This sweet song Tommy Emmanuel wrote with George Harrison in mind is the perfect soundtrack for the gift we received upon moving into our new place.  A neighbor girl named Eleah knocked on our door one day to deliver this card along with a bundle of freshly baked chocolate cookies.

Welcome Home card from Eleah

Unfortunately the cookies were eaten before I could photograph them.  I’m partly responsible.  Our hearts however still remain warm from this sweet gesture.

Our neighbors

It is a great card.  Thank you Eleah!  You and your family are stars.  Eleah probably saw me leaving every day on my bicycle.  There is a multi use trail that parallels I-40 here and the access is right across the street from our residence.  The trail begins by going over the interstate (I look down at the 18-wheelers and think of how far I’ve come) and underneath all the major cross streets such as Eubank and Juan Tabo.  It drops me right off at the beginning of old route 66, also know as Tijeras Canyon, at the edge of the city.  From there the riding east is open and free feeling winding through the much traveled gap between the Sandia and Manzano Mtns.  Once through the Canyon you come to the village of Tijeras and world class road riding opportunities abound.  Awesome.  We are also doing walking daily from home.  We live near Grants Middle School and there is a beautiful field with views of the volcanoes and West Mesa looking west with the San Mateo Mountains further off.

looking west

For longer evening walks we’ve been checking out different trailheads along the Sandia Foothills.  Lots of people are out biking and walking and it is easy to see why.

distinct localities & funky vegetation

Every crook and fold in the landscape creates surprisingly unique conditions.  Views of the Sandias constantly change as days unfold.

Embudito trailhead

Walking teaches us about our relation to place.  My admiration for this place is growing with every step I make.  We love it here and feel at home.

sunset