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Wild clouds over Mount Shasta

When we left Washington on October 2, headed for New Mexico, we already had plans to go back. Jackie had to return for a couple of medical appointments related to a kidney stone, and I wanted to go to 
San Francisco to play in a national bridge tournament, so even selling our house and moving our stuff did not feel quite complete. Now, we are back from our three-week trip to Washington, San Francisco, and Washington, and now... we have plans to go back again, but not for a few months, and this time just to visit. We live in New Mexico now.

It is cold here during the winter, down into the 20s at night sometimes, but as high as 60 in the afternoon. It has not rained since we got back, sunny nearly every day. We have only seen a few balloons - maybe it's too cold, maybe too windy. But when we were in Washington, it was gray most of the time, and it rained most of the time, and it was starting to flood in several counties. The Wednesday game at my bridge club in Olympia was cancelled this week due to flooding and a power outage. It's different here in New Mexico. We like it.

The trip was a great success. Jackie's kidney stone is gone, and Russ and I scored the most points we have ever gotten in a tournament. Also played a couple of games at the Olympia club and saw my old group. All the driving went smoothly, as we put in maybe 3,500 miles just on Interstate 5 and another 1,500 on Interstate 40. No more big trips until...well, at least March or April.

My bridge partners, Alice on the left, Russ, and Kathi. I played with each of them.

Christmas Tree near our hotel in San Bruno. Jackie went to the tree lighting. The mayor made a little speech, lots of folks showed up.

The view from near Mom and Dad's grave. Would be more impressive without the fog - you can see Mount Diablo, as I recall.

Buildings on the hills in the desert. Not sure what those are about.

We stayed at a cool, edgy, and chic Best Western. Not our usual style. And yes, gas was $3.099 next door, and actually under $3 at most stations in Arizona and New Mexico.

Stan, a guy I used to play bridge with, who died a few months ago, had a large collection of cookie jars. His sisters are trying to distribute them among his fellow bridge players, and I took this one. I figure the cactus fits with our new home.