Adventure 340: Las Cruces, NM/Post A

Site DD 

Thankful for traveling mercies this morning, we made an easy jaunt from Faywood Hot Springs to Las Cruces. After setting up in our spot at the Sunny Acres RV Park, we hopped on the tandem and rode out to Mesilla, the historic old town just outside of Las Cruces. The central square is anchored by the Basilica of San Albino, and while the shops surrounding the square now house trinket shops, jewelry shops, art galleries, restaurants, and a book store, it's easy to imagine this small down thriving back in the 1850s. My favorite part of the area is not the square. I absolutely adore Southwest Adobe architecture. Several homes lay hidden in the back streets. We could barely peek into their courtyard, but I could easily imagine the tranquility in many of the spaces.We rode around the back streets ogling at the homes. Some were simple; some were elaborate. In some cases, a simple home was right across the street from a more elaborate version. We saw a flock of chickens and several dogs. The town survives not only because of its historical significance, but because of the Basilica itself. According to Canon Law, a Basilica denotes a high rank among Roman Catholic Churches. To be designated a Basilica means that particular church enjoys privileges and honors greater than most other churches that are Roman Catholic. The rank of Basilica is conferred by the Pope. Basilicas are of two classes: major and minor. There are seven major Basilicas-five in Rome one in Assisi, and one in Jerusalem. The minor Basilicas number fewer than two thousand around the world-fewer than one hundred in the United States. San Albino was raised to the rank of minor Basilica in 2008. It's a neat church and a very "good vibe" neighborhood. I would want to live in this part of town if we ever chose to winter in Las Cruces. Tomorrow, we're going to explore a little bit of the Organ Mountain Area. These mountains, spectacular architectural structures of their own, are worth a trip to this area just on the face of their impressive skyline. Tonight, we'll cheer for the #1 ranked Zags, who are the only remaining undefeated team in college basketball. That's an uneasy crown to wear, and the Zag opponent tonight is the dreaded BYU Cougars, who are especially tough on their home court in Provo. Go Zags! Even if they lose, we'll still believe that life is good, especially today.

 A view from back of the sanctuary of the Basilica San Albino.

 Even the simple element of wood is a magnificent altar to God.

 Not quite clear are the three imbedded green bottles that help decorate this door.

 I'm about half ready to trade in Frac for an adobe structure.

 Holy hot chilis!

 Papa got off the rack for about an hour of exercise today.

One of our neighbors, a purple heart award  winner from Kansas, states clearly his world view. It made me wonder.  Our entry into World War II, (Which we tried to stay out of), was prompted by the sneak attack at Pearl Harbor. It galvanized us as a nation. We felt justified to fight in response to aggression. I wonder what it will take for America to become galvanized in such a way again. When this veteran shouts, "Destroy ISIS!" I wonder to what end we'll go to accomplish the goal. It seems obvious that those who oppose America think of themselves as zealous defenders of their own world view. Will the resolution really result in one or the other of the factions pressing a boot onto the face of a downed enemy? Can this really be God's plan? Just wondering.