Now the New Mexico Rail Runner goes from Belen to Santa Fe, with stops in Belen, Los Lunas, Isleta Pueblo, Sunport/ Bernallio county, Downtown Albuquerque, and Downtown Bernalillo, Sandoval County, Santa Fe County, Zia Road, South Capitol, and Santa Fe Depot. Ticket prices vary depending on traveling distance. For current rates visit the New Mexico Rail Runner Express website.

One tip that I would give you is to catch a ride or walk if possible. Parking is an issue. Usually cars are parked all around in surrounding neighborhoods. If anyone knows of good places to park, please feel free to comment.

Update: Park and Ride is available from the Central United Methodist Church on Central and University. There are also many businesses east of Carlisle all the way to Washington.

For more information, visit the Furry Friends Run website.

This year there is also a contest for dogs. Awards will be given for look-alike, best costume, and best trick.

For more information, visit the Animal Humane website.

If you are interested in the latest news on the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, visit KOAT to see a live web-cam or the latest updates on weather.

Usually a bag of chile is around $30. The bags are huge. After you have paid, you will usually go outside while they roast your chile. My chile always comes in a large trash bag which is double bagged. If you don’t want your car to smell like chile perfume, you may want to take a truck. I took my chile in my car, and it smelled for a few days, then went away. You may also want to take an old towel for the chile to sit on during the ride. My bag didn’t leak, but it never hurts to take precautions.

The hard part comes once you get your chile home. You should have a large space cleared to prepare the chile. You will need plastic gloves and plenty of freezer bags. I use the smaller bags so I can defrost them in smaller portions. If you are limited on time, you can freeze the chile with the skins and seeds – but then the work comes after you defrost them. I recommend doing everything at once so you enjoy your chile all year long. The skin comes off easily, then you cut the top, slice it down the middle and scrape the seeds away. I like a few seeds here and there, but to each his own. Once you have cleaned all the chile (which takes a long time, especially if you are solo), freeze the chile and thaw as needed.

DON’T FORGET TO WEAR GLOVES. I guess I like to learn the hard way because, even though I had gloves and had been told to wear them, I burned by hands twice because I didn’t think it felt hot when I was cleaning. The last time, my hands burned so badly that I couldn’t sleep. I tried every remedy I could find on the internet and finally just kept soaking my hands in ice water. Also, be very careful not to touch your eyes, face, or any other part of your body.

Albuquerque Growers’ Market – Alcazar Street, behind Talin World Market, SE corner of Central & Louisiana – Saturdays and Tuesdays, 7 am – 12 pm

Albuquerque Nob Hill Growers’ Market – Morningside Park, Lead & Morningside SE – Thursdays, 3 pm – 6:30 pm

Belen Growers’ Market – Anna Becker Park, Hwy 309 – Fridays, 4:30 pm to 7 pm

Bernalillo Farmers’ Market – West side of Camino del Pueblo (Hwy. 313)and South of Our Lady of Sorrows Church – Fridays, 4 pm – 7 pm

Cedar Crest Farmers’ and Arts Market – Cedar Crest Center, 12127 N. Hwy 14 – Wednesdays, 3 pm – 6 pm

Corrales Growers’ Market – Recreation Center, 500 Jones Rd. & Corrales Rd., south of the post office – Sundays, 9 am – 12 pm; Wednesdays, 4 pm – 7 pm – Winter Market – First Sunday of each month, 10 am – 12:30 pm

Los Ranchos Growers’ Market – City Hall, 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW – Saturdays, 7 am – 11 am – Winter Market – 2nd Saturday of each month, 10 am – 12 pm

South Valley Growers’ Market – Cristo Del Valle Presbyterian Church, 3907 Isleta Blvd SW – Saturdays, 8 am – 12 pm

More Information on New Mexico Farmer’s Markets

• Biking in Albuquerque
• Balloon Fiesta
• Shopping
• Concerts and Music
• Restaurants and Bars
• Zoo, Bio Park, Aquarium and Tingly Beach
• Hiking
• The New Mexico State Fair
• Rock Climbing Gyms
• Paint Ball
• And much much more.

If you are interested in contributing to this blog, email me at creativedingo at gmail.com