Katzenbaum: Christmas and catsitting in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Hello, Kittens - I've missed you! I couldn't write because I've been so very not-busy.

I spent a lovely and peaceful 18 days on the Rio Grande, enjoying the company of a certain gray cat. While I was there, I was able to do some holiday decorating; I haven't done that for a few years.

Immediately after that, I moved myself to a cozy house with two kitties.

This is not the other one.

Neither is this.

Now I'm dwelling with me, with only myself to kibble. A friend has offered me her home - for no reason except generosity - while she has her own pet-sitting job, and I'm already having fun. I haven't met the neighbor upstairs, but his reputation and excellent yodeling precede him. At home in Datil, there is no bustle. Some nights, the bustle-level drops below zero. So, housing here in a hive of human habitation? Heavenly.

This is the site of the only truly free hot springs in town.

Warm your hands.

I've been doing a bit of this. 

That Sue. What a cut-up.

I haven't just been enjoying myself in T or C! Oh no! I ventured down to Las Cruces, where Spud got fitted for new shoes and I browsed Main Street in a whole new town.

I browsled through Coas Books for a few days, until I needed food and a bathroom. Don't be afraid of Las Cruces' small Main Street. It was the most manageable traffic I encountered all day, and there is plenty of parking.