December Update

December 24, 2009

December update:

Wow, it’s Dec. 24, 2009 where did the month go. This month I finished the fall semester and I was relieved that it’s over and I get a winter break before a new semester in January. Today I am sitting down at my parent’s kitchen table as I write my Dad is preparing a nice big pot of menudo for later tonight. I am waiting for the sun to set so I can light the homemade luminarias. My older sister and brother are in town for Christmas.

The week after Thanksgiving we got hit with a snow storm, here are excerpts from Facebook:

November 30 at 6:41am

Current conditions as of 6:30 am IN San Elizario Tx. Light Snow Shower (more like a mixture of rain and snow) feels like: 32 °F Barometer: 29.47 in and rising Humidity: 100% Visibility: 1.55 mi Dew point: 32 °F Wind: NNW 1 mph Sunrise: 7:52 am Sunset: 4:35 pm

November 30 at 10:36am
Christina Sanchez
Lots of snow in Horizon! It's not even raining here anymore

November 30 at 12:00pm
Minerva Cheatum
Yes, it snowed down here, but now it is just "slush". No more snow. Maybe later tonight it will snow again. It's just a cold front "passing through". Wish it would hurry and move on its way. By the way beautiful picture.

December 1 at 7:42am

Current conditions as of 7:20 am MST (In San Elizario Tx.) Cloudy Feels Like: 32 °F Barometer: 29.9 in Humidity: 55% Visibility: 6 mi Dew point: 18 °F Wind: CALM Sunrise: 6:47 am Sunset: 5:01 pm (snow on the ground is turning to slug very slippery.)

December 3 at 9:20pm

 Ok. It’s more snow sticking on my deck and stair case. Just when I was getting comfortable walking up-and down without skating. Maybe I'll just get an inner tube and slide of the deck maybe a faster and safer trip. I will wait until the am. to see how it looks.

 December 5 at 5:24pm

I just got home a little while ago. I had a very spiritual and emotional day today. I experienced a lot of positive energy, and mixed emotions. We had a day of dancing a good group of dancers (Danza).

      Joyce Vasquez August 10, 2005

This has been a very emotional last few months after the news that one of our dancers had lost her life to domestic valence as posted on lost month update. I got some more disturbing news that another of our dancers has become very ill and the doctors are unable to determine what is causing her body to shout down. One day she woke up and was unable to walk and her nervures system causes her body to experience seizures like symptoms.

Here is a copy of a messages I received from her mom:

My daughter Joyce Lynn (Poti) has had little or no improvement. I rushed her back to Providence ER on Wednesday for severe cramping 11/11/09 and she was seen by Dr Greg Howell, she was placed on another medication to relieve her cramping symptoms but is not feeling well at all, she has these episodes throughout the day, her whole body is hurting, she was released and referred to a neurologist, but her appointment is until the 30th of November. She cannot stand or walk at all. Please continue praying for her, God has to heal her. Prayer is powerful, please join me!
God bless you, and thank you.
Rose Vasquez

Sunday Nov. 15, 2009
She was admitted on Fri 13th and still needs to get an EEG tomorrow, MRI of the brain and lower spine came back normal. The doctor said she may go home Monday afternoon or evening. She still can't walk and loses her ability to speak when she has an episode and right after because her whole body cramps up. Will tell her you are praying for her, thanks.
Rose Vasquez

On December 5, 2009 we dance in honor of the Virgen de Guadalupe in Fabens Tx. @ a house we dance every year for the last ten years. I was emotional because we also remembered Salina, who had lost her life and was not there in person to dance with us as she had done for years. From a distance I saw a car approaching and Joyce was in the car. She had to be with us this day, she joined us and she was dancing from her wheel chair. She was in good sprites and tears were in her eyes because she could not use her legs. But those tears were also from joy of seen us and being around the danza again. (We are like a little family.) Joyce is like a niece to me I known her since she was born. I have known her parents for even longer, her dad and I rode or Harleys on road trips a few time. He has been recovering from an accident that he had last year. Now he has to go through all the medical expenses and emotional experiences again with his little girl.   I am waiting for pictures that were taken that day when I receive them I will add here and update Joyce's condition. Please keep her in you prayers. Thank You.

December 12 at 9:11pm

I received a message from Minerva Cheatum a friend and mother of some of the learned of the danza. She wrote the following: Chee-ee broke 3 ribs, One pretty badly. She is home. Doctor gave her pain pills. She fell getting ready to go to the doctor. As I get more information, I will update it to you. Chee-ee is an elder from Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico, she is my extended family’s grandmother. She opened to heart and doors to her home and welcomed me to be part of her family a long time ago. Every time I travel to Isleta or north to Albuquerque I stop by and visit the family. I also heard from her grandson and she is doing better but still weak. She is also on thoughts and prayers daily.

December 19 at 7:02am

Dancing today @ the Tigua Indian Cultural Center — 305 Yaya Road, at Socorro Road east of the Ysleta Mission. Tonight is the Luminarias Festival/Posadas. The Mission Trail will glow with traditional Christmas luminarias for its 15th annual event. Around 30,000 luminarias will be lit at 6 p.m., lining Socorro Road down to San Elizario.

Today as we danced I was sadden not have Joyce join us. She has been in and out of the hospital for the last few weeks. It seems that she had more episodes of her body cramping up and the doctors still have to conclusive results of as to why this is happing. Her older sister Cindy did dance with us, she was my partner.  But I could tell she was in deep prayers and had Joyce on her mind. As part of the danza tradition we gather around her and said a few prayers and ask the creator to her Joyce in the recovery process and to help the doctors find answers so they can help her. I ask that you also say a few prayers for Joyce and her family.

I have other items to post and I will do so in the next few days. I will spend some time with family this weekend, a holiday weekend.

Just want to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season. Don’t get caught-up in the commercialized Christmas that we know today. Remember the true meaning of the Christmas and spend time with family and friends. If your traveling don’t rush to get there enjoy your trip.

Article about San Eli and First Thanksgiving

Very Interesting article, many will cities will say that they hosted the first thanksgiving. I say that thanksgiving has been a daily part of life many indigenous peoples throughout the world. Those that me will understand why I do not recognize the thanksgiving created by the US, but instead I reflect and remember our ancestors and I give thanks to the creator for another day and his blessing for allowing my to life my life with his guidance, and learn from my mistakes. Read the article is you wish, but doesn’t fall pray the materialistic world instead spend time with family and be thankful for what you have.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_13840962?source=rsshttp://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_13840962?source=rss

November 09, 2009

Update

Monday, November 09, 2009

It’s been a month since my last blog entry. I wish I had more to write, but I have been busy with school. Seems like I spend most of my time reading for my courses, both from my text books and other required resources, add to that conducting research for article reviews and issues papers. Grad school is more time consuming then I anticipated. I have also been trying to review for an ASE (Automotive Service Excellences) recertification exam this coming week. I have to re-certify in automotive electrical systems. My exam is this Thursday Nov. 12, 2009. I am glad it’s only one exam this time. I have to recertify every five years and technology changes so fast; I cannot keep up with new electronic components. I have been studying and learning on how to become a better teacher for the last few years and I have not been in an automotive shop or related environment. When I was teaching at the college, I had the opportunity to stay up to date. These next few days will be spent trying to balance my courses assigned reading and review of auto electrical systems for my exam.

Update on my workouts and tennis:

My workout schedule for October was briefly interrupted by a few distractions and weather the first part of the month. I did get to ride my bicycle two times in October to Clint and back, (that’s a six mile ride round trip), and I also worked on my serve (tennis) practiced at Clint High School. I did make all my tennis classes on Saturdays so that helps. This week was the last class and the coach let up play a singles match. I lost the first set 6-2, the seconded set was called due to time, but the score was 3-2 l had two games won. I did well, but my opponent is a better player at the net and has better ball control. He knows a have a week back-hand and he used that against me. However, I do have to say that I played him hard and he had to earn those points. We played long sets with multiple duce and match point breaks. I need to find a tennis partner to practice with and help me with my game, I still have to keep working on my serve, I have multiple double faults, and that did not help me, because that how I lost most my games.

Other updates:

I am continuing to work hard on connecting with family. I am a family reunion committee member for both sides of my families. My Dad’s (Cantu) and my mom (Soto), this also involves time and endless amounts of e-mails and a few phone calls. I am thankful to have found Facebook, because it makes it easier to reconnect with family. I still administrator of a Family web page for the Cantu Family and have suggested the idea for a family web page for the Soto Family. I hope to get a replay this coming weekend at the next Soto Family reunion meeting. I just keep adding more things and projects to my plate, keeping me busy all the time. I need to go back and organize myself and work on my time management skills. This is funny because I have told some of my students that that time management is the most important thing to master to be successful in school and in life. Now I find myself having to use these skills myself.

A quick note, this last month I lost another friend to Domestic Violence. My friend Salina Gomez was apparently killed by her boyfriend in Arizona. I still do not have all the details, all I know is that a got a text message one morning and I am still in disbelieve and shook. At first I did not recognize the phone number the text was sent form and with the state of shook, well you can say that did not help. Took me a few hours to figure out who sent the message. After that I received a few more text messages, but no calls from anyone who could explain what had happened. She leaves behind three kids, I know they will be ok, because I know her ex-husband Mike will make sure they are well taken care off. Salina was part of the Dance group (Danza Pavoreal). In fact she was often my partner dancing across from me. (That's her in the back across me the girl with the choker, infront on the guy siting down in blue.) I use to see her when she worked at the sub-way at EPCC for a couple of years, she would take a break just so we could talk. Words can express how I feel about her death, perhaps it’s not easy because I still am not able to find peace, and it’s mostly because I don’t know what happened. When she divorced Mike and move to Arizona we did not stay in touch. She was not here in August for the Fiesta de San Lorenzo, her kids were here with their grandmother and Mike picked them up, as they needed to get back to Arizona because the school year was starting.

Well I guess this will all for now, until I can find the time to write down a few more thought and maybe get some more photos to share.

Laterdays

David S. Cantu

Navajo girl shares family's dramatic heritage

This is intreasting, something you will not find in school text book.

Navajo girl shares family's dramatic heritage

(ARIZONA) -- In 1864, a young Navajo woman living in Black Mesa, Ariz., fought to protect her family from the efforts of the U.S. Army and scout Kit Carson to remove them from their land and send them to Ft. Sumner, N.M. in Native News > History & Culture


http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=73074

Love The World

Love the world
By J. Vaughan & M. Rebennack (1994)

Love the world gave his only son
To live and love in this world as one
Love the world. Gave his only son
In this mean ol’ world so much work to be done
Down here a-crin’ can’t hear nobody pray
Drink of the holy water
Drink of the holy blood
Walk through the shadow in the valley
Lead us through the deep end mud
Love the world. His love will never end
He made a garden of love for mankind to tend
Love the world
Love the world
Love the world
Love the world
Love the world

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Hello again,

It has been a while since my last entry. Life has kept me busy in the last few months. After the last entry in August I keep telling myself to post new information and enter my thoughts, but there was always some kind of a distraction, the main one was that school would be starting in August and I needed to get myself ready mentally. I also spend my time working on small projects around the house, clearing the yard and tending to the garden. To tell you the truth I tried to do too many things all at once in a short period of time.

With start of school the last month has been spend reading and more reading. I spend most my time on the computer working on assignments and conducting research. I have also managed to spend at list a few minutes every day on line both in the am and late at night checking my Face book account, and the Family web-page for updates and family news. I also have a twitter account that I do not use very much but I go and check for updates from NHRA.com and KUNM.ogr at least once a week.

Excretes from Facebook.com:

David Cantu: Just finished chatting with my (teenage) niece, who is in FLA on her way back to San Antonio after a long summer vacation with her Mom's Family. She is teaching me about, how most teenagers’ brains work. Or how teenagers think, this helps me with my teaching strategies.


Henry Cantu: what’s up cuz! Hey man it’s great to see your still rocking our culture. I would like to do a dedication piece to our ancestors. So I will need your help on an image for some canvas. Let me know. ---- can2
Top of Form
August 17 at 10:32am

David Cantu: Road trip: On my way to San Antonio Tx. Mini Vacation from Gardening and Yard Work. I should be In San Antonio by 9pm tonight.
Top of Form
September 4 at 10:03am


David Cantu
In San Antonio, ETA: 9 hours, 30 minutes at Check point outskirts of Sierra Blanca, Border Patrol asked too many questions in Spanish, (just because I have brown skin). Fuel $90.00, Whopper and Fries, $5.03, water was free from home lol, Lightning show between Ft Stockton and Ozona Tx. Priceless. between Ft. Stockton and Ozona, Priceless. Rain in Kerrville, windy in Comfort, and more rain in Down town San Antonio. Over all road trip was good.
Top of Form
September 4 at 10:56pm

David Cantu:
I am back at home In San Eli; the trip to San Antonio was all good. Looks like much more work need to be done, but I will not have to travel for a while. Saturday I had lunch with Leslie. I spend yesterday with family they had a cook out for a little cousin’s birthday party, sure did have some good food. The trip back was cool I got to see a thunder storm toward the Big Bend National Park. The rain made its way to I-10 between FT. Stockton and Kent Tx. just before getting to I-10 / I-20 junction a few miles before Van Horn. Sorry no pictures it’s had to drive at take photos.


As you see I did spend a few days in San Antonio. I am still trying to do too many small projects at home and spend most my time on school activities. I will try and take more photos this month just have to carry the camera with me when I go out. I think the first little photo adventure will be at Lincoln’s Dairy down the road. They have a mini zoo and they still make fresh cheese products.

Code Talkers speaking out to teach history of messaging system

Code Talkers speaking out to teach history of messaging system (ARIZONA) -- Joe Kellwood turns pages in a glossy-print history magazine to a black-and-white photograph of three U.S. Marines en route to Okinawa, Japan.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/08/17/20090817codetalker0817.html

August 8, 2009

August 8, 2009 Dancing(matachines) in Clint Texas . We danced for three days here are just a few shots taken by a friend. This is a big day for many of the people in the south west.
This is me.This was a different Danza, They were invited to dance and we welcomed them in a traditional ceremony called the resivida.This is me again. This is another Danza, they dance in the Aztec style dance.

This is me, my good friend Christine is having fun at my expense lol. She was my dance partner thought the day. I like to dance side by side with her, we have good communication skills and feed of each others for energy and strength, to be able to dance hard for three miles and three days in a row. More about the danza and traditions to come soon.

June Update

Hello there,

I know it has been a while since I have posted any news. I have been busy for the last month or so. After the end of the spring semester I spend my time working on the garden and i was also working on Family Reunion plans and getting ready to drive to San Antonio Tx. I spend about ten days in San Antonio retuning on May 29th only to find weeds in my garden. That was on a Friday afternoon, and I needed to irrigate the next day (Saturday). Well all I had time for that afternoon was to do the lawn in the front yard and I lost day light.

Saturday May 30th: Irrigation day started at 5:00 am Finished at about 3:00 Pm due to lack of water in the main irrigation ditch. After I finished I went to a family gathering in El Paso to celebrate the graduation of a cuisine.

Sunday May 31, I get some rest but I also started to clean the garage.

Monday June 1, I did all my unpacking and laundry and ran errands in the afternoon.

Tuesday June 2- Saturday June 6, I worked 16 hr days in the yard. I would get up at 5am and work in the garden pulling weeds by hand, so to get the roots out, until about 10 am when the temp started to get hot. I would take a break eat lunch and do some cleaning in the garage a bit. The I would start in the yard mowing the yard, (back yard) from 1pm to about 4 pm take a dinner break and then continue until the sun set. I was done by Saturday afternoon.

I irrigated the garden using the well and water pump overnight Saturday-Sunday. I ran the pump for 12 hrs overnight getting about 3hrs of sleep.

Sunday June 7, I tried to rest but it was hard so I started working in the garage on small projects. I did take a tree hr brake to watch NHRA on ESPEN2.

Monday June 8: I stated summer school. I am taking an online course this summer. I am also taking a tennis class on Saturdays this summer from June 13 -- august 8th.

June 9-13; I spend time with family, my niece graduated from High School so half my sisters were in town. I did do some work getting the yard clean and setting up for a dinner party for my nice on Saturday evening.

Sunday June 14, Irrigation again from 5am--12 noon. Things went faster with water level on main ditch normal.

Monday June 15, yesterday I had to put up all the tables and chairs that we used for the party. I just put every thing under the carport on Sunday to irrigate. Yes I still had to put things back were we store every thing. Today I am trying to get back on a regular schedule lol.

One of the last, Original navajo Code Talkers Dies

One of the Last, Original Navajo Code Talkers Dies (ARIZONA) -- A Navajo Code Talker who was part of the original group recruited to develop what became an unbreakable code that confounded the Japanese during World War II has died.
in Native News > History & Culture

Rose Wilson EBAUGH

Thursday, May 07, 2009

RADIO ROSE ~~ 11/11/59 - 5/4/09

Category: Friends
ROSE WILSON EBAUGH Sunrise

Rose Wilson Ebaugh was born in Winslow, Arizona as the third daughter to James and Louise Wilson. She had five sisters-Elsie Barber (Richard), Elouise Lee (Randolph), Ella Wilson, Carol Wilson, Judy Wilson (Gilbert Packineau) who loved her very much.Rose was the proud mother of three sons: Joseph James Ebaugh, Justin Jeremy Ebaugh and Carson Gilmore Lafferty. Joseph Caine Ebaugh, her grandson, was the apple of her eye.

All of her boys brought her much joy and she went out of her way to find opportunities for her children's enrichment.Rose was fiercely independent and a leading community activist. She would take a stand for what she believed in; she would speak out for her beliefs and for the rights of others. She was very involved in her community and supported many social justices; causes.

Much of her work both paid and volunteer reflects her convictions. She was a SAGE Council Board Member, An Advisory Board member for the "All My Relations" program at 1st Nations, An Active member of the Network of Indian Organization, Worked on the ABQ Dineh Voters Project as a member of National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) and Navajo Vote Coordinator for Navajos in Albuquerque, Employed by 1st Nations and a long time DJ for Singing Wire on KUNM-FM.

Rose was an avid athlete and enjoyed many sports. She was a UNM Alumnus. As a member of the "Friends of the Program" Committee, Rose was a key to the fundraising successes and the survival fo the Urban Indian Advocacy Program/Morning Star House. She was relentless in pursuing ways to see that the needs of our Indian Women and Children were met.Rose was a very loving generous person who was willing to share what she had. However, she was also very humble...She gave to and touched more people then what any of us will ever know about.She will be sorely missed by her family and many friends at the marches, the fundraisers, on the radio, the sports events and the celebrations....Rose Wilson Ebaugh passed away on May 4, 2009.

FaithStreams.com

Want it all? Need it yesterday? Visit FaithStreams.com to find out more.
. . . . . . . . . . Young@Heart Los Angeles Concert Footage featuring the Forever Young Chorus. Watch the video clip — then, if you like, share your thoughts in the FaithStreams Forum.
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April 25, 2009

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Hello again;

Well its been a busy month for me. I have spend much of my time doing research for my courses. I have been reading for hours daily and when I get home from the library I try to get some yard work done. I have also been practicing Huchas (washers), it a popular game here in this area, more details in a later blog.

I have not been working out in a few weeks. I injured my shoulder, think I pulled a muscle last month while working on a deep water well. Driving a two inch pipe in the ground about twenty feet deep. Its hard work, I was picking up the hammer/driver up (it's a harvey peace of pipe filled with led), and I over extended my shoulder and it hurt bad. You know me I popped my shoulder back in place and continued working all day. Good think we finished the well that day, now I am saving up my pennies to buy a new deep-well-water pump.

Back to my shoulder I was doing my work out a few days after the injury and guess what? I could not even do a push-up, too much pain. The next day I tried lifting weights shoulder/bench press, more pain. So I gave my self some time to heal. But I keep working, digging, chopping weeds, and doing other stuff. Every day I wake up with a sore shoulder so I will try working out in a few days. Start with simple stretching, walking, running, and leg exercises. I will take it easy on Upper-body work-outs.

Well it's time to take a break get some lunch and walk to the post-office. I still have a lot of reading to do for my courses. Today (Monday) I stayed home to read and do some little projects in between articles. I know I started to write this on Saturday but as you can see I have done this every chance a get. On Saturday while irrigating I had some visitors drop by and I tried to video tape again, still playing with camera but I need more practice. See another amiture video below.

Two wild ducks stopped by the house to get some rest and look for food. Many wild birds have been flying over our house on their way to wet-lands close by for years. This was the first time Ducks stopped by and stayed for little while very cool.

A Boulder-Climbing Paradise, Where Sacredness Meets Sport

A Boulder-Climbing Paradise, Where Sacredness Meets Sport (TEXAS) -- Northeast of East El Paso, where housing developments give way to salvage yards, a stand of volcanic syenite rises from the valley floor in a palette of rust and dun, splintering into foothills sliced like layer cakes.
in Native News > Land

Family's 1st Graduate Plans to Give Back

Family's 1st Graduate Plans to Give Back (ARIZONA) -- Candace Begody wears many hats at the University of Arizona. But one more dear to her heart is that she will be a first-generation college graduate May 2010.
in Native News > Education

Spring Break

Hello, its me again;

Well my spring break is almost over one more day of fun in the wind, lol. Its been busy and windy for me, unlike my other school mates and cousins who are in school. No road trips to sandy beaches or to any pow-wows. I stayed at home tried to do some yard work and research for my classes you can say it was a typical week:

Monday, me and my dad cleaned out part of a small barn.

Tuesday, road trip to city dump, this was fun wind, dust and trash.

Wednesday, more wind so I did some research at home.

Thursday, more wind so I went to the library to do more research.

Friday, less wind in the am, but picked up after 2:00pm. I did get some yard work in the front cleaned out some cactus and bamboo. We wanted to plant seeds in the garden but it was to windy, seeds fly away.

Today was irrigation day, again windy tried to plant seeds but my garden floodgate did not hold up and the garden flooded before I could plant seeds not my week to plant seeds I guess. Today was a good day for irrigating tho, started at 5:15 am and was done by 9:45 am. I actually had the afternoon to do more research at the library. I saw a former student today, she is attending EPCC, taking accounting we had a sort visit.

Well lets see what the weather looks like tomorrow maybe I can some rest, yeah right,. I will do more reading and get ready for school again on Monday,> > Just wanted to say hello and send you an update; the Cantu_ Review web link had been slow this week don't forget to pop in every now and then to gives a short up date.

Have a good weekend . _____________________________________________________________________

Hello Again,

Today was a good day, I finally took the camera with me on my weekly run to the Levee.
I had time getting the photos because the Border Patrol Agents are always watching me.
Today was quit, no wild life. The Black Sand Crane where hanging out in the back lot behind our house on there way to the Rio Bosque Water Wat Lands in Socorro Tx. That's about five miles down the river from where I was. With the construction the birds have to find other rest areas. No dogs either, there are two white German shepherds that hand out on the irrigation ditch that I run on. They seem to be wild dogs, but friendly with me, sometime the bigger dog runs with me on the levee across the ditch. Yes most people would be afraid but the dogs are cool with me we have a connection.

Photos left to right: left one is an open area no face facing southwest Mexico. Middle, Industrial area northwest facing Mexico, It looks like there is a race track over there some times on Sundays I can hear the race cars. Right, is the irrigation flood gates. I use to be able to walk across the bridge and maybe fifty yards or so down to the actual river bed. Now with construction and the fence it will be hard to do, unless they install a door and the border patrol agents give me permission.

This the face under construction photo on left is facing south and photo on right facing north. You can tell they built up the Levee on the irrigation canal about five feet (Flood Control) so you can not see the river bed. If they use metal sheets for the face I will not be able to see Mexico at all. Sad yes I know.

The rest of the day was spend with family on my moms side, today we met at the cemetery to pray and visit my Grandparents and one of my uncles grave sites . From there we went to the family house its an old house with may memories, two of my ant's are living there now. Part of the house is still Adobe and newer additions are center block. It's still abuelita's (grandma's) house to me. We had spaghetti and salad very good. After that I came back home so here is the end of the day, yeah right, its time for diner and then homework.

Here is video I attempted to create, Blank sand crane in the land behind the house. It is a real armature piece of work lol, Its a new camera (year Old) and I am still learning all the features. I tried to get close up and that was a big mistake as you will see just some black spots, them be the crane. Have a good week and will write again soon.

IndioRaven

Irrigation Day

Good Day,

Yesterday was the first day of irrigation season for us. We are on small track as the water reclamation depart calls it. That means we are not a large acreage farm or ranch, but a residential area. This is our garden looks bigger then actual size. This was all done by hand by My Dad and Myself. Last year we had a good crop many pickles, cucumber, tomatoes, corn, and squash. This year we made some adjustment based on last years results. We added a few extra rows for watermelons and cantaloupe. Last year we did not have a good crop of melons due to bad placement. We planted them behind some sugar cane. Oh yes the cane was doing OK until a bad storm heavy wind and well you know the rest.

As you can see we got plenty of water, we still need to make a few adjustments and build up a few sides so the water will not overflow.

Different angle

This is the rest of the yard, this would be my front yard from my little house, and the back yard from my Parents house. Yes two house on one acre. That's one of the many peach trees we have this one gave a good bash of peaches last year. Small tree with many peaches oh yes, One of my Aunt made me a very good personal peach cobbler. Oh yeah I forget we have five pecan trees they are still small but in a few years we should have pecans. I am trying to grow an apple tree from seeds. I have grown all my mesquite trees from seeds I picked up at rest areas off the I-10 in Texas and I-25 in New Mexico.

Another look at the yard, as you can see we got a lot of water. Soon the grass will be green again and the trees will be full of shade. My plans are to have a great little park like atmosphere where we can hang out on Sundays and cook out. I have put in a few Washer Courts you can't see here because the are under water lol.

Another look at garden, you are think that I will be busy all summer? Yes you are right, but its a fun busy I like working in garden. Did down inside me is a Farmer. I guess it skipped a few generations and its my time to do as some of my ancestors did.


Well this weekend I irrigated, and have been struggling with my school work, writing papers and midterm exams. I did not get a chance to take my week run to the river, I'll do that on Monday morning and I will post a few more picture if I can carry the camera while I run lol.


You all have a good week.
Walk in peace.
AKA Indio Raven

Looking Back in Time

Hello,
This weekend I did some reflecting a back in time. It was a typical Sunday, I been jogging to the river every now and then for over 30 years. Lately it's been a weekly trip on Sunday mornins as part of my work-out schedule for the month of February and now March. Every time I get to the river levee I face to the east and pry to the creator and thank him for all his blessing. I have done this for years so the Border Patrol Agents should all know me by now. I use to be able to see the desert in Mexico and the surrounding mountains. But things change fast and now I can see industrial areas and a fast growing community across the border. I am sad, because soon I will see a fence, yes there is already work going on, They made the irrigation ditch levee higher so now I can't see much. I us to be able to ride my bicycle on that irrigation ditch levee, but now they are installing a fence. I will try and take some photos next week if I can remember.

Today I cleaned out a dresser drawer full of old papers and pictures. Yes I have been trying to get myself organized somewhat. I found an old news paper that I put away. I was a volunteer at the old Socorro Church a few years ago; I made new adobe brick to replace the old ones as part of the restoration. I was one of hundreds of volunteers to work on the project. I did not appear in the news paper, but I had a good time working out there. After doing some research on family history, on my maternal side of the family. I found out that some of her ancestors have connections to the old church. I guess I was making my own connection to the ancestors who where members of the church.



This paper is dated Tuesday August 14, 2001

The El Paso Times


Well it's been a while and the Church is restored. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the restoration.
(DC)

Kiko

Hello, my name is Kiko and I am a friend of Indio Raven. I have been in deep sleep in the shop on a book shelf for 20 years. Si, it’s true I forget how I got there, I have a slight memory lost but I thing I use to live in San Antonio Texas.





Today I woke to the sounds Country music I think it was my old friend Willie Nelson, wow he has a radio show on this new thing they call satellite how cool is that, it called Willie's place.




Indio Raven is cool he let me hang-out and let move up stairs to his little apartment and I met new friends. Boy I have 20 years lost technology is too much to take in this days. First thing I did was take a bubble bath in the family washing machine that was fun!!






The rest of the day I just hug-out took in a sun bath. It was cool to see all the little different kinds of birds fly by. I could see a cage close by when the wind would blow, because I was swinging back and forth. I think there is Rabbit at this little rancho in San Elizario.



Today I met Puppy he still wears his Christmas outfit. Puppy said he also lived in San Antonio with a young lady named Amanda and moved to San Eli about five years ago around Christmas time, when Amada said he could go with Indio and some friends Roo , and Deputy Dog. Puppy said I will meet later because they are always riding around in a blue truck; they travel all over the place. Maybe they will let travel with them.

After a long day I sat down next to this little Mexican senior with a punch who must have been working in the backyard because he was tired and fell asleep on a chair with a his blanket. It's a nice blanket maybe he will let me barrow it someday. I'll be staying with Indioraven for a while and I may just go to San Antonio some day and reunite with the family I use to live with. I'll be posting some of my adventure here on this blog. Indio as I call him was kind enough to let me do this. If someone here recognizes me feel free to send us an e-mail, I am learning how to use this computer.

Thank You Kiko

Geronimo Descendants Pursues Sprited Fight

Geronimo Descendant Pursues Spirited Fight (WASHINGTON, DC) -- Geronimo, the great Apache warrior, is not resting in peace. In the sort of news conference that most likely could happen only in Washington, Geronimo's great-grandson, Harlyn Geronimo, announced a lawsuit against the U.S. government yesterday to recover his famous ancestor's remains -- a strange last spasm in the Indian wars...
in Native News > Legal & Courts

Geronimo's heirs sue to free Apache chief's spirit (WASHINGTON, DC) -- On the 100th anniversary of the death of legendary Apache warrior Geronimo, 20 of his descendants filed suit Tuesday in a US federal court, asking that his spirit and remains be freed.
in Native News > Legal & Courts

Apache heirs sue Skull and Bones over remains (CONNECTICUT) -- The descendants of the Apache Geronimo, a warrior chieftain whose remains are rumored to be held inside Yale’s oldest secret society, filed a lawsuit Tuesday demanding the return of their ancestor’s skull.
in Native News > Legal & Courts

Geronimo's Great Grandson Asks Yale Secret Society to Return Ancestor's Skull (CONNECTICUT) -- It's the stuff of legends: an elite secret society that includes what would become some of the most powerful men of the 20th century allegedly invading the grave of an Apache chief to steal his skull for fraternal rituals. It's also the stuff of a new lawsuit filed Tuesday by descendents of that Apache chief.
in Native News > Miscellaneous

Geronimo: Finding Peace (USA) -- Geronimo was not the given name of this famous Apache warrior. His parents named him Goyathlay, which means "one who yawns."
in Native News > History & Culture

Money secured to save 1840s-era structure

Money secured to save 1840s-era structure
By Andrew Kreighbaum / Austin Bureau
Posted: 02/12/2009 12:00:00 AM MST

The Socorro Mission rectory, built in the 1840s, needs repairs. (Photos by Vanessa Monsisvais / El Paso Times)

Read more on your neighborhood
AUSTIN -- The rumble of passing trucks has left the adobe-built Socorro Mission rectory cracked, crumbling and on a list of Texas' most endangered historic places. But the deacon of the parish said Wednesday that local money has been secured to begin restoration of the 1840s structure.
Preservation Texas released a list Wednesday that included the Socorro Mission rectory as one of 11 historic sites threatened by destruction or neglect. Also on the list are the Strand District on Galveston Island, which was damaged by Hurricane Ike in October, and the Governor's Mansion in Austin,

The exterior adobe walls of the Socorro Mission rectory are crumbling. which was torched by an arsonist last summer.
The rectory is behind the Socorro Mission, which was restored as part of a community initiative in 2005.
The adobe structure has not fared well next to nearby trucking traffic, said Troy Ainsworth, El Paso historical preservation officer. Ground disturbances caused by the traffic require stabilization work be done on the building, he said.
"In the northern part of Chihuahua, New Mexico and West Texas, I don't think there's another example of an adobe rectory that still stands," Ainsworth said. "It's pretty much the last of its kind in this area."
Ainsworth said that the rectory would not be in dire circumstances for a couple more years but that a delay would make restoration more costly.

Deacon William Reyes, the administrator of Socorro parish, said repairs to the exterior of the rectory will begin by the end of March, thanks to money from the Catholic Diocese of El Paso and the local community.
Reyes said that restoring the exterior of the building will cost about $75,000, but that no estimate has been made for interior repairs.
The Socorro mission complex, which includes the rectory, was originally established in the 17th century to minister to the nearby Piro Indians, and it was rebuilt twice after Rio Grande floods. The current structure was built by the diocese in the 1840s.
"We don't want that history to stop at our times," Reyes said. "We want the history to continue in the future so they can see how our ancestors used to live."
Andrew Kreighbaum may be reached at akreighbaum@elpasotimes.com; 512-479-6606.

All My Relations

All My Relations by Ulali

To our Elders, who teach us of our creation and our past, so we my preserve mother earth for ancestors yet to come, we are the lands.

This is dedicated to our relatives before us thousands of years ago, and the 1,500 million who were exterminated across the western hemisphere in the first four hound years time starting in 1492.

To those who have kept their Home lands and to the nations exterminated due to mass-slaughter, slavery, deportation and decease unknown to them, and the ones who are subjected to the same treatment today.

To the ones who survived the relocations and the ones who died alone the way.

To those who carried on traditions and live strong among their people.

To those that left their communities by force or by choice, and for generations no longer know who they are.

To those who search and never find.

To those who turn away the so called non-accepted.

To those who bring us together and to those living outside keeping in touch, the voice for many.

To those who make it back to live and fight for the struggle of their people.

To those who give up and to those who don’t care.

To those who abuse themselves and others, and those who revive again?

To those who are physical, mentally, or spiritual and incapable by accident or birth.

To those who seek straight in our spirituality in ways of life and those that exploit it even our own.

To those who fall to the leis, and join dividing lines that keep us fighting among each other.

To the young, the old, the living and the dead.

T0 our brothers and sisters in all living things across mother earth and her beauty we have destroyed and denied the honor the creator has given each individual.

The truth that lies in our hearts, all my relations.