Still in Albuquerque.  A nice relaxing morning with Lana.  Packed up all my paraphernalia and it is ready by the front door. Few things left until morning.  I have a load of washing finishing and just hope all the hanging clothes will be dry by morning.

Well, can’t remember if I told on myself about leaving my clothes (some of them) in Denver.  So today we went shopping.  First, however we walked along the banks of the Rio Grande.  It was beautiful in a very brown sort of way.  The plants here are all so different than in Wisconsin.  It took a bit before I could see that in their own way they are really quite beautiful.  Even the brown earth hold a certain beauty.  Perhaps I just had to live long enough to appreciate it.  The ground is dry and sometimes powdery.  Other places are full of boulders and stones while other areas are beds of lava rock.  Went through a mountain pass that was carved out of layers and layers of black lava rock.  Of course, being in the car going FAST I couldn’t take a picture.

Albuquerque has a population of about one million.  It stretches out a long long way.  I will say the roads and highways are very well done.  Population density is about like Denver.  This density would again take some getting used to.  Lana lives high up on a mesa.  The climb is pretty steep but the top is flat.  Everyone has walls and walls surrounding their houses.  A lot of what would be a beautiful view is blocked by the cinder block walls on three sides.  Landscape is rocks of various colors and maybe a tree or two. That’s a big maybe as I was told it is quite expensive and time consuming to keep a tree alive.  Pots are scattered around which I assume will hopefully hold some colorful flowers.  Everything here is brown.  The dirt is brown, some reddish, the houses are brown stucco, the cinder block walls are brown and the Rio Grande is brown.  And if you drop you jacket in the street, like I did, it is brown.  At first the monochrome world  was very “homely” to me, to put it nicely.  Now it has kind of grown on me.  Lots of the houses are very square flat topped roofs and look the same.  Inside they are as beautiful as many houses I’ve been in at home.  The interior decor is quite different.  I think I understand why.  Inside, homes are filled with color and art and bright hanging rugs and tapestries.  The pots are colorfully painted with mosaic patterns.  The colors are stunning and bold and bright.  Might as well as enjoy all the color at home because when you walk outside your world is brown again.

Now back to the shopping trip.  I love going to resale shops and  of course that is where we ended up.  How is this for a good buy?  Purchased three pair of very nice cropped pants, one dress, one sweater, one book, and one long pair of jeans for $36. And all fit!

Home again and more packing and laundry.  A wonderful dinner with one other guest besides me.  Met a colorful fellow named Michael who has a heart for the Lord.  He travels around the country in his motor home ministering and witnessing to those he meets.  He hands out books of the Bible from THE PASSION TRANSLATION, translated from the Greek and Aramaic texts by Brian Simmons.  I have read the  translated version of the Song of Songs.  It is so beautifully done.  Well, Michael gave me two copies of the book of John that has also been translated. He gave one to me and one to give away.  If you have never heard of this translation (it is still in process of being finished) you may be interested in checking it out.  I recommend that it be read slowly and out loud to really appreciate the beauty of the transalation.  We had a great time of prayer and Michael was then on his way.  I have been blessed by so many people praying for me in so many new situations.  It is so wonderful to meet so many God loving believers along the way.  There are so many people I haven’t told you about due to time and space.  This is a trip I will always remember.  Michael’s word of wisdom:  “I WISH I HADN’T WAITED SO LONG TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUES IN MY OWN PERSONAL LIFE SO THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER PARENT AND MORE USEFUL TO GOD”. Michael is older than me so I guess he has lived a good many years.  Take it to heart young people (if there are any reading this blog).  If you have “issues”  get to the base of them by giving them to God, get your head screwed on straight, and take care of what needs to be cleaned up in your life so you too can the best person you can be and accomplish much for God.  The latter statement was my wisdom to you…and…”you’re welcome”.

When I asked my son for suggestions as what to name this blog he answered rather too quickly  “THE OPINION YOU DIDN’T ASK FOR”.  Well as you can see I did not name the website that name…HOWEVER…I looked up the domain name and it was already taken.  So I looked up “THE OPINION YOU DID NOT ASK FOR”and it was available.  I reserved the domain name and hope to start that blog when I get home.  As most of you know I always love giving my opinion..free!  And..you don’t even have to ask.

Good night…and get to bed!

P.S.  Tomorrow morning I leave for Mesa Arizona to visit my friend JoAnn and her family for two nights before heading to California on Friday.  It will be a long drive so please remember me in your prayers.