It is always so interesting to visit the city where Joe Madrid grew up. Since my pre-adulthood consisted of never living in one place longer than 4 years, I am intrigued by his boyhood, teenage, and “bad boy” stories. And living in a desert city in Southeast New Mexico that has a literal “river running through it” … The Pecos River, the stories abound.

So we’ve been here a week, staying with his mother, in her new house. I am so impressed with her and how she and Joe (her late husband who died only months before Dennis) raised 3 kids in this one place. She and Joe literally BUILT the family home 60 years ago, so that has been Joe’s home since he was 8. And now, at 90, mom has realized that it’s time to let the house go and has moved into a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, only a few miles from the family home. We are staying here with her and it’s been lovely. The 2nd bedroom and bath is separate from the master with the main living area in between. It’s very comfortable and private. It reminds me of the situation we had with Dennis’ mom except no stairs and no 24/7 TV. In fact, there is NO TV or Internet as getting someone out here has been difficult. That has been the biggest con of our trip.

And the pro …. Golden Oreo cookies! I don’t think I will ever be able to eat one again without thinking of these days!

But the bigger issue is selling the family home in a difficult market. We have completed the clean out of the house and garage, and now we face the reality of a not-so-great sellers market. Mom is meeting with a real estate agent tomorrow.

In the midst of all this, mom had a cataract removed from her right eye last Thursday, and the left eye is being done this Wednesday. The procedure needs to be done in Roswell (1 hour plus away) because Carlsbad doesn’t offer such services. It’s a quick procedure, but the WAIT TIME at the hospital was ridiculous. A lesson in patience.

In the meantime at home, we have enjoyed time together. Mom is an endless litany of stories (now I know where Joe gets his ability to share stories) and we have done chores around her new home. Joe is a PRO at hanging drapery rods!

Today is our 2 year and 5 month anniversary since Joe and I met on the Zoosk dating app. We had menudo for breakfast to celebrate! I’m very grateful to be a part of his family.

We intend to return home this weekend. 8 hour drive but of course …. THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.