Backyard New Mexico

Monday, December 6, 2010

Welcome to Backyard New Mexico

Although the postings are new on this blog, much of my writings about Backyard New Mexico: Alamogordo is in notebooks, zip drives and the laptop itself. I will be updating this blog as time goes by with the photos I have taken, the notes and the history of my hometown: Alamogordo New Mexico. This blog is my humble attempt to share a bit of my backyard with not only my instructor, but also any and all worldwide that wish to learn about New Mexico from a local. I will take a zillion photographs and have commentary post when I see fit. I love my home and am grateful for this opportunity to share my experiences and love here at Backyard New Mexico!

My assignment explained

My Never-Ending Story

Special Features will be a part of this blog, and one I have titled Defining a Community. Here is one part of what defines a community. I will be adding to this feature often as Alamogordo as well as all of my backyard has incredible stories to share that mold and define us. Alamogordo: Defining a Community.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

August Brings the County Fair to Alamogordo

Alamogordo has the Otero County Fairgrounds on White Sands Blvd across from the Mall.

The county extension agent has an office here on the fairgrounds.

The parking lot seems big enough, but the County Fair is jam packed with excitement so come early to find a good parking spot!

This is the south side of the fairgrounds.

Our youth do an incredible job with their 4-H projects and the craft barns are a must see when attending the fair

Don't miss out on the flower show! The Yellow rose in the center comes from my farm and is a Peace rose

New Mexico crook neck squash that looked like a swan! My daughter was reserve grand champion with her entry!

Not only attending the County fair is popular in Alamogordo, but many residents participate by entering prized recipes, crafts, photography, flowers, and items from their gardens. These are the blog owners very own ribbons as she loves to enter her creations each and every year!

The tortilla competition is tight in the southwest! Come on down and see if you can pick a winner!

And don't forget that no one is too old to enjoy the simple Ferris Wheel. As you enjoy the ride you are able to see around the area and see the lovely mountains to the east!

Some Homes of Alamogordo

Most of these photos are of homes that people live therefore I will just show the photos with no addresses. I was not selective in one feature over another and actually took photos all over town!

Alamogordo: Rest for weary Travelers

Although Alamogordo has many chain motels and hotels, this post will share a few other selections of places to stay while in our fair city. Keep in mind that we have several campgrounds and RV parks.

White Sands Motel is on White Sands Blvd close to fast food, as well as a few other local restaurants

The Classic Inn gives the southwest feel throughout! Located on White Sands Blvd

Assignment: A Visual History of My Town

Welcome to my blog Backyard New Mexico! The first tour will be of Alamogordo New Mexico which is an incredible community that rests in the southern part of New Mexico. I stumbled across Alamogordo as a result of looking for land to buy in Roswell. I did not find exactly what I wanted in Roswell and decided to travel back to Nevada on a whim taking the southern route that took me through Alamogordo. By the time I drove to the local grocery store, Lowe's I knew I wanted to spend a few days here and get to know this town. Within a day I decided that I wanted to live here and called my husband and my journey to this blog had begun.a

When I began this photo journal of my town I began with the sincere plans of capturing what locals would view as hometown. We all know that the local will tell you the best place to eat, where to shop and what to visit. So I ventured out not ignoring our Walmart, Kmart and chain fast food restaurants instead shining a light on what one misses when one goes for what is known. It is quite safe to creep out into the unknown and try out what our community has in store for you. It is refreshing to travel and rest and realize that my hometown is like what you left. We have the restaurants where everybody does know your name, we have the honor system in place at our local national park, and we have a history that is begging to be heard and carried on to another generation.

So as you visit this blog, you will encounter photo posts that have little information except an address and other times you may enjoy a spotlight of an interesting person, fact or nugget from my backyard. Please feel free to leave comments as to where you are from and if you have visited any of my backyard!

Welcome to my backyard and you all come back, Ok?

Jennifer

Some Reflections about Alamogordo, New Mexico

I began this project nearly 16 weeks ago and must confess that I believed it would end at some point. I realize now that there is no way that I could end this project~ as it is ongoing. It will take a lifetime to explore Alamogordo as well as my backyard~ New Mexico. The story and project began to give a virtual tour of my community and it has evolved into a life changing project. As I took photos I began to research about the town, the people and the rich history that has taken place. I have spent hours each week taking photographs labeling them and filing them to soon be added to this blog.

It is a tedious but fulfilling project yet allows me to actively record history for those that will walk after my journey here. From this project I realized that I need to open my eyes as I go about my life and appreciate the community from which I am from and share it with the world. I love my hometown of Alamogordo and I love my backyard which is New Mexico.