Family is like Fudge: mostly sweet, with a few nuts!..

Happy Thanksgiving from the"Wild Wild West" of Cloud Croft, New Mexico. 

Jerry, Sheryl, Stuart, Megan and Dylan

We went all "crazy" and decided to take an Old West photo for kicks while playing tourist in the mountain towns of New Mexico. Dylan and I had a grand time!! My mother took the cake though! We had to pick a picture where everyone smiled because she could not make a serious face to save her life! Every shot we took she was smiling. My mom is just too nice; does not have a mean or serious bone in her body!

We stayed in gorgeous two-story cabin in Ruidoso, thanks to family/friends from El Paso. We woke up every morning to a gorgeous view of the Lincoln National Forest and Mescalero Indian Reservation. My dad named Goobz the "Deer Hunter" because every morning when we took him out, Goobz tried to chase and attack the deer. Yes I know; they are about 10 times the size of my dog, but he does not care. We are beginning to think we should have named him Napoleon because he thinks he is bigger and badder than anyone else. Hehe!

Weather was gorgeous! Low 60s during the day with plenty of sunshine and sweet smelling pine forests!

We visited Inn of the Mountain Gods (casino), one of my favorite places to visit while in Ruidoso. It is set down in the valley of the mountains, with this perfectly blue lake behind it and a gorgeous view of the Sierra Blanca Mountain and Ski Apache in the background. None of us really enjoy gambling, but it is always wonderfully decorated for the holiday season with fun activities, food and stuff to buy/window shop.

"Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!" -Albert Einstein-

Dylan and I had such a wonderful time being back in the mountains! I am so very grateful to my parents for making this happen and for my brother agreeing to come down and spend time with us. Thanksgiving was always G-ma Day's holiday, and I believe it will forever feel strange to not be in El Paso with her, God rest her soul. I can say though that being in Ruidoso, visiting old familiar places, eating yummy El Paso tamales, watching/listening to Bedlam game and reminiscing about holidays past made me feel closer to her this break and not miss her so much.

               Family never truly leaves us; they just find new ways to be with you and fill your soul with light.