The Sandia Mountains: Yes, they really are that beautiful.

The Land of Enchantment, they call it. The Land of Entrapment, the smart asses call it.

Yet who can argue? After nearly a year and a half bombing around Mexico and Costa Rica and all points in between, I find myself back in New Mexico in the middle of a biting recession, a new era for national leadership, and a windy spring. For the first time in a long time, I own a pillow and a large bath towell.

I planned to come back, just not this soon. But that’s how life works sometimes, and who could argue that any time spent in close proximity to this mountain range was time wasted? Whether that time is spent going camping, reading, studying, playing in casinos (http://www.partycasino.com/) or swimming, it is time well-spent. The mountains are awesome, inspiring and uplifting. Might have to go climb them one day.

No matter what happens, though, the blog goes on. Look for meditations on Albuquerque, New Mexico, and our Old Mexican neighbors to the south. And whatever else.

It’s a very interesting life, and that statement seems to take on new and deeper meaning every year. So here’s to a fascinating 2009. Hope you’ll stay tuned.