| Albuquerque, New Mexico feels right at home
for Ellen. Her family roots here extend way back to the days of the covered wagons and
buffalo when her great grandfather crossed the wild frontier to settle in New Mexico.
William Keleher was a historian and lawyer whose knowledge of the state was rich and
vast. He wrote many books about New Mexican history of the early settlers including
a memoir about his life. He was a wise man with a vision. He bought many acres
of land in his day when land was cheap and indispensable. His investments have
two-folded many times and brought much wealth to the family generations later. Ellen's mom grew up here in the vast desert where the tumble weeds
blew and dust bowls billowed. Her favorite past time was catching gofers,
roller-skating and sitting in her backyard with friends on the grape terrace eating fruit
while watching the drive-in movies a few blocks away. Driving through her old
stomping grounds today is quit different, the land has all been developed into
neighborhoods and business districts. Nonetheless, it was great to have a native to
give us a personal tour.
It was so fun introducing Frank to his new family.
Ellen's Uncle Jimmy and family still live in Albuquerque and we stayed with them for a few
days. Ellen's Mom was able to come for several days and celebrate our engagement
with the family and show Frank the ropes out in the wild west. (Below is a family picture
from left: Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Susan, Cousin Ashley, Cousin Emily, Mom, Frank, Ellen, Cousin
Marianne and last Grandpa.) This picture was taken after an excellent meal where
Susan (Uncle Jimmy's wife, Ellen's aunt) BBQed delicious turkey burgers. She does it
ALL even with a new baby!
 It was
really nice to have Frank meet everyone before the wedding. We had ample time in
Albuquerque to celebrate our engagement at many fine restaurants. (See pictures at
the top right). Our bellies were so stuffed that we were literally rolling out of
Albuquerque when the time came!! We finally were reminded of what it feels like to
have three square meals a day again after being on the road for so long!
We had enough time to check out the new Star Wars movie, The
Clone Wars. We all loved it and would rate it with two thumbs up.
P.S. Scroll down to see more pics! |
