Today I'd like to talk about animals in our area. I love the fact that every day I get to see deer and horses on my way to or from work. Regularly I see other animals - wild and tame - Jack rabbits, skunks, cattle, chipmunks, javalina, hawks, donkeys, coyote, fox, woodpeckers, snakes and yes, occasionally, mountain lions. When I'm walking or hiking I like to check out the variety of tracks we see or try to identify the scat. My neighbor gives me a list of birds he has recently seen. Once, when I was south of town, I saw a herd of ibex (a gift by the Shah of Iran back in the ‘70's). If you're in the Fort Bayard Game Preserve you're bound to see a herd of elk off in the distance. While on my 3 day walk to Lordsburg, I saw either a wolf or large coyote (friends helping me identify couldn't... 01/12/2010

January 8, 2010 Many people in Silver City volunteer for a wide variety of programs. I am on the Board of Literacy Link - Leamos. We are the local literacy program located in the Silver City Library on Cooper Street. Our many volunteers assist the local community in a large variety of ways. We read to children in pre-school and give them books. We teach English and Spanish. We match learners with teachers for private tutoring needs, and a host of other things. I am very proud to be a part of this highly successful organization. The people involved in running it are of the highest quality. Leamos = "We Read". On February 6th we are having our annual "Love Your Library" Day. Each year we host this event where families come and are able to do fun things including, receive a free book, win ... 01/08/2010

January 6, 2010 Silver City, NM is a small town in the southwest corner of New Mexico. We are at approximately 5900 feet in altitude. This enables us to have four gentle seasons. Not too hot in the summer (because of the high altitude) and not too cold in the winter (because of the desert). Hence the term, high desert. To give you an idea, today it is chilly at 45 degrees and sunny. Last week it was in the 40's - colder than usual for us. The U.S. Weather Bureau says that Silver City has the best annual median temperature in the country. You will find Silver City a good place to live if it is a true quality of life that you seek. Silver City also has excellent medical facilities and a four-year university. There is an historic downtown area, an art community, the Mimbres Region Arts Cou... 01/06/2010

January 4, 2010 If you're ready to move to Silver City (and I hope that you are!), there are some things to consider. I hope this list will help you determine your needs and wants: How close / far to town? How many acres? Home Requirements # of Bedrooms # of Baths Age of Home Other Requirements (Workshop, Office, Guest House, Horses, Close to Forest, Off-the-grid, etc.) What kinds of things would you love to have? (fireplace, views,  southwest-style home, views, green building, etc.) What is your price range? Do you require a fenced in yard for children or pets? How much repairs / renovations are you willing to perform? Is a well (for water) acceptable?   Linda Ferrara - Associate Broker Coldwell Banker Enchantment Realty Let's hook up on Twitter and Facebook! Cell: 575-519-9249 01/04/2010

December 30, 2009 A few years ago,  the Fryxell's (Lisa and David) moved to NM and took over a little monthly newspaper. Their knowledge, writing ability, vivacious personalities and hard work has produced an intriguing newspaper called "Desert Exposure". They cover the usual stuff (restaurants, calendar, etc) but also run very interesting articles from national interest to local flavor. David's editorial is always poignant and relays his sense of fun. Their features are in-depth and well written. When the newest edition comes out, everyone grabs for them and the discussions begin! If you are considering moving to this area, I highly recommend that you check them out at: www.desertexposure.com If you want more details about our area, you can also check out www.silvercity.net   Today's S... 12/30/2009

December 28, 2009  The words ‘offer' and ‘contract' are often interchanged or misused. An ‘offer' is a demonstration by the buyer showing intent to purchase. An ‘offer' is made using a ‘Purchase Agreement'. A ‘contract' is a legally enforceable document where both parties have signed and agree to abide by the points in the contract. Once both parties have signed the ‘Purchase Agreement', it becomes a ‘contract'. When you make an ‘offer', the Seller can do 3 things: •1.      Accept it •2.      Decline it outright •3.      Counteroffer If there is a counteroffer, it means that they agree to everything in the ‘offer' except for the changes outlined in the counteroffer. The most common counteroffer is price. As a result of a counteroffer, the Buyer may do one of 3 things: •1.      Accept it... 12/28/2009

December 15, 2009 Part one of History of Silver City appeared on December 11, 2009 At the beginning of the 1900's the area became a haven for tuberculoses sufferers. Sanitariums popped up around the area. One road, currently named Cottage San Road, was the home of one: Cottage Sanitarium. Another Sanitarium was run by the Sisters of Mercy. It is now Fort Bayard, a hospital for patients unable to care for themselves. Fort Bayard began as a fort to protect the area residents from Indians. The first all-black regimen (the buffalo soldiers), protected the area. The fort has gone through several transitions including being managed by the Surgeon General of the Army, the Veteran's Administration and now the State of New Mexico.  You can still see many of the old buildings from the early 1900'... 12/15/2009

  December 11, 2009 Below is a brief history of our area, intended to give you an idea of how the area developed. In approximately 1000 A.D., the Mimbreno Indians lived in the area. Many examples of their pottery can be seen at the Silver City Museum. There were also the Mogollon Indians - no visit to this area would be complete without a visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings where you can learn more about these people.  http://www.nps.gov/gicl/ Way back when, the Apache used this area as a camp. Often, Indian artifacts can be found in the area. There are so many artifacts that I wonder if the population way back when was larger then than it is now! In 1860 gold was discovered in the mountains north of Silver City. Pinos Altos developed and for some time was the county seat. Silver City beg... 12/11/2009

    December 10, 2009     Fort Bayard is a National Historic Landmark. The fort was originally built to protect settlers and miners from the Apache Indians. It is now a veteran's hospital - -with a new hospital being built. It also hosts a national cemetery. There are still many of the old buildings dating from the early 1900's. The 468 acre Game Preserve has many trails. There is a wide array of wildlife including large herd of elk. There is a Forest Service Center there with trail maps available. It is a popular place to hike since it is just 3 miles east of Silver City and the trails are easier since the land is rolling hills. Some suggestions of mine? Carry water and carry a camera - -the elk herd can often be seen. Please be sure to close all gates.       Saying of the day: "Always... 12/10/2009

December 9, 2009 Wind Canyon Wind Canyon is a popular subdivision located approximately 3 miles west of Silver City. It features 10+ acres lots with custom-built homes. The estates are set within the High Desert area of Southern New Mexico. The land is mountainous which consists of ridges and draws. From the ridges, the view is breathtaking - reaching in some places all the way to Arizona. Vegetation consists of Native Bear grass, Yucca, Wildflowers, Side oats, Gramma grass. Trees are mostly evergreen-Pinion, Juniper, Cedar and a few Scrub oaks. The Gila National Forest to the north and the Continental Divide to the east border it. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Will the roads be paved? There are no current plans to pave the roads in Wind Canyon. They are presently being maintained by the d... 12/09/2009

December 8, 2009 I saw this article last week and since we're in cattle country, I thought I'd share it with you!     December 3, 2009 By Anna Moya Underwood You see them as vendors at the farmers' markets, red-cheeked young ranchers selling their steers or poultry in the form of cut and wrapped frozen packages. Or the smell of a sizzling sample may draw you toward the booth fitted with an electric skillet. These cattle ranchers would also like to sell a side or quarter of beef if you can find freezer space. All claim the advantages of locally raised and "pasture"- or grass-fed animals becoming meat on your plate, over and definitely above distant animals raised in concentrated animal feed lots or huge poultry houses fed grain often mixed with animal parts.  These latter agribiz animals... 12/08/2009

December 7, 2009 Silver City, New Mexico continues to surprise and delight me. Today I went to the post office to send out 3 packages and pick up one package. There is a very long line - it being Christmas time and all. When I finally get up to the counter, they can't find my package to pick up. They make a copy of my receipt and tell me the supervisor will call me about the package. Honestly, I imagined that this package is lost - never to be seen again. Well gues what? I'm four blocks away a few moments later. The Supervisor calls me, tells me he has the package and I can come get it. Exasperated at the thought of standing on that long line again, I breathe, "Please don't tell me I have to stand on that line again!". His response? "No ma'am! You pull in to the parking lot and I'll mee... 12/07/2009

December 3, 2009 New Mexico requires all septic systems to be permitted, approved, and inspected by the NM Environmental Department. All individual systems require a minimum ¾ acre lot (or a variance). The two most commonly used are: 1. CONVENTIONAL SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM In this system, wastewater flows from the house to the tank where settling occurs. Heavier solids (e.g. organic waste) sink to the bottom of the tank forming the sludge layer. Lighter solids (e.g. grease, soapsuds) float to the top forming the scum layer. The clearish liquid in the middle layer is the effluent. After settling out for 24 or more hours, the effluent flows out of the tank to the leach field, where it is discharged into the soil for the final treatment and disposal. Maintenance requires routine pumping of the ... 12/03/2009

December 2, 2009    I believe in packing over a period of time. As soon as we decided to move to Silver City, I began the packing process. Go through all your things and decide what you no longer need and no longer want. Either have a garage sale or donate the items to a church or organization that has rummage sales. Buy and collect supplies - - boxes, tape, large markers, packing paper (or newspaper) Start packing things that you don't use every day. Christmas decorations, the good china, off-season clothing, etc. I actually invited friends over to spend time with them and they would help me pack. When I got to my new location, I discovered that my Mom put little notes in the boxes she helped me pack. It was very cute and special to me. Be sure to put information on the outside of the ... 12/02/2009

December 1, 2009 Water in Silver City, NM  Being in the desert southwest, we occasionally get questions about water. Let me give a general overview. The ideal water flow looks like this: In the winter there's a good amount of snow pack in the mountains. It stays cold in January and February, holding the snow pack until spring. Then it melts slowly and runs down out of the mountains allowing use by the ranchers and farmers.  City Water: Residents in and near the town of Silver City are on ‘city water'. The water is obtained from several wells to the south of town. It is treated and tested regularly. It is stored in various tanks around town. You can see 2 tanks near the "W" mountain north of town. There is another up on Swan St, near the city limits sign. There are 2 on Highway 180 to th... 12/01/2009

Definitions of Southwest Architecture November 30, 2009 I have buyers in town just now who are not familiar with some of the southwest architecture. So I thought that I would explain what some of the terms mean. My dear friends and neighbors were kind enough to allow me to photograph their gorgeous home for this blog. Thanks Lynn and Julian!  Banco - Built-in Benches. They are commonly next to Kiva fireplaces     Canale - A water spout that drains water from a flat roof   Corbel - a supporting timber under a beam or arch       Kiva Fireplace - southwest style fireplace      Latillas - Small peeled poles used to form a ceiling.     Lintel - this is the exposed crossbeam above a window.     Nichos - niches built into the wall     Saltillo Tile - a clay or terra cotta floor tile     Talave... 11/30/2009

November 24, 2009 The 3.3 million acres of Gila Wilderness offers a playground for the adventurer. The area is rich in history including Indian dwellings, conquerors, ranchers, miners, conservationist Aldo Leopald, and hunter Ben Lilly. The beauty of the area includes indescribable vistas, canyons and caverns, rivers, arroyos, mountains and mesas. It is a hiker's delight any time of the year. If you want to enjoy a guided tour, check out: http://blackbearexplorers.com/?p=22 I know; you're feeling cramped in your neighborhood, frustrated by traffic, concerned about international travel. Come to Silver City, take a deep breath of fresh air and say, "Ahhhhhhhhh". Today's Saying: Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.   11/24/2009

 November 20, 2009 There is a lot of information out there on how to prepare your home for sale. Here is a general list of what a seller should do to sell, sell, sell. I hope it helps you!  • The #1 item on the list is DECLUTTER! I cannot emphasize this enough. Recognize that you are going to be inconvenienced during the selling process. Buyers want to see the walls, ceiling and floor. Clutter will distract them from seeing this. You are going to have to pack up your things anyway, do it now and get ahead of the curve. To give you an idea, you should have one item on a table or cabinet. Perhaps a vase. Everything else should be removed. No papers around, nothing on the kitchen counters (Nothing!).  Consider having a garage sale and sell some your old things. Or donate them to a second-h... 11/20/2009

Novbember 17, 2009   Buying a house, moving. It's traumatic. I remember telling a young couple that it was normal to be nervous, to lose some sleep. Still, it's one of the best investments most of us ever make. Consider the following when buying a house: • If you're not comfortable with your Realtor, find one that you are comfortable with. It's important to find someone you respect, you understand, and that you're confident they respect and understand you and your needs. Be sure their communication style fits with yours. • Educate yourself on the process. Even if you've bought properties in the past, a lot has changed. Just type in "Home Buying" into your favorite web browser. There are tons of great websites with great information. • Get pre-approved for a loan first. Find out what you... 11/17/2009

November 16, 2009 If you're ready to move to Silver City (and I hope that you are!), there are some things to consider. I hope this list will help you determine your needs and wants: How close / far to town? How many acres? Home Requirements # of Bedrooms # of Baths Age of Home Other Requirements (Workshop, Office, Guest House, Horses, Close to Forest, Off-the-grid, etc.) What kinds of things would you love to have? (fireplace, views,  southwest-style home, views, green building, etc.) What is your price range? Do you require a fenced in yard for children or pets? How much repairs / renovations are you willing to perform? Is a well (for water) acceptable? Today's Saying: Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.   11/16/2009