The Journey of Gypsy Rhapsody and Minuet in G: THE BIG "Q"

Gypsy Rhapsody

I have LOVED this week. Vannie and Dave's work schedule was on a slower pace, so I got to see much more of them. They decided to check out a little more of our hometown (for the summer)...Questa, NM or "The Big Q".

Questa has a population of about 1800 people. It covers about 5 square miles. It's original name was San Antonio del Rio Colorado, but was changed by a postmaster. To simplify the name, he was going to call the village "cuesta" referring to the ridge where the old church plaza stands. But in his haste, he spelled it "questa", and despite the error, the village has kept the name.

One morning V and D had a hankering for a breakfast burrito. They heard that the Chevron station had some great ones, but this little lady helped them out. They said she did a great job...the burritos were delicious.

The Blue Bus...Would you believe this bus took Vannie and Dave to Taos Wal-Mart for FREE. Yup! They met it had the Chevron (after the burrito)...boarded and headed to Taos. The driver dropped them at the Wal-Mart at 10:00 and picked them up at 11:00. They had their list and were ready to board for home at 11:00. The driver had already told them..."Don't be late. I'm on time and only will wait for 5 minutes." I hate to say this, but V and D have kind of become tightwads this summer. Taking the FREE bus is just one such instance! lol

After their big trip to the Wal-Mart, they were ready for some relaxing. Bob, a neighbor, built a fire. Mrs. Gonzales, their landlord, came over. V and D brought the crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, for s'mores...and a fun time was had by all.

The Big "Q"

Can you see it in the background? I think I had a picture of the "Q" in a few blogs back. When V and D hiked up to the cemetery, they could see it in the distance. Well, they decided they wanted to see the "Q" up close and personal. They are never satisfied! So here they go!

Got pretty steep as they got closer to their destination. That's Questa in the background.

Made it...Vannie has a little vertigo. She said her tummy was doing flip-flops.

There's the "1".

There's the "4". Remember the blog about the "seniors 14".

View from the top!

It is hard to tell how steep this was in the photographs, but Dave was having to stick his walking stick in the ground and hold on for dear life just to keep upright.

Vannie had to use the "butt-slide" method.

Well, they made it back to me. After resting from the hike, Vannie decided to do some sewing projects. I love hanging with V and D on cool afternoons. Our little screen room is so perfect for all kinds of projects.

St. Antony Catholic Church...Questa

Mid 1800's

Under serious renovation

The church had a partial collapse in 2006.

Adobe bricks just waiting to be placed...

Vannie said the church is being restored by volunteers in the community. Anyone can come on Tuesday or Thursday evenings or Saturday morning to give of their time. V and D are thinking really hard about this. I overheard them talking about volunteering.