#sharethefunofRHS Red Hatters at Clay Time in Alamogordo, New Mexico

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Members of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter of the Red Hat Society in Alamogordo, New Mexico had a bisque painting party at Clay Time at 908 New York Avenue. Clay Time boasts of pottery, ceramics, supplies/sales and classes. The owner, Carl "Hank" Hangsleben, was so knowledgeable and helpful to each one of us. Several of us had never painted a piece for firing so his help was deeply appreciated.

We began by choosing and purchasing a bisque figure we wished to paint and we received painting directions and chose the colors we wanted to use. Each place at the table was set up with a paint palette, a cup of water, various sizes of brushes and plenty of paper napkins. It was difficult wrapping my mind around the fact that the colors going on would come out extremely bright and shiny after glazing and firing because they were very opaque in the bottles and when applied to the figures. I did remember to bring all the aprons I had just in case we got messy. Somehow, I wound up with paint on my face. Fortunately, the paint is water based so it washes off easily.

When we finished, Hank took our names and phone numbers/email addresses so that he can let us know when our figure is ready for pick-up. I can't wait to see mine, a baby in a ladybug outfit.

L to R: Margaret, Lu and showing off her tortilla bowl is Jean (not seen)

VQ Donna putting the finishing touches on her Sunflower Faces

Close up of Sunflower Face

Lynne with her Poinsettia (once fired it will be bright red)

Dorothy E. with a turquoise bowl with swirls

Lu with her lovely little bird house

Margaret with her Christmas Angel

L to R: Hank, Lynne and VQ Donna

Queen Ladybird aka Carla with her ladybug baby (photo by Hank Hangsleben)

L to R: Lu, Margie, Flo, Margaret and Jean at Margo's for lunch

Dorothy E. and VQ Donna dressed in reverse colors for her birthday month

Queen Ladybird aka Carla (Photo by Lu Mattson)

We all had a delightful time lunching at Margo's Mexican Restaurant and visiting. Most were in agreement that Clay Time was great fun and they would like to do it again. I will revisit this post with pictures of the fired figures that we painted.

This is all I have to say for now.

Soules Challenging Pearce for U.S. House Seat

January 24, 2016 Alamogordo, New Mexico

The Democratic Party of Otero County welcomed Merrie Lee Soules, candidate for New Mexico's Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives, at Margo's Restaurant.

Merrie Lee gave some information about herself which shows her to be definitely ready and able to assume this position as Congresswoman for NM District 2.

She received her Electrical Engineering degree from Cleveland State University going on from there to receive her Master's in Business Administration from Harvard University. She worked at General Motors for over 20 years in executive positions of Chief Engineer, Director of Public Planning, Global Pricing Director, and Reliability and Quality Assurance Manager. Merrie Lee said that her experience at GM included leading global initiatives valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. She retired in 2007, returned to Las Cruces and worked part time at the White Sands Missile Range as a contractor. She participated in the El Paso Electric Public Advisory Process after losing her race for the Public Regulation Commission in 2014 by only 128 votes.

Merrie Lee said, "I am running for Congress to restore trust, accountability and public access to government for every person living in Southern New Mexico" adding, "that an increase in economic inequality and an overall weakening of our democracy also prompted her decision to run."

"Voter turnout in New Mexico has been near the bottom. This fact is most urgent--most important" she said. "People confide in me that their government has sold them out, turned their backs on them, and that their vote doesn't count. I can change this."

Merrie Lee says she knows it will be hard work, noting the congressional district's massive size. It is the largest district in New Mexico and the second largest district in the U.S. excluding districts which are an entire state. She says, "I want to be in every part of the district. I'm going to go early. I'm going to go often and I'm going to connect with the people."

Merrie Lee Soules is the sister of State Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces.

Merrie Lee Soules asking for your vote

Nadia Sikes, Chair of the Democratic Party of Otero County

Jeff Swanson talking with Merrie Lee's Campaign Treasurer Mary Ann Hendrikson after he recognized that he had served with her in the military in Omaha, Nebraska

Nadia and Merrie Lee exchanging ideas

Some Otero Democrats with Merrie Lee

There were about 40 people in attendance

Another shot of Mary Ann, campaign treasurer

If you are tired of the lackadaisical representation by Pearce, Merrie Lee Soules is well educated and a person of integrity and grit. She will get things done for the people in Southern New Mexico.  Give her some serious thought and vote for her for a better future. You will be seeing Merrie Lee all around Southern New Mexico so watch for her.

This is all I have to say for now.