I talk about having all of the balloon books you can in your library. There is a new book out and our friend, Tom McConnell gave me a copy just in time for Fiesta. It is called: Images of Modern American, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta by Tom, Dick Brown, John Davis, Charlotte Kinney, Dick Rice, John Sena, Kim Vesely, and with cooperation of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee. The book is by Arcadia Publishing.

I do like Arcadia because they document all of the special interest topics and places in the United States. Without their books a lot of our history would be lost. Having a little inside information, I know that Arcadia first approached AIBF about doing a book years ago and wanted to do it all black & white. That just wouldn’t work for one of the most colorful events known. So it took a while and it does add cost to the book, but it is now in color.

Each year, AIBF has official photographers take thousands of photos of the event and except for a few photos, the public really doesn’t see them. So this is a good chance.

Tom, Dick Brown and Kim were part of the gang of four with Paul Rhetts, who put together and wrote The World Comes to Albuquerque for the 40th anniversary of Fiesta. That book, in my mind is still the greatest book. But it has sold out.

So before you go to Fiesta READ UP! These also make great gifts. You can never have too many balloon books!

- Barbe Awalt

Steve Stucker and his funny hat and coat with tons of pins, is a part of Balloon Fiesta. Steve is a valuable part of the community and supports Vets, pets, food, festivals, and motorcycles. He is good people.

It is my hope that when Steve retires that he still be brought back to do Fiesta for KOB TV 4. Hell, Fiesta ought to hire him as good pr! We all love Steve and thank him for all he does. There is method in his madness.


- Barbe Awalt

I say attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in a week because the kick-off event is Albuquerque Aloft next Friday, weather permitting. It is a great chance to get up close to the balloons, crew, and the pilot. It is also a chance to see kids learning about ballooning.

Go to the AIBF website to find out more about Balloons Aloft.

- Barbe Awalt

Pat Hodapp killed them at the Santa Fe Women’s Club. What a surprise! She knows so much about Santa Fe and is so personable. We were happy to have a special for the Club – a discount for the women who bought a book and $2 for each title bought for the Santa Fe Library. The Women’s Club (now 125 years young) started the Library as their project so they have a place in their hearts for the Library.

The word is, they are having a holiday event December 10 and besides visiting some great homes they are going to have refreshments and booths at the Club. Nice! Festive! And they want us back!

If you get a chance, see the Club building off Old Pecos Trail. It is a keeper and we almost lost it a few years back. It has so much history. Also their Flea Market is coming up in October – don’t miss it!

- Barbe Awalt

The weather is starting to turn fall-like. That means the temperature is getting cooler at night and perfect weather to watch a good cowboy movie. We have some great movies listed in the Cowboy Bucket List book courtesy of Ol’ Don Bullis.

They keep making cowboy movies in hopes there will be a revival. Frankly, there are very few movies likes the old movies. Check them out!


- Barbe Awalt

Sandia Pueblo and Balloon Fiesta went at it again. Sandia didn’t want any balloons to land or fly over. For about a week they couldn’t agree and then people start to talk boycott. Talk about bad blood!

Sandia has one of the best views of the Balloon Field ever. People said boycott the casino, Bien Mur, eateries, and hotel. All make good money during Fiesta.

The new agreement is balloons can land on Pueblo land but have to call first to pick up the balloon. That is what has happened. Trust me, my balloon landed on Pueblo land and it was all day getting it back. We had to be escorted to go get it.

Also, balloons can not fly over Pueblo land lower than 200 feet. Who is measuring?

This is childish. Call-in shows had people saying that this is how they stick it to Anglos. Balloon crews rip up Pueblo land. Sandia makes great money during Fiesta because of Fiesta. Balloon Fiesta balloons need Sandia Pueblo in case they have to land. Get over it. For 11 days a year you can both cooperate. Jeez!!!


- Barbe Awalt

DEALS! DEALS! DEALS!

For blog readers a bunch of deals!
The celebrate Balloon Fiesta October 1 – The Hot Air Balloon Bucket Book $12@

The Annual Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge was held Monday at the New Mexico State Fair/EXPO. Ten eateries entered versus the seven I had to judge in Santa Fe. I bet the judges were full!

The eateries were:
Fuddruckers (winner the past two years)
Big Mike’s Grill in Belen
Sparky’s in Hatch
Sadie’s in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos, & Bernalillo
The Eklund in Clayton
Stuart Brothers Brewing in Albuquerque
Laguna Burger in Laguna
Los Chavez Café’s HUB City Grill in Belen
Pasion Latin Fusion in Albuquerque
El Bruno’s in Albuquerque & Cuba

The winners are: Laguna Burger -1st place and Stuart Brothers Brewing -2nd place. The People’s Choice Awards is Sparky’s.

But the real winner is you if you can sample some of the burgers – they are all good.



- Barbe Awalt

I LOVE milkshakes and the best is chocolate. What goes better with Green Chile Cheeseburgers? Usually the places that have a great GCC also have a good milkshake. The Today Show had a chocolate milkshake tasting and McDonald’s came out first.

We will let you know the results of the Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at Expo today. The last two year’s of the Challenge, Fuddruckers has won.

I will be the first to toast Loretta Hall who just won the 2016 Communicator of Achievement from National Press Women at the national convention. I may be prejudiced but it couldn’t happen to a nicer and more deserving person.

As the author of the Space Buff’s Bucket List book we joke and call her spacey. Now we will call her super space woman! Congrats!

- Barbe Awalt

First, and most importantly, we need to keep remembering 9/11. So many people did not get a chance to do their bucket lists. Maybe that is why bucket lists are so important. You never know when you will run out of time.

To do something lighter – more pictures of the Edible Smackdown.

- Barbe Awalt

- Barbe Awalt

- Barbe Awalt

- Barbe Awalt