While I sit in the Albuquerque airport and look out at the Sandia Mountains, I reflect on my weekend trip to New Mexico.

My husband and I made the trip for the Texas A&M game. Brent was working (covering the game for the San Antonio Express News)…while I was just along for the ride.

We happened to be staying at the same hotel with the Aggie football team and A&M officials, so that was pretty neat. I enjoyed seeing Jorvorskie Lane and Stephen McGee as I stepped off the elevator. I also got to sit right behind Texas A&M President, Dr. Elsa Murano at the game. I couldn’t believe she sat out in the heat all four quarters! If it were me, I would have been up in the president’s suite. But not Dr. Murano. She’s a true Aggie fan through and through. We all thought the game would be a little cooler being New Mexico and all. But it was hotter than blue blazin’ out there. It was probably only about 90 degrees, but we were sitting in the direct sun and dressed for what we thought was New Mexico weather. Oh well, we were just glad the Aggies pulled out a win.

On Sunday, we took the world’s longest aerial tramway to the top of the Sandia Mountains. As we rose roughly two miles into the sky, I just hoped I wouldn’t ruin the harmonious trip by getting sick. I have a bit of a weak stomach…ok, an extremely weak stomach! Once I realized I was going to make it, I took in the beautiful canyons and lush forests the mountain had to offer. After a bite to eat at the High Finance Restaurant (still haven’t figured out that name yet) atop the mountain, we wandered around the Cibola National Forest. I would say, “hiked,” but I wouldn’t call walking around in flip-flops much of a hike, so I’ll just stick with “wandered.”  It was absolutely breathtaking. If you’re ever in that part of the country, I’d definitely recommend taking the tram.

This was my first trip to New Mexico and I thought it was beautiful! The only thing I don’t really dig about the state, are the digs. I’m not a big stucco kind of girl, and it seems like that’s all they have there. I’m not really sure if it’s to keep the look uniform, or if there’s a practical reason behind the adobe walls. If you know the answer, please let me know in the comments section.

Outta the desert…and back to Texas…and my little brick house.