But First Redux:

As I was starting to say in my profile before blogspot told me I had overdrawn my html character limit....

I figure it must be time to introduce myself properly. My name is Jean, aka Auntie Bucksnort, and I am a recent transplant to Clovis NM. My big sister made me do it - see image to right. I arrived here by way of Portland, ME; Candia, NH; Berkeley, CA; Mill Valley, CA; Seattle, WA; San Rafael, CA; and San Francisco, CA where I was born.

I've been in Eastern New Mexico for six months and I'm still experiencing severe culture shock. I've barely reached Urban Cowgirl status. Someday I'll be just another local. I dream of that day.

This is cow country. This is bible country. I was born in the heart of Progressive Urbania and raised in the heart of Progressive Suburbia. I'm still gasping for air after diving into U.S. 40 and finally floating up to the surface to find myself smack dab in the middle of err... Adamantine America.

A couple of unfamiliar things that go bump in the night, waking me up and reminding me that I'm not in Portland anymore:

- the peacocks, donkeys, hyenas and spider monkeys at the zoo which is a block away

- the honking of trains as they approach the many railroad crossings in Clovis

- the ill-fitting couple down the street ranting at each other

I've grown fond of all of these sounds. They're helping me to acclimate.

A couple of familiar things that go bump in the night:

- my cats Spackle and Kiwi having a midnight gallop across the hardwood floor

That's a sound that makes me feel at home.

Be well and love life!!!!!

Sincerely, Auntie Bucksnort - a moniker that I've been "saddled" with by way of my beloved big sister's blog, The Zees Go West. I like it. I'm keeping it.