October 7 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Bill was up around 6:30 so he could be one of the first in line to have our truck oil changed so I got up as he was leaving as not to miss the first balloon in the air. I took Xena for a quick outing and on the way out I could see bits of balloons through the trees so hurried her back so I would have my cameras ready. Although I could see the colors on the balloons it was still a bit dark so they didn’t photograph very well. Then when they got up nicely the sun also came over the Sandia Mountains behind the balloons, so those pictures didn’t turn out so good. They all went south and I think the ideas was they were to circle around west, north and east and land back at the Fiesta Park where they left from. Once they got up and moving the photos got much better as long as they weren’t so far away. It was really something to see. There were so many colors and designs. I won’t remember all that I saw but there was Sponge Bob, a pig, witch on a broom, haunted house, heart, rocket ship, a sun, kangaroo, 3 bumble bees, lady bug on a flower and many characters that I think were from foreign cartoons. I did see a Dresden pitcher and a matryoshka doll and what I think was a British flag in the shape of a triangle. Oh and there was a lighthouse and a huge saguaro cactus. They didn’t all go up today so I guess I’ll see some different ones tomorrow. It was great to just sit outside in my chair in my pajamas with my mug of tea and watch the balloons take off, circle around and land. Bill said 2 landed across from the Dodge dealer and there were still some in the air when he got back so he didn’t totally miss it, but he still has 2 days.

Bill not only had the oil changed but Big Blue was due for 2 other preventive maintenance items so it’s all done and we’re good to go for a while again.

Once the balloons were done I showered and we headed for Old Town Albuquerque. We looked for a Direct TV shop to take a look at our dish and make sure the problem was not the dish. The 2 addresses we had were not good so instead we went on our way as planned and once we got parked we decided to have lunch and then check out the shops for a couple of hours. Like most tourist places the shops become redundant in a hurry. We each got a new Balloon Fiesta t-shirt and Bill got a small kachina that is very different from any we have and the rest were gifts or postcards. I did look for a ring but didn’t find what I wanted and didn’t really want to go into 10-15 shops. I still have plenty of time to find one. We stopped at the grocery on the way home as I wanted Bill to grill and we didn’t have any chicken left or buns. We contacted a guy to come check our satellite dish tomorrow and then I put sweet potatoes in to roast and Bill set up the grill and did chicken, venison burgers and hot links. We have enough for 2 more dinners and a lunch or 2. That way I don’t have to do a whole meal for the next couple of nights. We think we’re going to the Fiesta Park tomorrow after the balloons take off and the traffic is leaving. Then on Saturday we want to go to Sandia Peak.

San Philipe de Nieri

At about 7:30 tonight they set off fireworks at the Fiesta and once again we had prime seats without leaving. We sat outside and watched and it was great. Xena was not happy with the noise and sat at the door like she thought we were going to desert her. I watched Grey’s Anatomy and downloaded today’s photos. Got a couple of nice ones. Posted another blog. Time to get to bed so I’m awake for tomorrow’s balloons!