You all know by now that I live in the middle of nowhere. Remember my two-page phonebook? Here's more proof.
You know you live in the middle of nowhere when...
a busy Saturday afternoon at the local hardware store looks like this.
Welcome to the bustling metropolis of Mountainair, New Mexico. Don't be fooled into thinking the Greyhound bus stops here or that you can cash a check at the local bank - those two storefronts are movie sets. Seriously. Check out "My One and Only" starring Renee Zellweger, coming soon to a theater near you. Much of the movie was filmed around here. But Mountainair doesn't have a movie theater, so I'll just wait for the video release.
Meantime, I can cruise the aisles of the hardware store for entertainment. All the area ranchers post their brands here, which is kind of neat. If a stray cow shows up at my gate, I can note the brand, then go to the hardware store to see who owns it.
And if I'm ever in the mood to go on a big game safari, all I have to do is go to the checkout counter.
All I can figure is the owner likes to hunt and his wife won't let him hang his "trophies" at home, so he mounts them in the store instead. These two guys just break my heart. Have you ever seen a zebra with such a kind eye?
I suppose you could say a few of the displays are a public service. Like the live rattlesnake in the aquarium who rattles like heck whenever you get close, or the stuffed bobcat in the front window. Once you get a look at them, you can go home and be on the lookout for their relatives. I still prefer to do my research on the internet.
To its credit, the hardware store does stock most everything a rancher-woman might need in a DIY crisis, and the staff are very knowledgeable. But Smooch doesn't like going to this one-blinking-light town any more than I do, and we're always happy when the errands are done and it's time to head for home.
Ha ... I remember that post, and must say your wide spot in the road looks like Times Square compared to my little town, but I am guessing neither of us would change a thing.
ReplyDeleteYou are one up on me though ... we don't have a Greyhound bus stop/ticket office.
oh my goodness, that is going to be my town one day too!! I own property down the road from there 13 miles west off of 60 going towards 25. I love that hardware store and those are the best pictures of that place. I bought bording the National Park so I could ride my horses forever on that land, at least I hope I will always be able to. I just can't get my butt there yet since I have to sell here and that is not going to happen for quite a while. The last time I was there there was a really cool antique store on the same side as the hardware store that I spent a lot of time in. And the food at Shaefer ( spelling ?) Inn was really good. I can't wait to go back. I will have to rent the movie just to see what Mountainair looks like in it.
ReplyDeleteI originally started following your blog because you were in New Mexico and I kept saying thats exactly what my future home will look like. Your post made me laugh because it is exactly the kind of one horse town I was looking for.
Hey, Laura, let me know next time you're out visiting your land - we can do lunch at the Shaeffer.
ReplyDeleteSo I guess I'm safe in assuming that you rarely have a traffic jam to deal with?? Hehe. Your right about the Zebra and his kind eye.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Ok so my town has two more colour lights on it. Thats it.
ReplyDeleteBrings back memories. I've lived in a town like that before. And its the reason I love canned peas. Does your town have a 'mom & pop' sort of cafe that serves meatloaf, mashed potatoes, canned peas and homemade pies served to you on a plastic tablecloth? Where at lunchtime, you can hear the conversation of cattle disease going on at the table next to you? Ah, the memories. And the food is delicious...if you like canned peas.
ReplyDeleteYou make me feel as though I live in a giant metropolis - our one traffic light is a real light!
ReplyDeleteNancy in Iowa
My mailing address is a different town than where I live. My community isn't incorporated, so no P.O., school, or anything else. "Downtown" is really a four-way flashing light in the middle of nowhere with a bait/grocery/grill/bar on one corner and nothing on the rest.
ReplyDeleteAm I the only person that thinks "what the hell?" I mean, with all of those wild animals! YIKES! I would want to run back home, TOO!
ReplyDeleteHoosier hugs,
Cheryl
I love it! And I can see why you are there. It suits you. I REALLY love the brands of the ranches on display. How cool is that? You are 7 miles south of nowhere..... and right smack dab in the middle of heaven. And I love that you share it with us.
ReplyDeleteMan. It would be tough to see all those mounted animals every time you needed nails or washers or wire. Dangit. I HATE stuff like that. I know what you mean about trying to see it as a learning/inspiring experience to do right by the living, but jeepers. Still creeps me out. I eat meat. But seeing sentient heads on a wall, I dunno. Seems worse. Maybe I'm deluded.
ReplyDelete