End Is Near - for School

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section July 31, 2010

Why is this line so long? Did you bring the bus form we have to turn in? Why can't I get the gold parking pass now? My registration fee is how much? I really don't remember there ever being a line this long.

There I was last Wednesday morning, standing in line to register my daughter for her senior year at Rio Rancho High School. A line that at 8 a.m. I thought would be nonexistent, but instead snaked its way from the cafeteria across the campus into the parking lot. As I looked at the people around me, it was easy to pick out which kid went with which parent; there was a sea of mini me's, all looking like their parents did 30 or so years prior. I wondered if the melancholy of my child's impending graduation milestone was going through the heads of the other parents like it was mine. Yes, I am projecting, but that's what I do.

I already know that I will be holding back the tears through every school event this year, knowing it will be my daughter's last "everything" in high school. And the first test I had was making it through the taking of her senior pictures. Talk about coming full circle. Since parents usually are not with their kids when their class pictures are taken, the last time I was witness to my daughter having her picture taken for school was in preschool when she was 4 years old. Here I was now watching her pose in a cap and gown for her high school graduation. I didn't make a scene; I didn't cry or walk out. But inside I was dying.

Where did the time go? All I did was blink and she grew up. My brother warned me this would happen but I didn't believe him. Now I am looking down the barrel of senior year and I have to keep my composure through it all.

I won't cry at the last football game when her marching band takes the field for the last time.

I won't cry when she picks out a dress and goes to her last Homecoming dance with her friends and then comes home to tell he how much fun they all had, dancing in the rain to ACDC's "You Shook Me All Night Long."

I won't cry when the marching band wins a trophy at Zia Marching Band Fiesta at the University of New Mexico and the drum majors do their special salute and the band and crowd go wild (yes I will).

My biggest hurdle will be having to sit through the video at the band awards banquet next spring when they show a baby, child and senior picture of each graduating senior. I've teared up at this sequence since the first time I saw it four years ago, and I didn't even know the kids who were in it.

I remember seeing my mother cry when I left for college and not understanding her tears. She spent my whole life teaching me independence, common sense and how to stand up straight. I thought for sure she would be happy to see me spread my wings and fly the nest. Now I understand her tears. Heaven help me. Thank goodness I have one more daughter.

Quote of the Week: "Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After 22 years of child-rearing, they are unemployed." — Erma Bombeck

On This Trip, Destination Is Well Worth the Journey

For those of us who aren't taking a big vacation this summer, I've discovered another day worth sharing. If you have taken the Turquoise Trail to Madrid, then you can sing along with me. If you haven't, you are in for a real treat.

There is a much easier and faster way to get to Madrid, but who's in a hurry on this recent bright and relaxing Sunday afternoon? Not me nor my faithful tour guide, so we head up Sandia Crest Byway, a national scenic byway heading east on Route 165 out of Placitas, and right into the Cibola National Forest. Las Huertas Canyon welcomes us as the trees begin to canopy over the car and the asphalt road turns to a narrow, winding dirt road. We rattle over washboard sections that remind us we're a far cry from Interstate 25.

Although it seems like the road is taking us deep into the dark and forgotten woods, I feel like I should be dropping bread crumbs behind us. But it seems we're not the only ones to know about this place. Yes, once again I am the last person in New Mexico to discover this popular destination for day campers and picnickers, given the pickup trucks, Jeeps and what-have-yous parked amongst the trees and packed with coolers, hibachis and folding lawn chairs.

I am enjoying the beautiful view as I begin to identify the junipers and piñons and the occasional wild flower. I get caught up in the moment and say to my tour guide, "I hope we spot a bear," which gets me a sideways glance because he knows I only say this from the safety and security of a locked and moving car.

This is the wild adventurous part of the trip, 8,000 feet now, and we are glad it is summertime. A sign reads "Road Closed in Winter — Proceed at Your Own Risk," reminding travelers that in January the snow can get as deep as 6 to 8 feet here. The beautiful aspens start to appear all around and the view is worthy of a few clicks of the camera.

We make it to the top and hit paved Route 536 and the Sandia Peak Ski Area. OK, now I know where I am. It's only a short drive up the Turquoise Trail (N.M. 14) to Madrid for lunch and shopping.

Once an historic coal mining and ghost town, Madrid is a small community with quaint and quirky shops that line the main drag, while tourists and an occasional golden retriever wander by. Shopping here is a treat, given the variety of Gypsy shops, antique stores, art and jewelry boutiques, restaurants and ice cream shops. I think I will have to make a return visit for some holiday shopping later in the year.

It's BLTs for lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern, another biker bar complete with the quintessential outdoor porch for standing and strutting your bandana, tattoos and tank-topped biker chick. The place is packed, so we grab two seats at the end of the bar and place our order. The sign in the lobby sums up the town's cast of characters and feel-good ambience: We don't have a town drunk, we all take turns.

A cloudburst cooled off the afternoon as the locals prepared for a bluegrass music festival later that evening. We hit the road, taking a secret short cut back and shaving off half the time it took to get there. If you want to take this shortcut to Madrid rather than the Turquoise Trail, head north on I-25 and take the Santo Domingo Pueblo exit at the water tower, heading east until you reach Route 14. But remember, it's the journey, not the destination, so go slow. Enjoy.

Quote of the Week: "Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Want to Cool Off? How Old Are You?

As Appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section July 17, 2010

Dog days of summer? You say that like it's a bad thing. We may be smack dab in the middle of July, 90-plus degrees on the thermometer and barely a breeze at times, but heck, you waited all winter for this; now you finally got your wish.

It's a good thing we are living in the Southwest at this altitude, because I know many of you out there are transplants from the East Coast, Midwest and the South and are well aware of what 90 degrees Fahrenheit with 90 percent humidity feels like. Can you say pea soup?

Here in the Southwest and at an elevation of 5,469 feet, Rio Rancho sits high enough to stay dry, and cool enough to make Money magazine's list of the "100 Best Places to Live."

In 2005, we ranked 83rd on this list. In 2006, we moved up to 56th place. This year we bettered our score, ranking in at 51. While one might surmise it might be due to the new roundabouts the city is installing around town that earned us our best score yet, when actually, according to the survey it was criteria such as jobs, schools, public safety and features that make a place great for raising a family that got us our high marks.

So how do the citizens of the 51st-ranked Best Places to Live City cool off during a scorching summer? That depends on whom you ask.

If you ask the tween set, that would be kids between the ages of 9 and 13, what they do to cool off, their answer would be The Big Flush Water Coaster at Cliff's Amusement Park. And not just once, but as many times as their parents will allow them to go.

Ask a teenager what they do to cool off and you will get a variety of answers. The mall is always top of the mind for this age group. But a favorite and probably the coolest place to be is at Blades ice skating rink on Loma Colorado for brushing up on triple toe loops and flying sit spins. After, there is nothing better than hitting Sonic Drive-In and not ordering anything, but just hanging out and hoping some interesting boys pull up in the space next to yours.

Moving on to the age group that is most likely reading this column in the newspaper today, I offer up some options for you. For the homebodies, how about a delicious new recipe for gazpacho, that chilled summer soup that tastes best right about this time of year with a cold glass of mango iced tea.

For the wanderlust souls in the crowd, we are lucky Rio Rancho is so centrally located; the choices are many. Remember the temperature drops 5.4 degrees for every 1,000 feet you climb, so I say head for the hills. Possible day trips to cooler locales include Madrid (elev. 5,997) or Santa Fe (elev. 7,000). But for those really looking to cool off head on up to Taos (elev. 7,249) or even Angel Fire (elev. 8,379) to really get away from it all. Remember to take your sweater.

Stay cool, my friends. Before you know it we will be switching the furnaces on, putting the big comforters back on the beds and wishing it was summer.

Quote of the Week: "Hot town, summer in the city. Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty. Been down, isn't it a pity, doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city." — Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer in the City."

Jemez Loop Leaves Day Tripper in Awe

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 7/3/10

In another installment of my day tripping columns, I have to admit, and to the surprise of my tour guide, that having lived here for five years, I had never ventured up US 550 to explore the natural beauty of this part of our state.

I recently took a day trip and did “the loop,” mainly Route 4, Jémez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway that started out through the beautiful red rocks of the Jemez Valley.
We ventured off the beaten path to pay a visit to the Ponderosa Valley Vineyard and Winery, where on this particular Sunday afternoon every seat at the tasting counter was taken as the connoisseurs swilled their chardonnay and chatted it up with owners Henry and Mary Street. We grabbed a bottle of Summer Sage, put the dog back in the car and continued on our way.
Sitting on the tail gate of the parked car between the red mesas, I must say the colors are enough to leave you in awe. The mountainsides are a rich, dark reddish orange color that contrasts with the green of the brush and the blue of the sky. Where’s my camera? At home on the counter where I left it, of course.
Before continuing up Rt 4, another quick side trip on N.M. 485 lead us to the Gilman Tunnels; man made in the 1920s for a logging train passage. The tunnels frame out the waterfall and vertical rocks making for a beautiful picture, if only to be saved in my mind this time.

It was a beautiful cool, sunny day and although we were in a yellow Honda Element, a more open means of travel proved popular as seen by all of the motorcycles parked outside of the Los Ojos Restaurant & Saloon in Jemez Springs.

Nevertheless, I rolled my window down in the Honda and stuck my arm out the whole way; next stopping at Soda Dam, a natural phenomenon formed over time. My inner geologist was marveling at the mounds of calcium carbonate deposited over millions of years by the hot springs that made the rocks smooth in appearance, while my inner child likened it to melting scoops of ice cream.

The red rocks gave way to Aspens and pine trees as we continued north into the Santa Fe National Forest and passed Battleship Rock, a sheer cliff that rises suddenly above the river like a land locked lost ghost ship. Another picturesque moment.

We lunched on green chili Reuben sandwich and chicken fried steak in La Cueva at the Ridgeback Café where Animal Amigos was holding a yard sale in the parking lot to raise money for their dogs and cats.
Being the only New Mexican to not know about this, the 89,000 acre Valles Caldera National Preserve caught me off guard. We pulled off the road to take in the beauty of one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, now a breathtaking expanse of mountain meadow and forest. Through the binoculars we saw herds of elk and cows grazing in the distance. This was definitely my favorite stop on the trip, as was it for Wayne, a full time RV’er who wandered over from his parked motor home to make friends with us and talk about the natural beauty of the area and how he surprisingly still had cell phone service.

Continuing the loop, we drove through Los Alamos. The damage can still be seen some ten years later from the 2000 Cerro Grande fire that burned 48,000 acres of lush forest and over 400 family homes. The blacked hillside is a sad reminder just how vulnerable life is.

Rounding Santa Fe, we continued down the home stretch on I-25 south and back to Rio Rancho in time for sunset. A day trip worth doing for visiting guests or your own family.

Quote of the Week: “It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down, I had the radio on, I was drivin’. Trees flew by, I was flyin’,” – Tom Petty, Runnin’ Down a Dream.

Time Sure Flies When Your Kids Are Growing Up

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 6/26/10

I have a friend who just had her second baby. She now has two little ones and she has stepped down from her high profile job in journalism ready to embark on what she calls a “slower paced” life at home.

I remember those early days when my two daughters were very small. I worked part time from my home office after they went to bed at night. I was never so tired in my life. Oh, sure at first I was bored to death; the laundry was always folded, the floors were always scrubbed and the meals were always on the table on time. And then they began to have birthdays.

First birthday parties are usually small with immediate family in attendance. I ironed my light blue smocked dress with the itchy crinoline petticoat that tied in the back that my mother had saved all those years. Here I was thirty-three year later putting it on my own daughter on her first birthday. Time sure flies.

By the second or third birthday kids are brave enough to walk into a Chuck E. Cheese and not jump out of their skin when the big stuffed animals walk up to them and try to give them a hug. By the time they are 5 and 6, the only goal is to win 25,000 game tickets so they can buy the red yo yo and a Chinese finger trap, eat a piece of pizza and go home slung over dad’s shoulder. Time sure flies.

As parents we work so hard to make the birthday parties perfect and something our kids will treasure in their hearts forever. Like the time when my mother made a special coconut elephant shaped cake for my brother’s fourth birthday because his favorite animal was elephants. She slaved over a hot oven all day making the masterpiece from scratch; mind you this was 1963, plus she had two younger children at her hip. She spread the white whipped frosting all over the elephant, carefully placing a maraschino cherry for the eye. Upon presenting the birthday boy his cake at the table, he took one look at it and proclaimed, “I don’t like coconut.” He didn’t eat one bite.

The moon bounces and water slides are a big hit for the summer birthdays. By the time the kids are old enough for these, parents are still young enough to partake of the recreation as well. “Do it again, Mom. Please? C’mon, one more time” Time sure flies.

But soon they outgrow the pony rides and jumpies and it’s on to bigger and better activities. My youngest turns twelve this week and I surprised her with a bowling party with four of her closest girlfriends. I thought this would be a new and exciting way to celebrate a birthday, besides girls this age love being together just about anywhere.

What do twelve year old girls do at a bowling birthday party? Well, they don’t bowl. After an hour they were still on frame number four. They don’t eat the pizza either. They don’t talk to their mothers. What they do is stand in a tight group as if they haven’t seen each other in years, giggle, look at each other’s cell phones and talk about boys. Time sure flies.

Quote of the Week: “May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.” -Frank Sinatra.

Readers Let Us Know Why Dad Was Special

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 6/19/10

We pay tribute to our fathers tomorrow, and for those of us who are grown up, a good way to do that is to recall our dads in special moments and milestones that have cemented in our memories to cherish forever.

Many of you wrote to me with your own tales of your fathers, and I wish I could include all of them today. You told me stories that brought tears to my eyes, as well as joy. What better way to pay tribute to dads everywhere than to keep the love alive with stories of their love for us. I thank you all for sharing.

"I was a freshman at Drake University and had never been away from home. Dad drove me to Des Moines, Iowa, from Minneapolis, Minn. We brought all my clothes up to the third floor (no elevators) and finally it was time for Dad to leave. I was crying so hard and hugging him so tight, that the poor guy had to unwrap my arms from his shoulders. Later that week, I received a handwritten letter from my dad, explaining how tough it was to leave me, but if I was to continue on the course God had for me, I would have to stand tall. And then he said, 'Good Morning for all the mornings and Good Night for all the nights and remember your Dad loves you.' I've carried that message with me all my life, and thank you for letting me share it on Father's Day. My father passed 20 years ago and this warms my heart." — Marion D.

"When I was learning to drive, I had the experience of driving the family car — with the entire family of six in it — into a 'Keep Right' sign at the entry ramp of an interstate. This episode earned me an immediate trip to the back seat, not to mention the embarrassment of having to surrender the keys to my brother. The very next day when my dad came home from work, I was outside and came over to tell him something. He just nodded and then spoke softly, 'Look, about yesterday.' He folded his arms and continued, 'I know you feel bad about everything. But you got to realize, too, that all of us have done things we wish we hadn't. Last year, I remember steering Ken (my brother) out of an accident. You just got to put this behind you and get back at it.' " — Ray W.

"When my dad was mad at me, I could make him laugh so he would forget to be angry. He rarely got very angry with me. However, there was this one time. My older brother took a two-year break between high school and college, and my dad wasn't happy about it. I was a consistently good student and got a college scholarship. But I really wanted a break, too. Just before high school graduation, I told my dad that I didn't want to go to college yet, that I wanted a year break. He got this look on his face that I hadn't seen before. He started advancing on me and shaking his finger at me. He said in a dead calm voice, 'Young lady, you are going to college and I don't want to hear another word about it.' As he was advancing, I was backing up and saying, 'I'm going, Daddy, I'm going.' I never mentioned a break again, and I went to college as I was supposed to." — Gloria S.

"I am a very lucky 'son' because I have had the opportunity to be special in so many people's lives, and it doesn't matter if they sired me, adopted me, provided for me, coached me, or even guided or bossed me ... but it is because of them, I am who I am." — Steve G.

Quote of the Week: "It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was." — Anne Sexton, poet.

Remember When Dad Saved the Day? I Do

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section June 12, 2010


With Father's Day a week away, we all think of our dads and the memories we hold of them. As we age, negative memories tend to fade somewhat, leaving mostly happier ones to ruminate over.

Some people have memories of their fathers they wish they could forget. For others, their dads can do no wrong. Either way, the stories that have been told about the family patriarchs in our lives could fill volumes.

My father owned a bakery in Columbus, Ohio, in the early '80s, where I worked when I was home from college. One Saturday after the cake decorator had gone home, my dad discovered a cake order for that evening that had not been filled.

"Jennifer, go decorate a white cake in the shape of a truck, red icing, black wheels, and write on it, 'Happy Birthday, Timmy,'" he said.

Now I had become rather crafty at writing the names on the cakes, but decorating a special shape for a party was intimidating, to say the least.

My dad was pretty good at decorating cakes, even making the roses, but he was too busy to do this one. I have to admit I was excited to try my hand at sculpting a red Peterbilt out of a vanilla half-sheet cake.

I remember taking too long on my slightly slanted, Picasso-esque masterpiece. The party was starting, and we promised to deliver the cake. I finished up with the fluted piping around the edge and away we went.

I stayed in the car as my dad walked the cake up to the front door. Timmy's mom opened the door with a smile, appreciating the special delivery. I watched as my dad opened the box for her inspection, but instead of approval, her face sank in disappointment. She shook her head in rejection at my masterpiece.

With cake in hand, my father turned and walked back to our car.

"What happened?" I asked.

"She doesn't like it," he said. "I have to go make another one."

My heart sank with failure as we drove back to the bakery, where my dad whipped up a perfect red Mack truck cake with yellow wheels.

We drove back to deliver the second cake, and this time when Timmy's mother opened the door and lifted the lid on the cake box, her face lit up with excitement. It was perfect.

My dad got back in the car and we looked at each other and he gave me a simple, "Glad that's over." Traumatic and embarrassing at the time, but funny and endearing now.

So, for all the young dads and dads-to-be out there, remember this: It isn't the paid memberships to the country clubs. It isn't the summer camp away from home to teach independence and maturity. What's important to your kids is making good memories together — memories they can keep deep in their hearts their whole lives.

Send me your stories about your dads or granddads. I'd love to share more fun on Father's Day weekend in my column for next week.

Quote of the Week: "Nothing I've ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children." — Bill Cosby

Rio Rancho's Mayor Likes Make A Wish

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, Rio Rancho section 5/29/10.

You think you know our mayor, do you? Most of us know Tom Swisstack as the coat and tie figurehead behind a microphone. He is the politician who can be seen presiding over city council meetings, town hall meetings and as the host of Conversations with Mayor Swisstack, a talk show where he discusses current issues and projects pertinent to our city. Swisstack is also Director of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center.


In my series of everyday-questions-for-the-not-so-everyday person, I subjected Mayor Swisstack to my introspective queries so that we can get to know the man behind the title. Because inquiring minds want to know if Tom Swisstack won $10 million in the lottery, what is the first thing he would buy?

What's the most recent movie you've seen?
Iron Man 2

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Making the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center one of four national model sites in the country, and serving my community.

What is one thing you wish Rio Rancho had that is doesn’t?
More retail shopping opportunities that includes things like a men’s store where you can purchase suits.

Your house is on fire and all of your family and pets are safe outside. What is the one thing you would go back and get?
Family pictures to preserve memories of growing up.

After previously serving as mayor, why did you want to serve as mayor again?
I wanted to bring systematic change that would ensure the city’s future.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Cars.

What is your favorite getaway spot in NM?
Santa Fe, because of its diversity, history and romantic environment.

How does your day job -- director of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center -- help you as mayor?
It helps me stay grounded and reminds me that every person is important and should be treated with respect no matter what walk of life they come from.

What is the trait you most dislike in others?
A sense of entitlement

If he could change one thing as mayor without having to go through the city council, etc., what would it be?
Making the mayor position in Rio Rancho full-time, but continuing to have a strong city manager structure.

At what Rio Rancho haunt are we most likely to spot you?
Exercising at Defined Fitness on High Resort Boulevard.

If you won $10 million in the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
I would first try to make the dreams of 100 children come true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and then make the dreams of my family members become a reality.

Name one thing you want to do before you die?
Visit every state in our great country and experience the best of what each state had to offer.

What is your favorite restaurant?
There are many I like including Turtle Mountain, but the one I most frequent is O’Hare’s because of its great food and quality service.

If you had to impress an out-of-towner about this area, where is the one place you would take them?
To an event at the city’s Santa Ana Star Center that provides a great experience.

Red or green?
Green…on almost everything.

Quote of the Week: “I have one more year of chemo, but because of people like you who have given generously to Make-A-Wish, this last year will be a lot more bearable for me. I’m gonna make it!” –Casey, from the Make-a-Wish Foundation website.

Is It a Wonderful Life Without Digital Signs?

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 5/22/10

There is a new online survey on the city's website. This time it's the Sign Ordinance Task Force looking for a little more input from the residents of Rio Rancho.

I suggest you take a minute and voice your opinion.

It seems this committee has been busy at work since last July, and now they are seeking the public's opinion once again. I sat on the Aesthetic Quality of Life Task Force last year, and we covered many topics on how to raise the score on our city's eye candy scale.

The city's Sign Ordinance Task Force was formed last year and is in its final stages. To finish its task, they are seeking public input on allowing what they are calling off-premise advertising in Rio Rancho.

What is off-premise advertising, you ask? Have any one of you driven down the Vegas Strip in Sin City? Times Square in New York? Those are off-premise, digital billboards.

Yes, the Santa Ana Star Casino has a nice big one flashing bouncy hot dogs at you as you drive down N.M. 550. Even Jiffy Lube has their red LED signs on N.M. 528 blinking their messages of "No Waiting" or their reference to your oil looking like "number 2."

Is that where we are heading? The Vegas Strip? What comes to mind is the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," when George Bailey is frantically running down the street of skanky Pottersville looking for his beloved Bedford Falls. I swear those were digital lights flashing outside of Nick's bar.

I went online and took the survey, which happened to be the same day I voted at City Hall, gladly fulfilling my civic duty with honor. Have you voted yet?

There are only six questions in the survey. The first question is: "Would you be in favor of allowing off-premise advertising i.e. digital billboards throughout Rio Rancho?" I cast a No vote for Pottersville.

The next question asked if I was in favor of digital advertising if the size and location were limited. Well, I really can't see a Star Casino-sized sign on Southern Boulevard, so who wouldn't be in favor of limitations?

The next question asked that if I would consider off-premise advertising if I was a business owner. I would have to say that, since the signs grab your attention — and at the moment, there are not a lot of blinking signs in the city — my business would probably stand out from the others. Therefore, yes, I would consider it. I drank the Kool-Aid, call me a traitor.

Let's consider this: We are the City of Vision. Doesn't that mean we should be on the leading edge of technology? Shouldn't we be using fiber optics, LEDs, digital and lasers on every street corner in town?

The final question asked how far from a residential area would off-premise advertising be appropriate. I can't help but feel like these signs are coming. Sure, it starts with one little LED "OPEN" sign in an oil change shop. Next thing you know, Smith's is flashing flying loaves of bread on a 20-foot beacon in big red letters flashing "HOT. HOT. HOT."

Quote of the Week: "You see George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?" — Clarence from "It's a Wonderful Life."

Mark Wood Rocks Middle School

As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, Rio Rancho section 5/15/10

If you think middle school orchestra concerts are dry, screechy with subdued kids struggling through Au Clair de la Lune, have I got news for you.

Last Tuesday night Cleveland High School concert hall was rocking out at the RRPS middle school spring concert with special guest Mark Wood. I realize that name may not ring a bell for many of you; it didn’t me. But there is a good chance you have heard him play.

Mark Wood is the inventor of a patented 6-string fretted electric violin, the Viper. If you are trying to imagine what an electric violin sounds like, think Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Looking like a cleaned up Alice Cooper without the makeup, Wood was the lead violinist and string conductor for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has played on stage with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Roger Daltry, Billy Joel and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.

What was he doing with a bunch of adolescent fiddle players in Rio Rancho you ask?
Wood has developed a program called Electrify Your Strings. He travels to schools around the country, where he teaches students how to incorporate the principles of rock ’n’ roll into their musical repertoire.

The kids have been practicing their material for months but only last Monday and Tuesday did they get to play the songs with Wood. He didn’t stop with just getting the notes right, Wood taught the kids how to put on a show, and they were eating it up.

The Beginners were up first. Wood walked onstage, turned on his drum machine, queued the kids and We Will Rock You began. Foot stomping, bow waving and clapping accompanied the piece as the parents were aghast in delight. Who were these kids? I didn’t see that during practice time at home? Were we at a Queen concert? Given the volume level and stage lighting, it was a close call. If I hadn’t seen Queen with my own eyes in 1976 I may not have been able to tell it was just middle school kids on a high school stage.

The Intermediate kids took the stage next as the Beginners strategically took their places around the auditorium. When the kids played Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze, a hazy purplish light was cast on the stage. The next song was a recognizable rendition of the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby. Wood had just finished telling the audience that Sgt. Pepper was a huge influence on him in his youth and he recently had the opportunity to tell Sir Paul McCartney that when he played with him onstage.

And here Wood was teaching our kids how to play a Beatles song, feel it and become the music. He didn’t teach them how to play the notes but how to put on a show. The kids waved their bows in unison, swayed back and forth in their chairs, did the wave while strumming their strings, ran down the aisles during a song encouraging us parents to get up and rock out.


I thought I was at a Bruce Springsteen concert, except after the show instead of partying on into the night; we stopped at Baskin Robbins for hot fudge sundaes before heading home. After all, it was a school night.

A big thank you goes out to the middle school orchestra teachers who made this incredible experience possible for our kids: Karen Ginther of Eagle Ridge Middle School, Ms. Blackston of Lincoln Middle School, Christine Hernandez of Mountain View Middle School and Eric Walters of Rio Rancho Middle School.

Quote of the Week: “Now raise your goblet of rock. It's a toast to those who rock!” – Dewey Finn, School of Rock the movie.

Jennifer Huard’s column appears each Saturday. She welcomes your emails at jhuard@abqjournal.com. Visit her blog at www.jenniferhuard.blogspot.com.

The Perfect Mother

As seen in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 4/8/10

There is nothing like looking through the Mother’s Day cards rack at the store to realize just how many different types of mothers there are in the world. Each one unique and perfect in their own way, with strong points in areas when you most need them.

What would it be like if you could take all of the best traits and build the perfect mother, one that takes a little from here and a smidge from there and voila- the perfect mother?

To start, I would add one cup of Martha Stewart for her epicurean abilities and knowing her way around a kitchen. I would love to eat pork chops with tomato chutney, and I know some of her cooking can get a little rich. My mother runs a close second with her Fisherman’s Stew with Crunchy (undercooked) Carrots, or Sweet and Sour Tuna Fish; canned tuna, no kidding.

When it comes to house cleaning, what better than to add a smidge of Hazel, the attentive maid in the light blue uniform from the 60s TV series of the same name? Technically, I don’t think Hazel was a mother, but she was a female presence in the Baxter home. The house was always spotless, her attitude perky and not a hair out of place or a spot on her apron.

I’ll take a half cup of Jane Jetson from the cartoon series for her fashion and shopping expertise. If you remember correctly, her favorite store was Mooning Dales and Jane could squeak money out of George like a pro. Jane and daughter Judy wore all the latest trends and used the latest gadgets at home.

For night time story telling, I will take 2 cups of Erma Bombeck, America’s humorist and newspaper columnist from the 80s and 90s who was able to find the funny in everyday life. From “Seize the moment. Think of all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart,” to “The grass is always greener over the septic tank," Erma was a great story teller. Having published 4,000 newspaper columns and 15 books throughout her career, it would be a joy listening to her.

Add a pinch of Shirley Partridge for any musical assistance and a dash of Samantha Stevens from Bewitched. She can twitch her nose and get you out of any situation.

I know my kids like me just the way I am. And one way they show it is by the note they put on our refrigerator of something I once said. Is it an endearing, “I love you, honey?” Or an inspirational, motivating quote that makes them feel so loved? No. It seems that I said something so prolific when I was on ebay one time searching for a particular item for the bathroom, that they couldn’t let it go unnoticed. So, held tightly to our freezer door with a lady bug magnet is my captivating quote for all to see, “All the good toilet seats are in Europe.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you wonderfully unique women.

Quote of the Week: “A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know he sees it.” -William Dean Howells, author.

Spring Gardening in a Top 100 Fun City

There is another city ranking survey out this week. This one is by Portfolio magazine and it ranks the Top 100 Fun Cities in the US. Albuquerque made the list at number 80, beating out places like Modesto, California, McAllen, Texas and Provo, Utah. It doesn’t say much for beating out those cities, does it?

Surprising cities that beat out the Duke City? Youngstown, Ohio, Des Moines, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. The top ranked city for shopping, gambling, entertainment, culture, food and drink, high and low impact sports went to none other than New York City. I could have guessed that one. I guess our tram, green chile chicken stew and pink sunsets can’t hold a candle to the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building or Broadway. But we like it.

So when spring hits the eightieth most fun place to live in the United States, what do we do? We batten down the hatches, turn our sprinklers back on and head out to the garden supply stores for some new plants to spruce up our yards. Since the neighbors are doing it, that means I’m doing it too, and so I went.

I wanted new plants, the kind I’ve never owned before, but once I got to the store, my eyes glazed over. At first I was like a kid in a candy store, wanting one of everything. Then I realized that the trees weren’t going to fit in my car, and did I really want another rose bush? I was good with geraniums, but how many can you have?

I had to call an expert and find out what the trends are this spring for making our yards better than our neighbors. Mike Dooley, owner of High Desert Gardens in Rio Rancho is a friend of mine who I go to from time to time when I need answers to questions like “what is a good tree to plant in my little yard?”

“The plant market on the retail end, I don’t know,” said Dooley, who has been in the landscape design business for over thirty year. “I suspect it is doing ok. But the installation market is still down. People will spend some money to put in some plants, but because of the maintenance involved, they are not doing full blown landscape jobs.”

In my quest to keep up with the Joneses, I had to get the inside scoop on what the neighbors were doing this spring. “Surprisingly hardscape is the popular thing; walls, stone walks, outdoor grills,” said Dooley. “And I think it’s associated with the fact that nobody can get a home loan. They are staying where they’re at and taking their money and upgrading their house, including their outdoor living areas. There seems to be a greater appreciation for hardscape because it is considered a home improvement and they will be able to get their money back at some point.”

What about us people who are scraping by but still want to have a nice yard, I wanted to know what the smartest way to spend my money was.

“Your maintenance dollar goes along way,” says Dooley. “You would make sure your yard is properly maintained including fertilize your lawn and scrubs, trim perennials, and check your irrigation system.”

But maintenance isn’t exciting. I think I’ll go back for another geranium.

Quote of the Week: “Did you ever think how a bit of land shows the character of the owner?” - Laura Ingalls Wilder.

19 Questions - Steve Shaw, Rio Rancho City Councilman

Rio Rancho is full of interesting people, some you know and some you don’t. Even the more prominent residents in town who are in the news all of the time, we still don’t really get to know who they are.

I am kicking off a new series of my column, it is called 19 Questions. I created a survey of deep, as well as lighthearted questions that will give us a small glimpse into the lives of some of our fellow Rio Ranchoans. I ask 19 Questions of people you probably have heard of but never really knew anything about other than their job title.

Today Councilor Shaw has kindly agreed to go under the microscope and give us all a peek into what his favorite food is and the one thing he wishes Rio Ranch had.

Councilor Steven Shaw has called Rio Rancho home since 1985.He and his wife, Judy have been married for more than 25 years and have three daughters and five grandchildren. Shaw was elected to a four year term on the City Council in March 2008, after retiring from the Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety in 2006 as Deputy Chief.
Shaw has served on many boards including the New Mexico State D.A.R.E., the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, Haven House, and the Leadership Sandoval County Advisory Board. But did you know he’s a biker?


What's the most recent movie you've seen?
Clash of the Titans.

Your house is on fire and all of your family and pets are safe outside. What is the one thing you would go back and get?
My retirement scrapbook made by Mom.

What are you most afraid of?
I am most afraid of dying before my grand kids are grown and married.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagance is my motorcycle.

What is your favorite getaway spot in New Mexico?
My favorite getaway spot is Ruidoso.

What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is home made enchiladas, red with an egg.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Chicken; what else could lay the egg?

How many pets do you have?
2 turtles, 6 pond gold fish.

What is the trait you most dislike in others?
Dishonesty.

At what Rio Rancho haunt are we most likely to spot you?
The Fat Squirrel.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Marrying my wife and raising three wonderful daughters.

If you won $10 million in the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
Disney’s vacation for my family (daughters, spouses and grandchildren).

What is one thing you wish Rio Rancho had that is doesn’t?
A large, retail center.

Name one thing you want to do before you die?
Take my wife to the Grand Canyon.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Joe's Pasta House, Rio Rancho.

What word or phrase do you overuse?
“Yes.” I have a hard time saying no when asked to volunteer for anything.

If you had to impress someone from out of town, where is the one place you would take them?
Santa Ana Star Center for a concert, show or game.

Red or green?
Red. Homemade, of course!

Quote of the Week: “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” -Herman Melville, American novelist.

Microchippng Your Dog Can Save Their Masters Too

“He was missing for most of that day and all night. I thought he was gone.”

Those were the words of Dorothy DeBuck, her voice cracking over the phone when I asked her to tell me how she felt when her husband, Jack went missing two weeks ago.

Jack DeBuck, who suffers from the early stages of dementia, went out for his usual walk with his dog, Sheena. According to his wife, Jack knows his way around town. “He’s always walking around. He knows directions,” Dorothy said. “I think he knew exactly where he was going.”

But Jack must have gotten side tracked and didn’t return home that day. The series of events that reunited Jack and Dorothy prove a story can have a happy ending when all the right pieces and people fall into place.

Apparently Jack left his home in Albuquerque on a Friday afternoon two weeks ago and ended up at The Range Café in Bernalillo almost 24 hours later and 12 miles from his home. Noting his disorientation, the people at The Range contacted the police to help Jack, and Bernalillo Animal Control to help the white Shepard mix dog.

“My theory is that he walked to where we used to live in Placitas,” said Dorothy. “He is good with directions, just not very good at communicating.”

Indeed he wasn’t. The authorities took Jack to UNM Hospital for observation. Meanwhile, Sheena was taken to Watermelon Mountain Ranch in Rio Rancho and scanned to see if she had a microchip that might identifier her.

Sheena in fact had a microchip and Jim Putnam, office manager at WMR made some phone calls. “I found that it was a Home Again chip and I called the company,” says Putnam. “I got lucky and got Dorothy's old address in Placitas and two phone numbers. One apparently not good, one still good. Putnam got on the horn to Dorothy and told her her dog had been found.

Putnam then called Melissa Middleton of UNMH and told her the last name of the gentleman she had was Debuck.

“When I told her the last name was DeBuck, she echoed it with a little excitement,” said Putnam. “I asked her if that rang a bell and she said that the man had muttered ‘debunk, debunk’ but they didn't know what he was saying.” She was thrilled to receive the information and identified Mr. Debuck.

“Watermelon Mountain Ranch took really good care of Sheena and they brushed her,” says Dorothy. Jack and Sheena were really happy to see each other when we got there to pick her up. I want to give credit to Jim for finding her chip that lead to us.”

When I asked Dorothy if she lets Jack go out anymore, she was cautious. “He’s still walking the dog,” she said. “He just goes for shorter walks now.”

Not only is the need to micro-chip your dog a smart way to identify her should she get lost, but in some cases it can identify its master as well.

Quote of the Week: "In my life's chain of events nothing was accidental. Everything happened according to an inner need." - Hannah Senesh

Dan Aykroyd -So Close and Yet So Far

I was going to write this week’s column on meeting Dan Aykroyd last Thursday. Think Blues Brothers, Ghost Busters and Saturday Night Live; that Dan Aykroyd. He was in town promoting his Crystal Head vodka and had a meet and greet at the Walgreens down on Coors. But even arriving 45 minutes early, the line was already out the door, around the side and all the way to the back of the building. I had a choice to wait with the die hard fans for a once in a lifetime chance to meet this celebrity, or get home and get dinner in the oven for two starving children. I hope he comes back again.

So, instead today I offer up some very interesting anecdotes for you to ponder. The kind of information that gets forwarded in emails everyday but no one has time to read.

Statues of soldiers on horses are in many parks across the country. Some horses are rearing up, some only holding one foot up. Do you think the horse’s pose was at the discretion of the sculptor? As a matter of fact, if the statue of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Sayings have interesting origins, should one ever take the time to research them. In the 1400's, a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. This is where we got the phrase “the rule of thumb.”

How about the phrase, “Good night, sleep tight.” In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer and more comfortable to sleep on.

They say the happiest days of a boat owner’s life is the day they buy it and the day they sell it. And of course it is bad luck not to name your boat. And what is the most popular name for a boat? Obsession.

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts. In old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would tell them to “Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.” Hence the term “mind your p’s and q’s.”

Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace. Having been born in Huntington, West Virginia, I am in the other half and so are most of the people I know.

Who was the first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV? Fred and Wilma Flintstone. But I swear they had twin beds with Dino’s bed on the floor next to them.

With the body scanners, luggage charges and terror threats, how many people are still flying the friendly skies everyday? On average, the number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour is 61,000.

What was the first novel ever written on a typewriter? Tom Sawyer.

And my favorite: 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987, 654,321

Quote of the Week: “They're not gonna catch us. We're on a mission from God!” – Dan Aykroyd as Elwood from The Blues Brothers, 1980