On My Way to the Land of Enchantment -- Deming, New Mexico!

[Bullseye 2620]

Some of y'all may remember that last summer I came close to landing a clinical social work job at Ellsworth AFB near Rapid City, South Dakota. That didn't work out, and I ended up taking a job locally.

But in the process of going after the job at Ellsworth I had sent out about a bazillion resumes. One of those was sent on by the guy I mailed it to to an outfit in New Mexico, Presbyterian Medical Services, a huge nonprofit with 8 hospitals, 2,500 employees, and about $100 million in annual revenue. So, at the end of last October I got a phone call out of the blue. "We've got the perfect job for you," the caller said, "running a mental health clinic in Deming, NM, about 30 miles north of the border in the southwest corner of the state."

"Let's talk," I said, and talk we did. I flew out there the week before Christmas, and really liked the staff, my prospective boss, and the work they need done -- training and directing a junior staff and helping them earn their independent licenses.

We negotiated in earnest, and a few weeks ago I signed a 2-year contract. I leave for Deming this coming Thursday, March 7, and begin work on the 18th.

I found a great house, a modern adobe right in Deming about 800 yards from the CBP training center and the Luna County Sheriff's Office. So, there's got to be an indoor range there and I figure I can make some friends and get invited over to shoot.

Some of you live nearby, so I would like to make contact and get to know y'all. I've already located a couple of great places to eat in the area -- Irma's Mexican and a place out in the desert called the Adobe Deli. Irma's makes a killer salsa verde and the Adobe Deli serves a first-rate filet mignon and asparagus, which grows wild in the ditches along the roads, I am told.

The Gila National Forest, with some great trout fishing and elk hunting, is about 60 miles north of Deming, and Hatch, about 45 miles to the northeast, is reputed to be the green chili capital of the galaxy.

What's not to like? So, at the tender age of 71 I am off on a great adventure. Any of y'all in New Mexico, especially in and around Deming, Columbus, Las Cruces, or Silver City, please get in touch and I will be pleased to invite you over for a beer (or other beverage of your choice) and some pleasant conversation.

 

[Onomea]

That's great, BlueRidgeBoy! Congratulations and best of luck with the new job and locale. Please keep us posted.

 

[sigp220.45]

Very nice!

I used to live across the state in Farmington. The one thing I miss about NM is the huge amount of public land. You should be able to drive about 15 minutes and find a place to shoot all by your lonesome.

 

[Rustyt1953]

What a happy story! That is a beautiful, inviting home.

 

[yaktamer]

You forgot the most important reason to go to Deming: The world famous annual duck race. (I spent the night in Deming once while passing through on I-10 and saw the billboard at the edge of town).

 

[shell627]

Great that is Skeeter Skelton country !!! Enjoy

 

[Bob L]

Congratulations on the new job and the new home. Sounds like a great place to settle for a while or a lifetime.

 

[shouldazagged]

Sounds like a splendid gig in a fantastic area for anyone who likes (a) shooting, (b) hunting, (c) fishing, (d) wonderful scenery, and (e) terrific food. I'm happy for you.

I hope you really like chilis. I'm told they put them in oatmeal and butterscotch pudding there.

 

[woodsltc]

Congrats......sounds like a nice place to work and live. Seems also there should be lots of outdoor areas that you could shoot.

Good luck in your new job.


Don

 

[DR505]

I just left New Mexico for Virginia! As sigp220.45 said (BTW - I used to work with sigp220.45 before he retired), most of New Mexico is a vast shooting range. I used to plug coyotes from my porch while drinking coffee. I like the SW corner of NM, especially up around Mogollon and Reserve. If you get a chance head up to the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos, just north of Silver City. They have turned an old opera house from the 1860's into a pretty decent steak house and pub.

 

[ancient-one]

Good luck on your new adventure. That is a nice looking adobe hut.

 

[DR505]

As a side note, when I first moved there about 16 years ago a local cop said welcome, but remember, it may be New, but it is still Mexico! Never forgot that. He also called it the Land of Entrapment.

 

[yaktamer]

I just left New Mexico for Virginia! As sigp220.45 said (BTW - I used to work with sigp220.45 before he retired), most of New Mexico is a vast shooting range. I used to plug coyotes from my porch while drinking coffee. I like the SW corner of NM, especially up around Mogollon and Reserve. If you get a chance head up to the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos, just north of Silver City. They have turned an old opera house from the 1860's into a pretty decent steak house and pub.

Agree about the Reserve/Catron County area. I used to live across the state line in Eagar, Arizona.

 

[Ματθιας]

I'm a resident of ABQ, New Mexico. I was born here and every time I leave I end up coming back. It's home.

My intent with this post is not to discourage, or anything negative, I'm simply trying convey how NM simply is and what to be aware of. If I was moving someplace new, I'd appreciate a local telling me what to expect.

There are some "general" things you need to know about NM:

It's very dry. Especially, in the summer. Windy season is upon us and it causes havoc - especially those of us who have allergies. Juniper pollen is the worst!

While, seemingly friendly, locals are VERY wary of strangers. Very Cliquish/clanish and tends to be "family" orientated. "Friendships" at first are seemingly ones of convenience and superficial. It's nothing personal, just the way it is. Let me put it this way, as long as I've lived here, I have lots of acquaintances but two maybe three non-family people I consider "friends."

New Mexico is the "Land of Mañana" . Mañana is Spanish for tomorrow. Simply put, things happen very slow. If you're expecting results, or depending on someone to get things done quickly, you'll be endlessly frustrated. Again, just the way things are.

New Mexico is beautiful. If you go out in the desert or on a road trip, bring plenty of water, basic desert survival gear, spares for your vehicle, coolant hoses, belts, tools ect. and make sure it's in good maintained condtion. Especially, in the southern part of the state things can get very remote, very quickly.

NM is number one in the nation for property crime. Do NOT leave anything of value in your vehicle that can be seen. If you have a rental truck with all your stuff, if at all possible, don't park it in parking lots and leave it unattended especially at night - especially in Albuquqerue. There's seemingly a news story, every week, about people traveling across country who wake up to finding their rental stolen. Drive straight through if possible.

Get your vehicle's windows tinted. You'll thank me by April. The sun will turn your car into an oven, and fade the interior.

OTH, he food is great! And there's all kinds of seasonal foods. Easter is coming up so restaurants will have tasty specials, If you're eating chili for first time, start with the mild. And green tends to be hotter than the red - both are good, though! Then there's the prune pies...MMMMM And oven bread aka indian bread - toasted with butter....MMMMMM I'm sorry I got carried away thinking about food.

Firearms laws are very lax.

There's all kinds of things to see and do. The next event coming up is open house at White Sands. The Trinity Site will be open the first weekend in April, and again the first weekend in October. If you're into history, it's cool!

Then there's NM politics. Without getting into it and risking getting another infraction, the more you learn about NM politics, well you'll be amazed at how our state government even manages to function!

To close, be aware of your surroundings, lock your stuff up, and don't leave anything in your car and you'll be OK

Welcome to New Mexico!

If you have questions, PM me.

Be Safe!

 

[Maddog 521]

The Adobe Deli is one of those places, to say the least. You can spend hours there and not see it all. The food is good and the people are good also. Be sure to find the 2 headed calf. The town fills up in the winter and that's when it gets very interesting indeed. Have fun with your new adventure.

 

[old bear]

Vic, we're about the same age, and you are braver than I am. Being willing to pull up stakes and move cross country.
Enjoy your new adventure!!

 

[Watchdog]

Vic...wow! This is great! I'm so happy for you. Love the house!! I know this will be a productive two years for you, and I've no doubt you'll do a lot of people some good, not to mention the immense personal satisfaction I know you'll get from helping others.

Congratulations and Good Luck! Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I'm a resident of ABQ, New Mexico. I was born here and every time I leave I end up coming back. It's home.

My intent with this post is not to discourage, or anything negative, I'm simply trying convey how NM simply is and what to be aware of. If I was moving someplace new, I'd appreciate a local telling me what to expect.

There are some "general" things you need to know about NM:

It's very dry. Especially, in the summer. Windy season is upon us and it causes havoc - especially those of us who have allergies. Juniper pollen is the worst!

While, seemingly friendly, locals are VERY wary of strangers. Very Cliquish/clanish and tends to be "family" orientated. "Friendships" at first are seemingly ones of convenience and superficial. It's nothing personal, just the way it is. Let me put it this way, as long as I've lived here, I have lots of acquaintances but two maybe three non-family people I consider "friends."

New Mexico is the "Land of Mañana" . Mañana is Spanish for tomorrow. Simply put, things happen very slow. If you're expecting results, or depending on someone to get things done quickly, you'll be endlessly frustrated. Again, just the way things are.

New Mexico is beautiful. If you go out in the desert or on a road trip, bring plenty of water, basic desert survival gear, spares for your vehicle, coolant hoses, belts, tools ect. and make sure it's in good maintained condtion. Especially, in the southern part of the state things can get very remote, very quickly.

NM is number one in the nation for property crime. Do NOT leave anything of value in your vehicle that can be seen. If you have a rental truck with all your stuff, if at all possible, don't park it in parking lots and leave it unattended especially at night - especially in Albuquqerue. There's seemingly a news story, every week, about people traveling across country who wake up to finding their rental stolen. Drive straight through if possible.

Get your vehicle's windows tinted. You'll thank me by April. The sun will turn your car into an oven, and fade the interior.

OTH, he food is great! And there's all kinds of seasonal foods. Easter is coming up so restaurants will have tasty specials, If you're eating chili for first time, start with the mild. And green tends to be hotter than the red - both are good, though! Then there's the prune pies...MMMMM And oven bread aka indian bread - toasted with butter....MMMMMM I'm sorry I got carried away thinking about food.

Firearms laws are very lax.

There's all kinds of things to see and do. The next event coming up is open house at White Sands. The Trinity Site will be open the first weekend in April, and again the first weekend in October. If you're into history, it's cool!

Then there's NM politics. Without getting into it and risking getting another infraction, the more you learn about NM politics, well you'll be amazed at how our state government even manages to function!

To close, be aware of your surroundings, lock your stuff up, and don't leave anything in your car and you'll be OK

Welcome to New Mexico!

If you have questions, PM me.

Be Safe!

+1 on all the above.

New Mexico folks are cliquish, clannish, not particularly open to outsiders. If you weren't born there, they didn't go to school with you, and you aren't related to them you will always be an outsider to many people there. Hopefully you will find co-workers on your new job that will help to fill the social needs. Service organizations (VFW, American Legion) and fraternal organizations (Masonic Lodge, FOE, etc) might help you make connections in the community. Of course, being friendly and courteous always makes a difference.

New Mexico has long been one of the poorest states in the country. Very high unemployment, relatively low wages for many working people. High crime rates, both property crimes and violent crimes. More than enough alcoholism and drug use. Gang problems in the cities, and some of that spills out into the smaller communities. Smaller communities tend to have lots of budget problems so government services (police, fire, schools, road work) may not be the best.

Lots of interesting history. Lots to see and do, especially if you like the outdoors.

I hope the move is good for you.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Well damn. I never got to come down and meet you and have
breakfast at the Blue Ridge Café. I am originally from Floyd, Va
and was looking forward to meeting you. But my wife just had
surgery and the plan was for this summer. Guess I will have to
plan a trip to New Mexico. We are about the same age and
I am envious of your courage! Looking forward to you updates.

 

[DR505]

+1 on all the above.

New Mexico folks are cliquish, clannish, not particularly open to outsiders. If you weren't born there, they didn't go to school with you, and you aren't related to them you will always be an outsider to many people there. Hopefully you will find co-workers on your new job that will help to fill the social needs. Service organizations (VFW, American Legion) and fraternal organizations (Masonic Lodge, FOE, etc) might help you make connections in the community. Of course, being friendly and courteous always makes a difference.

New Mexico has long been one of the poorest states in the country. Very high unemployment, relatively low wages for many working people. High crime rates, both property crimes and violent crimes. More than enough alcoholism and drug use. Gang problems in the cities, and some of that spills out into the smaller communities. Smaller communities tend to have lots of budget problems so government services (police, fire, schools, road work) may not be the best.

Lots of interesting history. Lots to see and do, especially if you like the outdoors.

I hope the move is good for you.

I agree to the above. One of the reasons for my departure from NM to Virginia was the school system. I have an elementary school age son and the schools in NM leave much to be desired. Additionally, the crime rate in Albuquerque was soaring. They were having home invasions, drive by shootings, etc. I was serving a fugitive warrant in the South Valley when there was a drive-by shooting 100 yards away...we all went sprinting in that direction with M-4s held at port arms!

NM usually ranks almost at the bottom on all of the good lists, and near the top on the bad ones. The other State motto is "Thank God for Mississippi."

All that being said my wife and I were very sad to leave. We had a beautiful place on 5 acres of land, surrounded by National Forest on the back side of Sandia Peak at 7,200' of elevation. We had wild turkeys, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, black bears, and such on our land over the years. I once hit a 300+ lb black bear in the head with a pan at 3am climbing into my kitchen through the window! THAT I won't soon forget.

Check out the International Balloon Fiesta in October.

I used to rock climb, hike, ski, camp, hunt (elk/deer/bear/ibex/oryx/coyote/prairie dogs/etc.) in NM too. GREAT outdoors place. Enjoy the good, try to avoid the bad, and carry a firearm with you everywhere you go.