Author Archives: Kim Baumgaertel

For the second spring in a row, Opa and I have ditched the PNW for the heat, dust, altitude, starry nights, and adventures of the high desert.  Two weeks in the company of our fave New Mexicans, the Thrussells, warms … Continue reading →

Having heard rumblings of boredom with the ongoing Space Unit, Oma created an irresistable lesson plan.  She froze blue water inside of balloons. She consulted Mrs. M on the particulars of ice cream making.  She ordered rock salt and heavy … Continue reading →

“Bunnies!” exclaimed Oma as she wheeled from the “wine and beer” section of the grocery store to where the gift bags were located. In just 49 days, it would be Easter.  Seasonal goods had shifted from red and pink to … Continue reading →

Dateline on a Thursday: The mood in mission control was bubbly.  Rocket Science Specialist Oma and her three novice engineers — Miss Nomi, Miss Em, and Mr. Mo — were about to launch Bottle Rocket Prototype One.  Eagerly, the engineers … Continue reading →

On our lolling day, Jessica brought out her copy of The Book on Pie so she and I could choose a pie to bake together the following weekend.  If you have ever been afraid of pie crusts, or think you can … Continue reading →

After two lovely nights in Taos, we hit the road for Santa Fe. This time US 64 took us over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which depending upon the Internet site consulted, is either 650 feet or 565 feet above … Continue reading →

The annals of Baumgaertel lore hold tales of championships and exploits; misadventures and accomplishments; lifelong friendships and family trips. Famous ones include “Exploring Mosby Woods”, “Winning the Albuquerque City Basketball Championship”, “Fossil Hunting in Scottsbluff”, “Field Ball Fun”, and “The … Continue reading →

Unlike Western Washington, New Mexico has dark skies filled with stars.  Compare our backyard on a rare clear night — To the land of wide-open vistas — In addition to talking for long hours, eating with abandon, driving without traffic, … Continue reading →

Because she is her father’s daughter, Jessica is the classic trip planner.  Her Googledocs spreadsheet, which she had emailed to us months before, listed activities we could choose from, including named hiking trails and potential restaurants.  But first, there would … Continue reading →

Had Lewis or Clark experienced laptop firewall issues, their Corps of Discovery journals may have lacked reader appeal.  “Saw lots of grizzlies; didn’t die” written from memory two years after the fact doesn’t have quite the punch of “‘a verry … Continue reading →