State #8: New Mexico

We stayed in the small town of Deming, NM this week and one week feels like too short of time to give a true assessment of the whole state!

There is an active Gem & Mineral Society here that had their annual RockHound RoundUp last weekend. We walked around the state fairgrounds (which is tiny in comparison to Minnesota's...more the size of a very small county fair) and boy, were we out of our element. Rock hunting is prevalent in the Southwest states. Various vendors had everything from "raw" rocks to crystals, loose gems, jewelry, and art. It was a bit overwhelming when you have no clue what you are actually looking at! Add rock hunting to the list of things that could be an entire education in itself.

Jazmine looking cute to remind us that we still like her...most days.

Our dog, Jazmine, added some excitement into the week by needing a visit to a vet. How do we do that on the road? Thank you, Google. We just called the two vets in town and went to who could see her. In the end, she had an unknown cause for having the runs, no sort of parasite/infection. We were sent home with some doggy Kaopectate and well wishes. Once again, Jazmine just likes to keep her life and ours interesting. She has had more socialization in the last 8 months compared to the rest of her life. No one can believe that she is 11 years old. Overall, she has adapted to the road very well and loves to meet and play with dogs. Who knew!

Even in a small town, you can find some great food. "Happy Camper" restaurant was recommended from another fellow dog park attendee at the RV park. Chad had a burger and I had the loaded French fries, and we will probably visit again before we leave. They supposedly have a good fish & chips special on Fridays...oh darn, I guess we might have to try another option from their beer menu.

Saturday we head further on Highway 10 E to Fort Stockton, Texas.

"On the road again..." Maybe sometimes we sing that as we head out. Not really, but it's good to honor Willie Nelson fans and it will make my mother-in-law happy that I wrote that.