Courtesy of Zin Valle Vineyards

Last Saturday was a great day, because I called a truce with work and played. After four straight days of evaluating high schools, it was a much needed break in a daunting schedule. The day was made even more fun because I “played” at something I enjoy so much—wine tasting. Now, that won’t be a surprise to those of you who follow my blogs consistently.

I didn’t realize until this last trip to El Paso, that vineyards and wineries were enjoying such amazing growth and interest, but after several conversations and a quick review of the promotional magazines of the area, I learned that numerous wineries are popping up along Highway 28, just northwest of El Paso between Canutillo, Texas, and Mesilla, New Mexico.

The first winery that my friends and I visited was Zin Valle, along the first mile or so of Highway 28. The husband and wife owners produce a portfolio of wines, some of which are made from grapes grown in the area while others come from grapes or juice brought in from other well-known grape-producing areas. Tasting here was free, and the room is beautifully appointed with a granite tasting bar and a huge window providing a panoramic view of the Franklin Mountains, which on that day had a substantial topping of fresh snow. A barrel room and cozy porch added to the ambiance, although it was certainly too cold and windy to enjoy a tasting outside.

For those of you who think it is warm in El Paso all winter—think again. The high was 42 on Saturday, and the wind showed no mercy, but the sun did shine, giving some reprieve to an otherwise brutal day of bone chilling weather to this South Texas gal.

After tasting three whites and three reds, and buying a bottle of Pinot Noir, made on-site using grapes from California, we were off to La Viña, about five miles down the highway. The Tuscany designed facility was watched over by Princess the cat who also graces the label on one of the wines.

Tastings here were five dollars, but that was worth it, especially since they throw in a souvenir glass. Although all the wines are made from locally-grown grapes and were good, most were sweeter than I like and slightly expensive, so I opted not to purchase any at this stop.

The road to the next winery took us through amazing orchards of pecan trees. I can just imagine how pretty the drive might be in any other season besides winter, because there are thousands of huge trees, some even creating a canopy over the highway for a couple of miles. A quick stop at the Stahmann Family Store gave us an opportunity to taste all things “pecan,” and to buy several pounds of freshly shelled and chopped pecans to take home for baking. (To be continued)

America's Brave Airmen

While staying here in El Paso, I have had the privilege of meeting and talking to some of America’s bravest and best. One hundred and fifty air men and women from the United States Air Force have been staying in the same hotel as I am, spending time with their families before their deployment to Iraq this month. They having been doing training at Ft. Bliss, the largest air command in the world. Although it is an Army base, the Air Force plays a role here from time to time.

It was an honor for me to talk with many of these courageous individuals who seem to take these deployments all in stride, as do their brave and selfless spouses, who take on so many extra responsibilities while their loved one is away fighting for freedom in all parts of the world. I am always amazed at the positive attitudes that the military people possess when I evaluate the Department of Defense schools in different parts of the world.

This group here was no exception. It doesn’t require a long conversation before I are extremely proud to have spent time with each of them. I wish them safety and God speed ’til they return to the land of the free and home of the brave.

Years ago I enjoyed Juárez, but not any more. I don’t know anyone who goes there now because of the crime and subsequent dangers brought about by the drug lords. I remember when Juárez was on Central Standard Time and El Paso was on Mountain Time, (now they are the same) and people could ring in New Years’ twice in one night. Of course, after a few strong margaritas in Mexico, a person might not remember how many times they had brought in the new year until the next morning, and then wished they hadn’t brought it in at all (of course I don’t know any of these people personally).

But those days of crossing back and forth easily and without worry are gone for most Americans; even those in El Paso tell me they never go although many have relatives there. It is simply too scary. I think it is really sad, a part of southwestern culture gone—at least until Mexico cleans up its act.

Thankfully, El Paso has been spared most of the corruption and most of the danger has not spilled over into the city, although that fear exists because only the river really divides the two cities. It is an interesting place with the huge military population mixed with the predominately Hispanic culture.

There will be a little time to sample good food and shop the after-the-holiday sales on the weekends, but it will be an extremely busy time visiting the schools and writing the reports until I leave on January 28. In between, I’ll continue to blog, so, don’t go away.