We've been pretty busy with moving towards home ownership, here in Albuquerque, or ABQ.  But we met our new friends, Susan and Peter for lunch today and they were kind enough to take us down to Old Town.

We had lunch at the infamous DogHouse, where I learned that a chili dog would clear out my sinuses for the next month.  It's going to take me a while to get used to the heat here - and I'm not talking about the weather.  

After a great lunch, we drove to Old Town and strolled around, looking at the myriad of local shops that make up this eclectic and beautiful part of ABQ.  Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded here in 1706. Today, Old Town is the city's cultural center, with numerous museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants.

I managed to control myself with only a throw and salt and pepper shakers.  Dave got a summer and a winter cowboy hat.  Pictures will follow.

We only saw a small portion of Old Town today, but Susan and I are already planning another trip next week.  It's truly a gem of ABQ!

I'm a big believer in everything happening for a reason, and as we found ourselves at a crossroads, fate has stepped in again and changed our life.

While in Alamagordo, I had a health scare, that continued on to our stay in Alburquerque.  While in ABQ, I had the opportunity to visit the VA hospital there and we were so impressed with the quality of health care there.

In addition, we've had several major issues with the motorhome.  These past few months have not been fun.  We'v worried about the rig, about our health and just about our life in general.

While in Albuquerque, and talking about where our future lied, we fell in love with this city.  We love the mountains, we love the convenience and ease of access in getting around.  So, we decided that if we could find a house that we love, we would come off the road and move here.

And fate has stepped in again.  While driving in outlying towns yesterday, we found the house of my dreams - a pueblo style home in a great and quiet neighborhood.  While driving around, we happened to meet the owners, and after a great visit with them, we are now under contract!

We'll be living in Rio Communities, a golfing community about 30 miles south of ABQ on I-25.  We have nothing around us but desert and one house.  The house was custom built by the owners and we are thrilled to find exactly what we wanted.

ABQ is wonderful.  It's sunny, dry and we have a view of the mountains from every window.  The altitude is as high as Denver, so the temperatures are not as drastic as, say, Phoenix.  There are so many things to see and do in the ABQ area.  Santa Fe is only 45 minutes away and most western cities, from Denver to San Diego are less than 12 hours away.

Are we giving up camping?  No way!  Eventually, we'll buy a smaller travel trailer and take shorter trips.  Our vagabond days are not over - they'll probably never will be until we physically can't anymore.  But it will be nice to have a home base again, and in an area that we've always loved.  Dave has started waxing poetically about the sky and the shape of the clouds.  And I love the way it smells when it's about to rain.  We're smiling at the thought of living here and are excited to make our new home ours.

Please know that we have a spare room and will always love to see family and friends!  Below are the listing pictures of our new house.  Our inspection is on the 20th, so please keep your fingers crossed!​

There is one advantage to Luna waking me up at 6 am every morning.  Sometimes, I get greeted with views like this...

We made it to Rio Rancho, just outside ABQ on Friday.  Our campground, Stagecoach Stop RV Park is gorgeous!  The sites are wonderful and the views of the mountains are spectacular!

We went for a drive through the Sandia Mountains yesterday, passing the village of Placitas and driving a good 15 miles on dirt road.  Yes, we had to wash the truck as soon as we got back to civilization.  Here are a few pictures of the scenic drive.  I'll include campground pictures later.