RANCHOS DE ALBUQ. LAVENDER FESTIVAL

We're up early to head out to the Lavender Festival for the second year....

 So we leave the cool climes of Cielo Azul and head out to the warmer, but still lovely,..........

 And positively "lush" garden of our hostess--Miss Loretta, who lives across the way from the Lavender Festival grounds in Ranchos de Albuquerque........

 Patricia was there--she had helped hang the misters from the eaves of this beautiful home and so the patio was an oasis of coolness.....

 Cousin Kelly, looking particularly fetching, was also there and she had added her special flair to what was a fantastic barbecue fare......

 And our hostess--the always gracious, Miss Loretta, made everyone feel so welcome and later in the afternoon, she filled the plastic swimming pool behind her with cool water and so everyone gathered around it and soaked their feet for a real cool down........

 The property is quite large and there are quite a few animals....

 Like this friendly goat.....

 Who is accepting of a little petting.....

This is a real highlight for Dwight.......

After a delicious lunch, we venture across the street to the Lavender Festival.   Under those tents are soaps, creams, paintings, photos, fabric--just absolutely everything "lavender".  Our personal choice some heavenly smelling soaps.....

There is a large tent with tables set up to allow folks to sit and enjoy the many choices of snacks from the many vendors.  And as I enjoy my roasted corn Dwight realized that he recognizes the band from his carousing days in Albuquerque lo those many years ago, and sure enough--he checks their sign and they ARE the Watermelon Mountain Jug Band!

As the afternoon progresses and gets even hotter, we head back, but it is so hot we take a breather in these shady trees on the perimeter of the festival grounds.......(You can see the archway for the Grand Entrance to our hosts home across the field near my hat)

 These horses, perhaps just back from the Polo Match, gobble up a vegetarian meal......

Because all the polo players are back from their match and the grill is fired up once more for barbecue, Part Two..........

Pattie cools Dwightie down with her hand-held spritzer......

And, of course, we eat once more......

Finally, in late afternoon, we leave our host enjoying his companeros from the polo game and we say goodbye to Ranchos de Albuquerque........

So, thanks to our hosts for all the fun, food and kindness and we depart with fond memories of Lavender Festival 2013.  A GRAND TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!