Sunrise at Cielo Azul..............................

But this is not just any ordinary late spring day--this is the start of the Memorial Day weekend...........

A time to usher in the summer season by remembering all the brave soldiers and beloved relatives who have gone before us.........................

And so we are ready with prepared remembrances to decorate the graves of those we love.................

I haven taken inspiration from the Jewish tradition--as shown in SCHINDLER'S LIST--of placing stones for remembrance on graves. The stones carry some of the energy of the presenter, and I embellish them with flowers and personal messages........................

And so as the early morning light illuminates Santa Fe, we are prepared to honor our loved ones in eternal repose...................

I have collected stones and silk flowers and Dwight has loaded the P.T. Cruiser for me..............

So it's farewell to the babbling fountains of home........................

And off to the cemeteries. Dwight usually does the grave decorating with me, but he has to work today, so he has gathered all the implements necessary to clear grass, weeds, and debris from the graves for me....................

As we prepare to depart, Winston entertains his parents in the driveway................

And I am set to do the honors by myself for the first time....................

At Rosario, the first grave is the ever so beautiful stone commemorating our Aunt Josie..................

This photo is taken in the Montoyaville section of Rosario near the chapel. I am standing next to Grandpa Montoya's gravestone............

This is the stone for his daughter--the much loved, Aunt Nannie...............

Grandma Montoya is also buried in to family plot........................

Connie is buried in a grassed section nearby.......................

In this shot you can see the cement curbing that delineates family sections................

Over in the Ortiz Family Plot, we honor Uncle Frank...................

And of course, Aunt Mary and Jojo....................................

Nearby is our cousin, Ramoncita.........................

And her mother, Aunt Frances....................................

In the graveled section is the rather new grave of Mr. Bachicha, his permanent marker is not in yet..........................

We always decorate our own grave because we figure nobody else will do it when we are both gone...........................

On to the National Cemetery................................

To honor the kindest man ever--my Daddy.......................

A very atmospheric shot of the National Cemetery.....................

Aunt Andie has already decorated Albert's grave..........................

We will always love Grammy "D"............................................

This is the section of the National Cemetery I call Sandovalville....................

It is where Aunt Belle and Uncle Justy are buried and where all the newer burials are being held................

Uncle Bone is buried in an older section with an upright tombstone.................

As are Jim and Edyth Folks...................

A very new internment, our friend, Pete Alarid....................

And even newer, our friend Tommy's Dad--Lavon McDonald....................

The top of the hill with all the blowing flags...................

On to Memorial Gardens to visit the grave site of Mrs. Capshaw, Dwight's mother.................

And a precious friend--Jimmy Bowlin...........................

Dwight's Baby Sister lived only one day...................................

The last stop was Fairview Cemetery where Dwight's good friend Lowell is buried. As you can see, he loved cars, and visitors have left little toy cars in tribute.................

And then back home--content knowing that our loved ones are remembered and honored on this special weekend.