I hadda turn left at Albuquoiky - Albuquerque, New Mexico

If Bugs had traveled earlier this week, he could ONLY have turned left at Albuquerque. I-40 east was closed altogether, so my choices were easier than Bugs'. 
I'm petsitting here in New Mexico's largest city; three dogs, two cats, and unnumbered finches are sharing their house with me.

Zip and Zelda

These guys are heelers (Australian cattle dogs), and if they detect me moving (unlikely), they attempt to gather me into a neat bundle. They're very social and sweet, and will choose a tile floor over their beds if it brings them closer to me.

Daisy

Daisy is ... I don't know Daisy's pedigree; she's about 90 pounds of OH MY GOD DON'T JUMP! Very sweet, thinks she's a Chihuahua. Spokesdog for the other two who goad her into climbing the stairs and waking me.

Widget

Widget is Sanskrit for "She Who Punishes Affection." You know that moment when you realize it's time to stop petting? She doesn't have that moment.

Yoda is elusive and camera-shy. An excellent black-and-white specimen.

I haven't taken pictures of the finches, because when I'm inside their aviary, I'm mostly thinking about getting out of their aviary. They're very cute, extraordinarily finchy, with birdlike toileting habits, and I'm just focusing on what they need from me so they can make their next nitrogenous deposit. There is an ingenious dinner theater situation here. The cats can dine (on kibble!), relax, and watch the show. Threatening behavior, like shouting "Show us your thighs, Two-Piece!" is discouraged, but not prohibited. 

I'll enjoy the house and critters for two more days, then I'll be on the loose.

Happy 2016 to you all. I'll be snuggled up here wishing I knew how to work the remote like I did two days ago, and listening to the ball drop in NYC. What will you do to usher out 2015?

Oversharing. I do it.

On my way out of the park yesterday, I thought I espied another New York license plate. I hit the brakes and did one of those sunglass double-takes - yes, the tacky one - and there it was.

The owner came over to meet me later that day. Man, did she know a lot about me! Finally, I figured out she must read this blog now and then. She told me "Well, YOU blab about it!" Ha! Nailed it. What do you think: do I tell you guys too much? If "yes," I'm not sure how to stop. Is there a 12-step program for oversharers?

I don't know this woman's name, and she has a story that will drop your teeth, but I promised not to overshare her information. We come from the same stomping grounds where we both stomped for a few decades.

South Crosby Mountain, Datil. I think. Someone Datil-y can correct me.

I'll be here in T or C for a few weeks, housesitting. David admired my mad sitting skillz yesterday when I stopped over for a visit. And I'm allowed to have friends over, so tattling will get you nowhere.

Rio Grande, below Caballo Dam

It's exciting when they can release water. Me? I do it all the time.

I'm doing a thing for Annie so she can do a thing she's not telling you about yet. OMG I HAVE SOMEONE ELSE'S SECRET  I WILL NOT OVERSHARE! I WON'T!

I can't even keep my own secrets, but I'm good with yours. Be fearless.

Datil and Magdalena, New Mexico

Datil, New Mexico has a lovely little campsite that is famous with boondockers for its cuteness, toilets, good water, and wifi. I didn't stay there. I stayed with my friends, Betty and John, who are known for the very same things.  Life there is the opposite of roughing it. I smoothed it. Betty is my PR agent - she makes her friends read my blog. 

I don't know. Who IS the pretty mule? Oh, who?

How YOU doin'?

This bug claims to be real.

Magdalena, New Mexico

This library is in the Top Five of cutest libraries in the world, neck-and-neck with Datil's. It offers fast wifi even when it's closed, if you already have the password.

If you're into these things, here's one.

That's hornED toad.

On a clear day, you can see about 22 miles.

Tonight I'm in Truth or Consequences where I'll be house- and cat-sitting several weeks for some friends I just met. I'd write longer, but there are no-bake cookies.