Living Off-Grid: Day 1516 in New Mexico – The True Spirit of the Holiday Season
As we reach day 1516 of living off-grid in the New Mexico desert, the days grow shorter and the nights longer. The holiday season is upon us, and it’s a time to reflect on what truly matters. For many, the holidays evoke images of gifts and extravagant celebrations. But it’s important to remember that not everyone celebrates the holidays the same way—or even has the means to.
The holidays aren’t about the cost or popularity of a gift. They’re about giving, kindness, and helping those in need. However, giving doesn’t have to mean donating to charities where only a fraction of your contribution goes to the people who need it most. Nor does it mean putting yourself or your family at financial or personal risk.
### Simple Ways to Give
There are countless ways to embrace the spirit of giving this season:
– **Be kind and respectful.** A small act of kindness can make a big difference.
– **Give intentionally.** Instead of buying flashy gifts your children may never use, consider what they genuinely need or will enjoy long-term.
– **Teach lessons of empathy.** Help your children understand that hardship can happen to anyone—regardless of wealth, job stability, or lifestyle. Life is unpredictable, and we are all just one accident, storm, illness, or conflict away from facing adversity.
### Think Beyond Materialism
This year, instead of rushing to buy the most sought-after items, consider giving in ways that truly matter:
– Donate a blanket or warm clothing to someone in need.
– Contribute to food drives that directly help local families.
– Research and support charities that ensure your contributions go directly to those in need.
The holidays are about more than material gifts; they are about showing compassion, building community, and reminding each other of our shared humanity. Let’s make this season one of kindness, connection, and genuine care for those around us.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#HolidayGiving #OffGridLife #NewMexicoLiving #KindnessMatters #HolidayReflection #SimpleLiving #MinimalistHolidays #EmpathyFirst #GivingBack #CommunityCare #OffGridInspiration #HolidayKindness #LifeLessons #DesertLiving #ShareTheSpirit
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From Victorian Home to Off-Grid Living: Our Journey to Building a Desert Dream in New Mexico!
Our Journey to New Mexico: From a Victorian Home to Building a New Life Off-Grid**
For many years, we lived in a charming but challenging 2,000-square-foot 1880s Victorian house on a large lot in a small town in Minnesota. Alongside our time there, we spent weekends, holidays, and summers at an 8×16 fish house we converted into a cozy cabin while managing the Environmental Education Center. It was a beautiful dual lifestyle, balancing the history of our home with the serenity of cabin life.
### The Turning Point
The Victorian house, though beautiful, required extensive renovations far beyond our budget: a new roof, windows, insulation, rewiring, and more. When the roof began leaking, we explored loans but quickly realized the house’s value wouldn’t support them. Faced with this reality, we made a family decision to let the house go. Instead, we planned to live in the cabin while saving to purchase land near the Environmental Education Center where we could build our dream life.
Then, an unexpected opportunity arose. A friend from a yearly event at the center invited us to stay at her ranch in New Mexico over the winter to help restore it for future events. Before committing, we asked our kids to try online school for one semester. If they didn’t like it, they could return to in-person school the following year. They were excited about the adventure and agreed to give it a try.
### Falling in Love with New Mexico
We closed down the center for winter and headed to Ruidoso, New Mexico. Our original plan was temporary: spend the winter working, save money, and return to Minnesota to purchase land. But New Mexico changed everything. The ranch’s rich history (I love history!), mild weather, and stunning landscapes captured our hearts. We started looking for our own piece of land nearby—something affordable, remote, and suitable for hosting events and camping.
Despite initial doubts, we found several options within our budget. One piece stood out: it was close to a major city, had breathtaking views, and offered privacy—perfect for our dreams. The only challenge? It was Christmas, and buying the land would leave us with no money for presents or even gas to return to Minnesota. After discussing it as a family, we decided to take the leap. The kids agreed to forgo Christmas gifts for the opportunity to build our future.
### A Christmas Miracle
Just as we finalized the purchase, a little magic happened. Brent and I decided to have a rare date night at Billy the Kid Casino, where they were offering free play. We registered and learned they were drawing one lucky person to play a giant game of blackjack for a chance to win 500 play credits. My name was called (much to my horror—I’m shy and terrible at blackjack). But to my surprise, I won!
Not knowing much about slots, I asked Brent to handle the winnings. After a few tries, we hit $400, then $500, and cashed out $900. The next day, we took the kids shopping in Ruidoso for Christmas presents and used the rest for gas money to return to Minnesota, knowing we’d come back to our land in the fall to start our new lives.
### Building Our Dream
This January 3rd marks five years since we bought the land. Looking back, taking that risk was one of the best decisions we ever made. We’ve worked hard to build a life off-grid, creating a space where nature, community, and individuality thrive. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
### A Note on Education
One of the biggest surprises was how much our kids loved online schooling during this transition. They thrived in the flexible environment, improving from occasional Ds and Fs to consistent As and Bs. Both graduated at the top of their classes, proving that sometimes, stepping outside the norm leads to incredible results.
### Lessons Learned
As we approach this milestone, we’re reminded of the importance of taking risks and trusting in the journey. Whether you call it faith, fate, or the power of nature, sometimes you just have to leap and let life guide you. We’re excited to see what the future holds and grateful for how far we’ve come.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #NewMexicoLife #FamilyAdventure #HomesteadingJourney
#TinyHouseLiving #SimplifyYourLife
#VictorianHomeStory #LifeInTheDesert
#SustainableLiving #RuidosoNewMexico
#EducationSuccess #DreamChasers
#BuildingCommunity #RiskAndReward #NatureInspiredLiving
From Amigo the Devil to Advocatus Diaboli: Unforgettable Music & Passion You Don’t Want to Miss!
The Passion of Performance: Celebrating Music and Memories
Brent’s birthday is just around the corner, and this year, Anne surprised us with tickets to see Amigo the Devil—a show we always enjoy. Watching Amigo’s passion on stage reminded me so much of Brent’s (aka Advocatus Diaboli) energy when he’s performing. Brent thrives on the joy of connecting with his audience, hearing them sing along, laugh, and share in the love of music.
I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest music person (which might sound odd given that I live in a house filled with it). For me, the magic is in watching the performers and the crowd—their reactions, their passion, the shared moments. Performers who truly love what they do bring an unmatched energy to the stage, and it’s a joy to witness.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to see some iconic bands live: Rob Zombie, KISS, Judas Priest, Metallica, to name a few. While some of these performances were filled with raw passion, others felt more like just another show. The big-name draw might make the experience worthwhile, but without that spark of genuine love for the craft, it can leave something to be desired.
That’s why I’m always excited about performers like Amigo the Devil—and, of course, Brent and the Grim Leafer Band. Their dedication to their art and their audience is evident in every note, every lyric, and every laugh they share on stage.
If you love music, laughter, and the thrill of a live performance, don’t miss **Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band** on **December 21 at Black Wall Arts and Productions**. Come out and support not only the band but also the venues that make these incredible shows possible.
Let’s make it a night to remember, filled with music, joy, and the kind of passion that makes live performances unforgettable!
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#LiveMusic #AdvocatusDiaboli #GrimLeaferBand #BlackWallArts #MusicPassion #ConcertNight #AmigoTheDevil #BirthdayVibes #SupportLocalMusic #MusicLovers #RockOn #LivePerformance #AlbuquerqueEvents #MusicCommunity #IndieBands
Off-Grid Morning Chaos: Senior Dog Antics at Ka-Hoon Campground That’ll Make You Smile!
**Morning Routines at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**
Living off-grid at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center comes with its unique set of challenges and quirks, especially when it involves our furry family members. My mornings are anything but ordinary, thanks to Weillow, our 14-year-old dog with early-stage dementia.
Every day begins the same way: I let the dogs out, then crawl back into the warm bed, delaying the inevitable until I need to start the heat. But Weillow has her own agenda. She paces back and forth, ensuring I don’t stay in bed too long. It’s her way of telling me she needs to go outside immediately—or else!
Once she’s done her business, I make her stay out longer than she’d like, just to be sure. My hope is that she’ll return to her warm bed and settle down for a few more hours until it’s warmer outside. But Weillow has other plans.
Within 15 to 30 minutes, she starts pacing again, convincing me she needs to go out—despite just having been outside. Even when I know she’s fine, I still get up, just in case. The real kicker? Once I’m up, she happily goes back to her bed to sleep. It’s her little morning game to get me moving.
The other dogs have caught on to her antics. As soon as I try to send Weillow back to bed, they decide it’s their turn to shower me with kisses and sit on me, ensuring I stay up for good.
These little routines, while tiring, are part of what makes life here so special. Whether it’s caring for our dogs, managing the campground, or enjoying the peaceful desert mornings, every moment adds to the charm of life at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center.
Weillow may be aging, but her determination to keep me on my toes (or out of bed) reminds me to cherish these moments. It’s a reminder that even in the simplicity of daily routines, there’s love, laughter, and a lot of wet noses to keep things interesting.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground #OffGridLife #DesertLiving #MorningRoutines #DogLife #SeniorDogCare #LifeWithDogs #CampingWithDogs #NatureLovers #UniqueLiving #FurryFamily #DogMomLife #CherishedMoments #LifeInTheDesert #KaHoonAdventures
Kitty’s Hilarious Pitch for Our 1984 Ford F250 Diesel’s Warranty – You Can’t Miss This!
When your cat moonlights as a telemarketer: here to sell us an extended warranty for our 1984 Ford F250 Diesel with 300,000 miles. Priorities, right?
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#FunnyPets #CatComedy #ExtendedWarranty #F250Diesel #VintageTrucks #CatHumor #DieselLife #TruckLife #PetShenanigans #CatMemes #F250Owners #ClassicTruck #CatPersonality #OffGridLiving #DesertLife
Experience a Holiday Twist with Advocatus Diaboli & the Grim Leafer Band – Dec 21 at Black Wall Arts!
Greetings, holiday revelers and rockers! Are you weary of the same old jingles and carols? Fear not! Join **Advocatus Diaboli**, **Shamshini**, and the **Grim Leafer Band** for a night of bawdy, twisted holiday parodies that’ll leave you laughing and rocking the season away.
🎄 **Horrordaze Extravaganza** 🎄
📅 December 21
📍 Black Wall Arts and Productions, Albuquerque
🕕 Doors open at 6 PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/holidaze-extravaganza-e/1291269308727183/
Take a break from your holiday shopping frenzy, and let us electrify your spirits. This is not your average Christmas concert—this is **Advocatus Diaboli’s Holidaze Extravaganza**! We’ll be traveling venue to venue, gathering Rock-n-Roll souls… and yours could be next!
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#HorrordazeExtravaganza, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #Shamshini, #RockHolidayTwist, #HolidayParodies, #LiveMusicEvent, #AnimatronicBand, #RockAndRollSoul, #ChristmasWithATwist, #BlackWallArts, #AlbuquerqueEvents, #HolidayEntertainment, #UniqueHolidayExperience, #RockTheHolidays
Thanksgiving Fun at Ka-Hoon Campground: Dirty Bingo, White Elephant Gifts, and Delicious Food!
**Thanksgiving at Ka-Hoon Campground: A Celebration of Community and Laughter**
Thanksgiving is a time to come together, share delicious food, and create cherished memories. Here at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center, we were thrilled to host a festive celebration in the heart of the New Mexico desert. With our neighbors and friends joining in, the evening was filled with gratitude, laughter, and community spirit.
We enjoyed a mouthwatering feast featuring ham, turkey, and an array of side dishes generously brought by everyone who attended. The collaboration made the meal even more special, reminding us of the joy in sharing and contributing to a collective experience.
A highlight of the evening was our annual tradition—**Dirty Bingo with White Elephant gifts**. This fun and lighthearted game had everyone laughing and enjoying the creative, quirky surprises that came with each gift exchange. It’s always a hit, and this year was no different!
As we reflect on the warmth and joy of this year’s Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the incredible sense of community that makes Ka-Hoon Campground so unique. Whether it’s sharing a meal, playing games, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments are what truly matter.
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and great food. Stay tuned for more events and gatherings as we move into the holiday season. Here’s to creating more memories together in our beautiful desert oasis!
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For more updates on Ka-Hoon Campground’s events, follow us and join our community as we celebrate life off-grid!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
#ThanksgivingCelebration, #KaHoonCampground, #DesertLife, #CommunityGathering, #HolidayTraditions, #DirtyBingo, #WhiteElephantGifts, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #GratefulMoments, #FeastWithFriends, #NewMexicoEvents, #HolidayCheer, #DesertOasis
Experience Thanksgiving Off-Grid: Ka-Hoon Campground’s Unique Celebration in the New Mexico Desert!
Happy Thanksgiving from Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center!
Greetings from the beautiful New Mexico desert! All of us here at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
As the holiday season begins, we reflect on the joys and challenges of living off-grid in this unique landscape. From hosting events like the Halloween Hootenanny to preparing for our upcoming HORRORDAZE Extravaganza on December 21st, it’s been a year filled with community, creativity, and hard work.
This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our members, guests, and friends. Whether you’ve joined us for camping, events, or just stopped by to enjoy the desert views, your presence has made Ka-Hoon a truly special place.
Today, we’ll celebrate with a turkey dinner shared among neighbors, embracing the spirit of togetherness that defines our off-grid lifestyle. Even as we navigate the quirks of desert living—like setting up new solar systems or braving chilly nights—we’re reminded that the connections we forge with others make it all worthwhile.
From all of us at Ka-Hoon, we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, good food, and cherished moments with loved ones. If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t forget to check out our unique camping experiences and exciting events.
Happy Thanksgiving!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #KaHoonCampground, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #NewMexicoEvents, #SustainableLiving, #HolidaysInTheDesert, #HORRORDAZE2024, #CommunityCelebration, #ThanksgivingInTheDesert, #UniqueCampingExperience, #DesertCampingAdventures, #OffGridCommunity
Living Off-Grid: Solar Challenges, Desert Life, and Prepping for HORRORDAZE with Advocatus Diaboli!
**Life Off-Grid: Balancing Busy Days, Solar Projects, and Event Prep**
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert means constant adjustments, planning, and a bit of trial and error, especially when juggling daily responsibilities with larger projects.
### Busy Days on the Road
May days include a 90-minute trip to take Anne to work, navigating the desert terrain. Depending on whether we take the car or the pickup, the trip takes longer as we manage the dirt roads: the car averages 20-25 mph, while the pickup handles it slightly better at 30-35 mph. These drives are a reminder of how even the simplest routines are more time-consuming when living off-grid.
### Preparing for HORRORDAZE
Amid our daily tasks, we’re also getting Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band ready for their upcoming performance at the ** HORRORDAZE Extravaganza** on December 21 at Black Wall Arts & Productions . Rehearsals, equipment prep, and fine-tuning animatronics are all part of the process to ensure a memorable show.
### Tackling Solar System Challenges
One of our biggest ongoing projects is setting up a new solar system. Yesterday, Brent and I spent hours cleaning and reorganizing the Greenroom to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner with neighbors, but this effort also served as a reminder of the solar build we’ve been putting off.
We’ve debated several locations for the new system, each with its pros and cons:
– **Battery House Option:** Keeping the batteries in their current house avoids moving them (each over 100 lbs!) but makes it tricky to find a sunny spot for the panels without shading.
– **Anne’s Battery Setup Location:** This option means reorganizing the trailer and moving the heavy batteries again, a task we’ve already done more than once.
– **Behind the RV:** Placing the system behind the RV sacrifices some of our stunning views, which feels like a significant tradeoff.
– **Existing Panel Stand:** Adding the panels to the current stand may overload the structure and prevent us from adjusting them for optimal sunlight.
Another idea we’ve considered is creating a mobile solar system. Folding panels into a trailer would allow us to transport them as needed, but we’re cautious about adding unnecessary weight to our RV.
### The Balancing Act
Decisions like these take time, especially when weather, schedules, and other priorities like running Anne to work keep interfering. The key is committing to a solution and sticking with it, but with so many factors to consider, the decision hasn’t been easy.
For now, we’re focusing on small wins—like getting the Greenroom ready for Thanksgiving—and tackling one challenge at a time. Living off-grid may not always be simple, but the rewards of self-sufficiency and freedom make it all worthwhile.
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If you’re interested in off-grid living, solar power solutions, or unique challenges in the desert, stay tuned for more updates on our journey!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #SolarPower, #SustainableLife, #DesertLiving, #RenewableEnergy, #GreenEnergy, #SelfSufficiency, #TinyHomeLife, #SolarSetup, #EcoFriendly, #RVLife, #SustainableLiving, #SolarPanels, #MinimalistLifestyle, #Homesteading
Off-Grid Desert Living: The Unexpected Challenge of Midnight Trips to the Outdoor Toilet!
**Living Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert: The Challenge of the Hut**
Life off-grid in the New Mexico desert comes with its unique set of challenges, and for me, one of the hardest has been *The Hut*—our outdoor composting toilet. While we use the indoor toilet for liquids now, that wasn’t always the case. The main issue? Navigating late-night trips to the Hut with a pack of eager dogs in tow.
**The Struggle of Midnight Bathroom Breaks**
Picture this: It’s a chilly desert night, and the inside of our tiny home is 10-20 degrees warmer than the freezing temperatures outside. I wake up, needing to use the bathroom, and as soon as I even glance toward the door, the dogs are ready to spring into action.
Now, I love my dogs, but their enthusiasm complicates things. By the time I’ve grabbed a jacket and shoes, they’re by the door, tails wagging, ready for an outdoor adventure. I, on the other hand, just want to quickly take care of business and crawl back into my warm bed.
**Dogs on Their Own Schedule**
Using the Hut isn’t a quick in-and-out experience, thanks to my four-legged companions. They won’t do their business while I’m in the Hut because they insist on guarding me from potential “dangers.” Once I’m done, the real waiting game begins as they sniff around, searching for the *perfect* spot to do their own business.
On a cold, sleepless night, this routine feels endless. Multiply this by five bathroom trips in one night, and you can see why it became exhausting.
**The Solution: A Shift Indoors**
Eventually, we decided to adapt. By using the indoor toilet for liquids, I can now make quick trips without alerting the dogs. As long as I don’t venture past the bathroom, they stay snuggled up in bed, and I can get back to my warm blankets much faster.
**The Takeaway**
Off-grid living is all about finding creative solutions to unique problems. While *The Hut* is a sustainable and practical choice, adapting to the realities of late-night desert life has been key to making it work. For now, the indoor bathroom is a small luxury that helps us balance convenience and comfort in our off-grid lifestyle.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #SustainableLiving, #NewMexicoDesert, #TinyHomeLife, #CompostingToilet, #DesertChallenges, #EcoFriendlyLiving, #OffGridSolutions, #LivingWithDogs, #ColdNights, #OffGridAdaptation, #DesertLife, #SelfSufficientLiving, #RuralLiving, #GreenLiving
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 