The Cumbres & Toltec Train Ride

by | Dec 8, 2025 | Bright Lights

Pat and I drove to Chama, New Mexico, for the Cumbes&Toltec train ride to enjoy the fall color. We drove through Santa Fe on the way to Chama, which was coincidental for me. I took that same route when I drove to Moab, Utah, and when I passed Camel Rock, I wished...

Meet Arlo and Elwood

by | Dec 1, 2025 | Bright Lights

I lost Siam and Frosty last year within a few months of each other. Bill passed this February. Then Porche also died unexpectedly in April. I had vowed no more pets because, at this stage of the game, they will most likely outlive me. and then wonder why I am no...

Ariocarpus Bloom in the Fall

by | Nov 24, 2025 | Cactus Are Cool

I have fourteen ariocarpus plants, the oldest going back to 2012.. I can remember losing two along the way, but the ones I have now are doing well. Nine of them have bloomed this fall, three have bloomed twice, and it has been fun to go into the greenhouse and be...

I Received a Random Act of Kindness!

by | Nov 14, 2025 | Bright Lights

I shopped at Sam’s this week, mostly for green beans to add to the dog’s supper for fiber and bulk so she won’t get too heavy since she is missing a leg. Normally, I get one gallon cans of green beans. That day there were only boxes of eight 14 oz....

This is What Dichotomous Branching Looks Like

by | Nov 10, 2025 | Cactus Are Cool

Mammillaria nejapesis is a pretty little cacti native to the Oaxaco region of Mexico. It is a bit different from other cacti in that it is prone to do something called dichotomous branching. I have two of them, and both have branched and are blooming on their...