_New_Mexico.svg.png">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zia_people">Zia people</a> are an indigenous tribe, and they currently live on the Zia Pueblo outside of Albuquerque. <div>
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The sun is considered a <a href="http://zia.com/home/zia_info.html">sacred symbol</a>, and the Zia symbol design reflects the tribe's philosophy of harmony of all things in the universe.</div>
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There are four rays in four directions on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zia_people#The_Zia_Sun_symbol">Zia Sun Symbol</a>, meant to show the four points on the compass, four seasons of the year, the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, old age), and the four sacred obligations one must develop according to Zia belief (strong body, clear mind, pure spirit, and devotion to the welfare of others). </div>
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The state flag of New Mexico (pictured above) has the red Zia on a field of Spanish yellow, symbolizing both parts of the state's culture and heritage.</div>
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I hope you've enjoyed these little snippets of New Mexican information! I've learned a lot about my new home (though there's a lot more out there) and I can't wait to explore my new home state. </div>
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Happy A-Z-ing!</div>
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xoxo Sarah<br /></div>
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Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-83140603566887317052016-04-29T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-29T05:00:08.594-04:00Y is for Yucca @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeNew Mexico's <a href="http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/new-mexico/state-flower/yucca">state flower is the yucca</a>, and has been officially since 1927.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmott9/3634766399/in/photolist-6xc8qc-4VPTyn-nEsoRf-48WsXo-6wuJ4n-exUGeq-35ci7Q-f6guHy-aPRcG-bFEvQt-5haAdg-5haSwa-cEPSJy-sJzik-4z9GhF-9crZpf-9crZqU-bFEvo6-4VU9P5-e8fYMz-4G4cxL-8n6GNb-8n3zEB-gKjFqd-dai1xS-dahZL8-bCR3Po-bCR3X7-bCR3rS-bRKLPR-bRKLX8-dahZDr-dahZS8-dai1db-dahZxK-cdh72S-cdh6LU-bVUJWH-cdh6Wy-cdh7kj-bVUKuk-cdh6zS-dai3gx-EYNq8-5zhGtW-f35qMJ-5T4jNe-fzAoAf-2nSea-fzAmLC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Yucca"><img alt="Yucca" height="240" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3551/3634766399_628027058a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yucca Flower Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmott9/3634766399/in/photolist-6xc8qc-4VPTyn-nEsoRf-48WsXo-6wuJ4n-exUGeq-35ci7Q-f6guHy-aPRcG-bFEvQt-5haAdg-5haSwa-cEPSJy-sJzik-4z9GhF-9crZpf-9crZqU-bFEvo6-4VU9P5-e8fYMz-4G4cxL-8n6GNb-8n3zEB-gKjFqd-dai1xS-dahZL8-bCR3Po-bCR3X7-bCR3rS-bRKLPR-bRKLX8-dahZDr-dahZS8-dai1db-dahZxK-cdh72S-cdh6LU-bVUJWH-cdh6Wy-cdh7kj-bVUKuk-cdh6zS-dai3gx-EYNq8-5zhGtW-f35qMJ-5T4jNe-fzAoAf-2nSea-fzAmLC">DM on Flickr</a></td></tr>
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There are about 40-50 species (including perennials, shrubs, and trees) and none are actually specified as the state flower.<br />
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They're pollinated by a specific moth that goes from flower to flower and deliberately transfers the pollen from the stamen of one to the stigma of another, then lays eggs in the flower. The moth's offspring eat some of the developing seeds when they hatch.<br />
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Pretty cool, huh?<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-91642834499150489522016-04-28T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-28T05:00:06.944-04:00X is for Explora! @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeOne of the most fun museums I've ever been to has to be <a href="http://www.explora.us/en/">Explora</a>! (yes, it has exclamation points in its name), located on the west side of Albuquerque.<br />
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It's an interactive museum--all of the exhibits are things you can touch and play with.<br />
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Most of the topics are science and technology, and the <a href="http://www.explora.us/en/visit/exhibits-page">different exhibits</a> are fun to play with.<br />
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Want to learn about aerodynamics first-hand? Try and float various items on a stream of air!<br />
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Sound waves? Light? Gravity? Learn about all of these while interacting with objects and instruments.<br />
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Even better, Explora! has <a href="http://www.explora.us/en/events/gcal-explora">special events</a> like Adult Night. If you've ever been to a science museum and watched kids play with the children's exhibits, trying hard not to move them out of the way and play with the exhibits yourself, you're in luck--this is exactly what it's for. We had a blast making giant bubbles and playing with blocks without worrying we were going to get kicked out.<br />
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If you want to have a fun day out, I totally recommend checking out Explora!<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-76521965117387675602016-04-27T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-27T05:00:00.149-04:00W is for Watermelon @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeSandia, in Spanish, translates to "watermelon". <a href="http://www.visitalbuquerque.org/albuquerque/outdoors/scenic-hiking/">So, the pretty Sandia Mountains are really the Watermelon Mountains</a>.<br />
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Why the odd name? </div>
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Because, at sunset, the Sandias turn a lovely pink shade in the fading light. Sorry I don't have a picture of it (it only lasts a minute or two, and I'm often not near my phone), but here's a great shot of the mountains.<br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-04-02T23:14:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 2, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT</time></div>
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xoxo Sarah</div>
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Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-21236739339892463872016-04-26T07:00:00.000-04:002016-04-26T07:00:30.817-04:00Bonus V: Valency Genis Art @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge @ValencySo I decided to do this extra post because my friend, Valency, is a talented artist and because she lives in New Mexico, it's perfect for my A-Z Challenge theme!<br />
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Valency got her BFA degree at the University of New Mexico, and has been creating what she calls vegan taxidermy ever since. Her extraordinary pieces resemble, well, decapitated Dr. Seuss creatures, and each one is lovingly crafted to find their forever home. Some of her creations have gone to people from <a href="http://www.pixar.com/">Pixar, </a>and even Vincent Price's daughter took one home!<br />
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She recently had a very successful show in Chicago, and I know she's creating new creatures for some upcoming events. If you like her work, she ships all over the world.<br />
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Before I link to some pics of her amazing work, Valency can be found on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ValencyArt/<br />
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And on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/valency/">Instagram </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/Valency">Twitter </a>as @Valency<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCOrAC7wNy4/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Something's fishy around here... I put the link in my Instagram profile to sign up for @Rotofugi's online preview for my show next Friday! Look out, Chicago!! ❤️ #Rotofugi #RotofugiGallery #SpiritAnimals #ValencyGenis #ChicagoArt #FauxTaxidermy #TaxidermyFish #TaxidermyShark #VeganTaxidermy #Fish #Shark</a></div>
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A photo posted by Valency Genis (@valency) on <time datetime="2016-02-26T00:24:09+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 25, 2016 at 4:24pm PST</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCJ7PEaQNx3/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Just 10 days to go until my big solo show at @Rotofugi Gallery in Chicago!! My studio walls are just bursting with new pieces ❤️🎉❤️ #SpiritAnimals #ValencyGenis #FauxTaxidermy #Rotofugi #ChicagoArt</a></div>
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A photo posted by Valency Genis (@valency) on <time datetime="2016-02-24T04:09:48+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 23, 2016 at 8:09pm PST</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_-fcT_wN8e/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Happy New Years, everyone!! Here's to a fantastic 2016 ❤️❤️❤️ #2015BestNine #HappyNewYears</a></div>
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A photo posted by Valency Genis (@valency) on <time datetime="2016-01-01T00:32:31+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 31, 2015 at 4:32pm PST</time></div>
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-66071707011403057902016-04-26T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-26T05:00:06.459-04:00V is for Vino @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeNo one was more surprised than me when I learned that New Mexico has vineyards.<br />
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Because the first thing I think of when I think "wine" is a dry, desert environment. Perfect for growing grapes, of course. /sarcasm<br />
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So, of course I had to sample some New Mexican wines to figure out exactly how bad--or good--they were.<br />
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Here were the contenders:
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDb9Z1Aurwd/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Wine tasting--the things I do for my blog challenges. #wine #newmexico #atozchallenge</a></div>
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-03-27T00:46:28+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 26, 2016 at 5:46pm PDT</time></div>
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There was <a href="http://www.stclairwinery.com/">St. Clair Winery</a> Cabernet Sauvignon and <a href="http://www.blueteal.com/">Blue Teal</a> Reisling. I figured it would be good to have a red and a white. The third wine, a Moscato from <a href="http://www.vmoscato.com/where-to-buy.html">Voluptuous</a>, was purchased because it was as close to a dessert wine I could find.<br />
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Of course we had to have delicious snobby wine-tasting snacks.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDb9WuQOrwW/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Wine tasting--the things I do for my blog challenges. #wine #newmexico #atozchallenge</a></div>
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-03-27T00:46:03+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 26, 2016 at 5:46pm PDT</time></div>
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And now for the verdicts. Disclaimer: Neither of us are professional wine tasters; we normally just drink what we like. All opinions are our own--if we didn't like a wine, it doesn't mean it's bad. It just means it wasn't for us.<br />
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The St. Clair was, by far, not our favorite. I'll preface this by saying that neither of us are huge fans of red wine (though there are a few I've come across that I do enjoy), but neither of us thought the Cabernet had rich flavor or was enjoyable.<br />
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The Blue Teal Reisling, on the other hand, was very good! Surprisingly so. Hubs is a big fan of sweet wine, and this Reisling was a bit on the sweeter side (for a Reisling), so he was in heaven. I enjoyed it, but it almost bordered on dessert wine to me. I'd definitely get it again, though!<br />
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The Voluptuous Moscato was very sweet--definitely a dessert-like wine, but it's supposed to be. The flavor was good, and it was best chilled.<br />
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Summary: New Mexican wines are worth a try. Apparently an arid climate can produce tasty grapes! Who knew?<br />
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Have you ever had a wine from a surprising place? How about New Mexican wine? What did you think? Tell me in the comments!<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-57906825036902615432016-04-25T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-25T05:00:04.993-04:00U is for University (UNM) @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeThe main campus for the <a href="https://www.unm.edu/">University of New Mexico</a>, a large public university, is located right in Albuquerque. If you can't make it to the main campus, there are four satellite campuses around New Mexico.<br />
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It was founded in 1889, and is very close to Nob Hill and central Albuquerque. It offers more than <a href="http://degrees.unm.edu/">200 undergraduate degree programs</a>, and offers a variety of associate and certificate programs as well as graduate and professional programs.<br />
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UNM is well-known for its research programs, and has a <a href="http://hospitals.unm.edu/">hospital</a> associated with campus as well.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.golobos.com/">UNM mascot is the Lobo (wolf)</a>, and their athletic teams play <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_Lobos">NCAA Division I in the Mountain West Conference</a>.<br />
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We haven't seen any games yet, but it's definitely on our list! Hubs and I love college sports.<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-79547029554979125852016-04-23T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-24T16:10:30.423-04:00T is for Tram @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeOne way to get to the top of the lovely Sandia Mountains is to take the tram. The <a href="http://sandiapeak.com/index.php?page=sandia-peak-tramway">Sandia Peak Tramway</a> begins in the foothills at the base of the Sandias and runs over two and a half miles to the top. It's one of the most popular things to do in Albuquerque.<br />
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<a href="http://sandiapeak.com/index.php?page=history-technology">It's supported by two towers</a> between the first and last station, and took two years to construct. It was built by a Swiss company in the 1960s, and made its first trip up in 1966. The journey takes about fifteen minutes each way, and each tram car has a guide on it who will talk you through what you're seeing--the landscape, the different rocks, the trees.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from the <a href="http://sandiapeak.com/index.php?mact=Album,mff022,default,1&mff022albumid=1&mff022returnid=23&page=23">Summer Tram Photo Gallery</a></td></tr>
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There's even a restaurant at the very top, so you can stop and have something to eat and enjoy the gorgeous views.</div>
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From the top, you can get to the <a href="http://www.skinewmexico.com/resorts/sandia-peak/">Sandia Peak ski area</a> as well as hike various trails. The tram is also one of the outlets for the <a href="http://sarahallanauthor.blogspot.com/2016/04/l-is-for-la-luz-trail-atozchallenge.html">La Luz Trail we discussed on L</a>, and a lot of folks take the tram down after they've hiked all the way up.</div>
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At any rate, this is one unique way to see New Mexico!</div>
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xoxo Sarah</div>
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Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-26459393116215867452016-04-22T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-22T05:00:04.938-04:00S is for Sandia and Skiing! @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeThe beautiful <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandia_Mountains">Sandia Mountains </a>border Albuquerque on the eastern side. While Albuquerque itself is at about 5,500 feet in elevation, Sandia Crest is its highest point at 10,678 feet, and the mountains provide a lot to do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.visitalbuquerque.org/albuquerque/outdoors/scenic-hiking/">Hiking </a>is a popular activity, and from the Crest, you have breathtaking views of Albuquerque and beyond. There are <a href="http://www.sandiahiking.com/trailguide.html">over twenty trails</a>, and they range from easy to very difficult, so there's plenty to satisfy every hiker.<br />
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Sandia Peak is also<a href="http://www.skinewmexico.com/resorts/sandia-peak/"> known for its skiing</a>. The ski area is on the eastern side of the mountain, and is a short drive for those with the urge to enjoy some winter sports.<br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2015-10-13T21:42:17+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 13, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT</time></div>
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-56145314139007206922016-04-21T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-21T05:00:01.172-04:00R is for Rio Grande @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeThe <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Grande">Rio Grande</a> ("Grand River" or "Big River" in Spanish, in case you've never really thought about it) runs from Colorado into New Mexico and then forms the border between Mexico and Texas as it empties out into the Gulf of Mexico.<br />
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The Rio Grande <a href="https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/go-beyond-about-open-space-lands/enjoying-the-rio-grande">runs through Albuquerque</a>, and you can enjoy it in non-motorized craft. There's a lot of wildlife to see near the river, and the plant-life is green in the desert landscape.<br />
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There's even a <a href="http://www.visitalbuquerque.org/listings/Rio-Grande-Nature-Center-State-Park/4282/">Rio Grande Nature Park Center</a> in northwest Albuquerque, which is worth a look!<br />
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See you next time for S! I hope you're enjoying the blogfest.<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-33192905913783698632016-04-20T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-20T05:00:00.711-04:00Q is for Queso @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeAs you've seen from <a href="http://sarahallanauthor.blogspot.com/2016/04/h-is-for-hatch-chiles-atozchallenge.html">H is for Hatch Chiles</a>, they're the bee's knees in New Mexico and they're in everything here. Creme brulee, bagels, wine (no, I'm not kidding), and one friend even ordered a lobster roll with green chiles. Being from New England, she was not thrilled with the result, but that's not the point. The point is, New Mexicans love their chiles, even putting them in things that, well, probably shouldn't be tampered with.<br />
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But queso isn't one of them. It's <i>made </i>for Hatch chiles.<br />
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In the interest of finding a delicious restaurant-style queso dip you lovely readers can try, I tracked down two recipes on the interwebs (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sarahallan25/">Pinterest</a>, to be specific), and taste-tested them for you.<br />
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It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.<br />
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<b>Queso Recipe #1:</b> <a href="http://cooklikeachampion.com/2013/09/hatch-chile-queso/">Roasted Hatch Chile Queso Dip from Cook Like A Champion</a><br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-03-20T23:50:45+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 20, 2016 at 4:50pm PDT</time></div>
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First off, this recipe was very tasty! I got the American cheese from the deli (Boar's Head brand; I'm a bit of a deli snob), and the Monterrey Jack in a block from the regular 'ol cheese section which I took home and grated. I had everything prepped and sliced ahead of time which was good, because once we started, this dip came together quickly. I had a can of <a href="http://www.hatchchileco.com/shop/green-chile-peppers/hatch-whole-green-chiles-case-627oz/">Hatch Green Chiles (whole)</a>, and there were probably 10 of them in the can, already skinned and seeded. They'd actually be perfect for stuffing, but that's for another time. Anyway, I chopped up two of them, and I think this recipe could actually use a third. These were very mild, but had a nice, sweet flavor to them. I was actually a little disappointed that it didn't have more heat and wasn't quiiiite as flavorful as I'd expected. The dip thickened very quickly once it was off the heat, and we microwaved it the next day (adding about a tablespoon of milk to thin it out and microwaving it in 30 second intervals, stirring after each) and it was just as good.<br />
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<b>Queso Recipe #2:</b> <a href="http://www.thewickednoodle.com/hatch-chile-queso-dip/">Roasted Hatch Chile Queso Dip from The Wicked Noodle</a><br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-04-05T00:34:05+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 4, 2016 at 5:34pm PDT</time></div>
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Though the other queso dip was good, this one was the clear winner! It had a stronger chile flavor (it uses 3 chiles instead of 2), and we thought it would be even better with another chile added. The Mexican cheese blend was better as well. It was very thick while mixing, but thinned out readily when the half-and-half was added. It also didn't firm up so much as it cooled that you couldn't dip a chip, a complaint we had about the first recipe.<br />
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Time for me to go warm some up and enter another cheese coma!<br />
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What's your favorite queso?<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-74163186160354714622016-04-19T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-19T05:00:08.054-04:00P is for Petroglyph National Monument @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroglyph_National_Monument">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm">Petroglyph National Monument</a> falls under the National Park Service, and stretches along Albuquerque, New Mexico's west mesa. As the NPS website says, "Petroglyph National Monument protects on of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved into volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers."<br />
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There's a visitor's center, but there aren't any petroglyph viewing areas there, so you'll have to go to the trails, which you can hike.<br />
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There are <a href="http://www.nps.gov/petr/planyourvisit/things2do.htm">three trails</a> where you can see petroglyphs and one without any. It's very neat to be able to be up close and personal with such vivid history.<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-77355147922380608162016-04-18T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-18T05:00:02.795-04:00O is for October: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallengeConsidered to be the most photographed event in the <i>world</i>, the <a href="http://www.balloonfiesta.com/">Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta</a> is the largest ballooning event in the U.S. and is held every October.<br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-03-30T23:35:09+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 30, 2016 at 4:35pm PDT</time></div>
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The Fiesta has many events, including mass ascensions, special shapes, and even special events and competitions.<br />
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What makes ballooning in Albuquerque so good? It's what's known as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_International_Balloon_Fiesta#Albuquerque_box">Albuquerque box</a>--predictable wind patterns that are great for ballooning. Below is a diagram of how the winds in the Albuquerque box work from Balloon Fiesta Park. The balloons rise and are taken south by southerly winds, then rise and are swept north in the higher altitude by northerly winds. When they drop in altitude, they are caught by the southerly winds again which bring them back to the park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_International_Balloon_Fiesta#/media/File:Albuquerquebox.png">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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Of course, things don't always go so neatly, so each balloon has pilots and crew. This includes people to keep track of and chase the balloons down and help load them back up after landing.<br />
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If you visit, going up in a balloon can be quite expensive (during the Fiesta they're more expensive and run about $300 <i>per person</i>, give or take) but it might be worth it if it's on your bucket list!</div>
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Otherwise, enjoy the festival and the colorful balloons.</div>
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-7203173548942557882016-04-16T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-16T05:00:11.282-04:00N is for Nob Hill #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z @abqnobhill<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nob_Hill,_Albuquerque,_New_Mexico">Nob Hill in Albuquerque</a> is actually named after Nob Hill in San Francisco, and is considered to be the commercial area alongside Central Avenue (which we discussed on C day as also being U.S. Route 66) and the surrounding residential areas. Nob Hill is east of the University of New Mexico, and encompasses a roughly square shape that runs from Lomas on the north side, Girard on the west, Garfield/Zuni to the south, and Washington on the east.<br />
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<a href="http://route66central.com/">Nob Hill</a> (which <a href="http://nobhillis100.com/">turns 100 this year</a>) is a vibrant community filled with locally-owned shops and restaurants. Events are often held along Central (like <a href="https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/things-to-do/annual-events/summerfest/route-66-summerfest">Route 66 Summerfest</a>).<br />
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It's a great place to enjoy a small-community feel in a city, and a wonderful place to enjoy a night out, whether you want to go to the cinema, go dancing, or enjoy a nice meal out.<br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-03-21T00:55:56+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 20, 2016 at 5:55pm PDT</time></div>
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Stay tuned for O!<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-30777574997076484942016-04-15T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-15T05:00:07.320-04:00M is for Museum (Nuclear Science & History) #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2ZThe <a href="http://www.nuclearmuseum.org/">National Museum of Nuclear Science & History</a> (yes, I'm aware it technically starts with N, but I'm taking liberties here) is located in Albuquerque, and is a great way to spend some time.<br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2016-04-02T23:13:33+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 2, 2016 at 4:13pm PDT</time></div>
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We've gone once so far and we had a great time. It's easy to get to, has plenty of parking, and, best of all, is very interesting.<br />
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When we visited, there was a Modern Marvels from the History Channel show that they broadcast in the little theater. It was about 45 minutes long, and gave a great history of the Manhattan Project and nuclear science in general. It was worth watching before we went and explored the rest of the museum because we found we recognized names, locations, and dates from the show as we walked around.<br />
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The museum itself isn't huge, but it's laid out in a way that makes it easy to explore. There are interactive and kid-friendly areas scattered about and not one large kid area--great to hold their interest as you all walk through. The exhibits are labeled well and are often in chronological order, so you can follow nuclear history through...history.<br />
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There are special exhibitions as well, so check their website to see what's there.<br />
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I'd definitely go back, and I'd encourage anyone visiting Albuquerque to budget half a day or so to this fun museum.<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-31111965973199207312016-04-14T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-14T05:00:01.289-04:00L is for La Luz Trail #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/View_from_the_La_Luz_Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/View_from_the_La_Luz_Trail.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Luz_Trail">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.laluztrail.com/">La Luz Trail</a> is an approximately 8 mile hiking trail that leads from the base of the Sandia Mountains to Sandia Crest.<br />
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It's a strenuous trail and folks attempting it should be in appropriate physical condition. Be sure to leave enough time to do the loop (or take the tram down), bring plenty of water and snacks, and to wear proper gear.<br />
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It offers lovely views of Albuquerque and the surrounding area.<br />
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No, we haven't done the trail yet, but it's on our list of things to explore!<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-34662103451142968112016-04-13T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-13T05:00:05.529-04:00K is for Kirtland AFB #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtland_Air_Force_Base">Kirtland Air Force Base</a> is a big part of Albuquerque. It's in the southeast part of the city, and adjacent to Albuquerque International Sunport (the airport).<br />
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It was born out of three private airfields in the late 1920s, and actual <a href="http://www.kirtland.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=20526">construction was completed in the early 1940s</a>. Before it was named for Col. Roy C. Kirtland, it was known as Albuquerque Army Air Base. During WWII, B-17 and B-24 bombers were trained there. After the war, the base was placed under a different command and took up the task of test flight activities for the Manhattan Engineering District, the same organization that produced the atomic bomb.<br />
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In 1973, Kirtland enlarged due to the combining of Kirtland, Manzano, and Sandia bases.<br />
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Kirtland is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year!<br />
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It's currently the sixth largest base in the U.S. Air Force, and is known for being home to the Nuclear Weapons Center, and is also home to other well-known research facilities such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandia_National_Laboratories">Sandia National Laboratories</a>.<br />
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Stay tuned for N!<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-70806172587720606492016-04-12T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-12T05:00:04.299-04:00J is for Jackrabbit #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2ZNew Mexico has a variety of interesting wildlife in general, including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-tailed_jackrabbit">Black-Tailed Jackrabbits</a> which inhabit a <a href="http://infohost.nmt.edu/~klathrop/FGmammals.htm#JackRabbit">good portion of the state</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Jackrabbit2_crop.JPG/800px-Jackrabbit2_crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Jackrabbit2_crop.JPG/800px-Jackrabbit2_crop.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Jackrabbit2_crop.JPG/800px-Jackrabbit2_crop.JPG">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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Even stranger, though, is that New Mexico--the southern bit, anyway--is home to <a href="http://infohost.nmt.edu/~klathrop/FGmammals.htm#Jaguar">jaguars</a>. They're extremely rare, but they are listed as a native species.<br />
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So, of all the interesting things that can kill you on your outdoor explorations--snakes, falling, etc.--fierce felines are also on the list. They're not common, though, because most of New Mexico is dry and desert-y, and jaguars prefer places with trees. So just watch out for the mountain lions and you'll be all set.<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-78053055160359244912016-04-11T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-11T05:00:01.188-04:00I is for Isotopes Baseball #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2ZOne nice thing about Albuquerque is that they have a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_Isotopes">Minor League Baseball team</a>! The <a href="http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t342">Isotopes </a>are part of the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albuquerque Isotopes logo from <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4f/AlbuquerqueIsotopes.png">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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<br />Albuquerque and New Mexico is often associated with nuclear research and technology (Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos, and the Manhattan Project), the name is very appropriate. And the Isotopes do have an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_Isotopes#Name_origins">interesting connection with The Simpsons television show</a>.<br />
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They play at Isotopes Park, and in 2016 they have their home opener on Friday, April 15th.<br />
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While not being huge baseball fans (it's a snoozer to watch on TV, in my opinion), the Isotopes games are a lot of fun to go to. There's a good variety of food to eat, and they have some fun giveaways and theme nights.<br />
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-41374313416515810092016-04-09T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-09T11:33:08.131-04:00H is for Hatch Chiles #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2ZIf you talk to anyone who's lived in New Mexico, the chile season (which runs each fall) begins and ends with <a href="http://www.hatchchileco.com/">Hatch</a>.<br />
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Hatch is an area (the Hatch Valley, and the village of Hatch) that grows New Mexico green chile (no, they're not jalapenos--they're their own thing, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_chile">a specific type, of which there are several varieties</a>).<br />
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The green chiles are sharper in flavor and have more front heat, while the ripe red ones tend to have a more complex flavor and less front heat but more back heat.<br />
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In the late summer and early fall, the chile harvest begins. You'll start to see crates of Hatch chiles showing up in grocery stores, and there will be chile roasting areas, too, where if you get a certain amount, you can get them roasted for free.<br />
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If you can't get to New Mexico to get some fresh roasted chile or to the <a href="http://www.hatchchilefest.com/">Hatch Chile Festival</a> in early September, Hatch does <a href="http://www.hatchchileco.com/shop/">sell it online</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hatchchileco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Sadies-Salsa-Not-as-Hot-16-oz-12351-300x394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hatchchileco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Sadies-Salsa-Not-as-Hot-16-oz-12351-300x394.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from <a href="http://www.hatchchileco.com/shop/salsas-taco-sauce/sadies-salsa-not-as-hot-case-1216oz/">Hatch Chile Co website</a></td></tr>
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In restaurants where New Mexican cuisine is served, you'll be asked, "Red, green, or Christmas?" They're asking you whether you want red chile sauce, green chile sauce, or both (Christmas) on your meal. I prefer the red chile myself, and I'll often get it on the side, because your food usually comes smothered in it. It's also a good idea to ask your server how hot the chile is that day, because it can be tough to control the heat--probably the luck of the draw for which chiles the chef gets that day.<br />
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If I have a recommendation from their website, it's to get the <a href="http://www.hatchchileco.com/shop/salsas-taco-sauce/sadies-salsa-not-as-hot-case-1216oz/">Sadie's Not As Hot salsa</a>. <a href="http://www.sadiesofnewmexico.com/">Sadie's is a restaurant</a> started in Albuquerque (they have a few locations) and the food is delicious. Their in-house salsa has a good kick to it, and their Not As Hot salsa does as well, but not as much. <br />
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If you're ever in New Mexico, the chile is a must.<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-1398392856032643222016-04-08T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-08T05:00:05.309-04:00G is for Gambling #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_casinos_in_New_Mexico">Casinos</a> aren't uncommon in New Mexico, and, like many in the U.S., a good number are run by Native Americans on their lands.<br />
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There are <a href="http://newmexico.casinocity.com/">a few in Albuquerque</a> itself, but a good number are outside of the cities on the Pueblos. Santa Fe has quite a few nearby as well.<br />
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As with most casinos, you'll encounter plenty of gambling but also buffets, restaurants, and shows. If you're looking for something a little different, or to see a concert, they might be a good bet.<br />
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xoxo Sarah<br />
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<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-28473691623519536552016-04-07T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-07T05:00:10.679-04:00F is for 505 #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_505">New Mexico actually has two area codes: 575 and 505</a>.<br />
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The 505 dates back to being one of the original area codes established in 1947.<br />
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Due to the demand for new numbers, the 575 was created in 2007. It actually covers more of the state, but the areas with higher populations are still under 505.<br />
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Still, the state had one area code for so long that "The 505" is considered a slang term for New Mexico.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_505">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
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xoxo SarahSarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8568045042407840394.post-76107473123178625622016-04-06T05:00:00.000-04:002016-04-06T05:00:02.467-04:00E is for Enchantment #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2ZNew Mexico has a pretty fabulous nickname: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico">Land of Enchantment</a>. Surprisingly, it only became the official nickname in 1999.<br />
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What makes the <a href="http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/nm_intro.htm">nickname so great</a> is that it encompasses so much of the state's history and landscape. Not only does New Mexico have stunning views (enchanting, perhaps?), but it was inhabited by indigenous peoples for a long time before Europeans explored the New World.<br />
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The gorgeous scenery combined with the rich history of many peoples combines to make a truly enchanting place.<br />
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A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on <time datetime="2015-11-18T18:52:49+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 18, 2015 at 10:52am PST</time></div>
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xoxo Sarah<br />
<br />Sarah Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400991060848486889noreply@blogger.com6