Serve by Design

We recently returned from a two-week visit with our family in New Mexico. The temperature was unseasonably warm, winds were light, and the daily bright sunshine is what is expected in the Land of Enchantment. This is a high desert experience with lots of sagebrush, tumble weed, and sand. Albuquerque has a beauty all its own with its narrow green belt down the Bosque and Rio Grande River. And who can refuse three-hundred days of sunshine! ABQ Balloon Fiesta The conditions were perfect for the Balloon Fiesta this year! It is the world’s largest hot air ballooning event. It is so unique to be down on the infield at Fiesta Park where you can stand side-by-side with pilots and crew members who prepare their balloons for launch just after sunrise. The Balloon Fiesta is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should have on their bucket list! This year we passed on going down to the launch site since we have already been on three other occasions. Instead, we let the balloons come to u...

Steve Nichols, photographer and producer, WAND News, recently led a group of volunteers in a clean-up project at Lake Decatur. He, along with several other "anglers," had noticed how much plastic and metal container debris was scattered around their favorite fishing holes. Several were complaining that the disregard for the local recreational environment was distressing and shocking. Nichols summarized the sentiments of many during an evening newscast as he made an appeal for change with this strong statement, "This should NOT be happening!" He encouraged all who enjoy fishing at the lake to take a trash bag with them to pick up after themselves and spend some time policing the area for other trash left behind. Ready for Recycling Bin! We have been recycling for several years now. It gives us a measure of consolation that the plastic, paper, aluminum and even the glass we generate can be reprocessed "to see another day of usefulness!" I'm happy to repo...