Quarter Moon Hill

 When we moved to New Mexico I didn't know what to expect from the environment.  I had been to Colorado, Northern California, Oregon, and all over the east coast.  I studied environmental biology extensivly in college.  However none of that prepared me for the vastness that greeted me as we drove through the state for the first time.  I remember my excitement when we finally made it to New Mexico.  Then the shock that grew after hours and hours and hours of driving through the great southwest.   Vast evolved a new definition. It took me almost two full cycle of seasons to get used to the landscape and the landscaping of Albuquerque.  Growing up where there were so many shades of green, made it hard for me to see the depth of colors, the complexity of life, and the beauty of the high desert.  

However nearly 6 years later, my appreciation and enjoyment of the ecology has dramatically changed.   

When we started exploring properties out side of the city we looked north, beautiful hills, arroyos, shrubs...but not home. West, well there is not much west of Albuquerque a lot of sand and volcanic rock.  South follows the Bosque and it is just gorgeous.  It is the oasis in the desert, and the land that isn't owned by the Native American tribes, is priced as such.  I will have to satisfy my need for the river and its life, through frequent visits.  East is interesting.  The Sandia's are an old mountain chain and unlike the grand mountains of Colorado, they kind of sit alone a small mountainous ridge looking out on all directions at other small mount peaks.  While they are not as tall and peaky as their northern cousins they are beautiful.  The ridges and slopes have ever changing shadows.  They are pink most evenings and dusted with the snow of increased elevation in the winter.  

To ABQ residents, if you live anywhere on the other side of the mountains, you live in the East Mountains.   We spent weekends taking long car rides in the East Mountains, getting to know the terrain and the small residential communities within a reasonable driving distance to Hub's work.  

Then we found it, Quarter Moon Hill.  Hubby knew it first, but there were several lots to choose from.   By our second trip out, I was sold.  Quarter Moon Hill felt like home.  There were some ups and downs with the real estate stuff, but it is ours!  

Our property was part of a land grant gifted by President Harding, to one of the first Postmasters of what was then known as Venus, NM.   I love a little history!

Are you ready?  Time for the pictures!  I am proud to introduce you all to our home stead, welcome to Quarter Moon Hill!