April showers bring May flowers. What a wonderful thought. Those of us who live in the Northeast Highlands know that as we transition from cold to more seasonal temperatures we look forward to those few showers that mean so much to all of us. April can be a month of high winds and very little rainfall. Often people from other states come here looking for property and they ask about our weather seasons. I tell them that we have four seasons just like everyone else: summer, WIND, winter, and WIND. That just about sums up the weather for us. April is important because the snow begins to melt and send its water downstream, ultimately to Texas. Those who farm take water from the acequias, those who ranch begin to take in yearlings, but most of us just sit on our porches and enjoy the warmer times ahead. Baseball begins to grip the young people, as practice begins with high hopes for the summer.
April is the last month before graduation. Those of you who are anticipating graduation will find that April speeds by, but the month of May is so slow, unless you have a report or project due, and then it will fly. The days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter. We have passed that time of year where the days\nights were equal, and now we are headed at full speed to June 21st the longest day of the year. Summer will be in full swing!
City elections are passed, and we still get to hear about national election until November. The thought of that almost sickens a person. The election lasts this long for one reason only-MONEY. The news media in ALL its forms make more money than you can shake a stick at. The only people making more money are the oil and gas industry, and that is obscene. Locally, Mora County, specifically around Ocate, there is now considerable interest in methane gas. It has thrown everyone into a dither. Another thing that has the attention of residents of Mora County is the tax issue. This issue is very complex, but it is a sword with a very, very sharp double blade. The tax people have the power to destroy, and every citizen who is a land owner had better sit up and pay attention.
The city of Las Vegas has had its municipal elections, and for all intents and purposes, they cleaned house. For the most part, we have new faces in positions of leadership. It is too early to tell if it will be business as usual, or if the new city government will be more responsive to the people. With regards to real estate, the housing market is still active, however, no one can hardly qualify for a loan. Rural land sales are very slow. The drop in the interest rate helps the lenders not the borrowers. If you are planning to buy, please check your credit score PRIOR to even looking. There is a little commercial activity. Our hotel\motel room count has increased, and that is good. We need JOBS to keep our young people, and we need the Chamber of Commerce to be more active. Oh well, the only thing left to say is “keep your nose clean and your butt in the saddle”.
