Solarama!

On Saturday, we hit the Solar Fiesta at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. There were a few dozen booths set up outside, as well as numerous workshops on topics related to solar power and sustainable living.

While the masses weren't exactly clamboring at the gates to get in, it was great to see a fair amount of support for these small businesses and grass roots organizations.

We spent some time studying the adobe wall builders, as our own adobe wall behind the house is in a state of disrepair. Who knew that mud and water could be so durable? I can tell you that my mud pies and mud castles of childhood certainly did not hold up to the torrential downpours of a Nebraska springtime. But there are ways to get this stuff to last for decades. Certain additives in the mortar can add durability in inclement weather, including lots of rain.

Now that gas prices are sky high (and will probably continue to climb toward celestial bodies), hybrid cars have gotten very popular. We had to check out this cute bug-green Honda.

Additional oddities included the giant solar oven, complete with free chocolate chip cookies samples. You could buy your own smaller version (about a foot and a half in width) as well, perfect for camping trips, or just fun in the backyard! There were battery-powered bicycles, a car that guzzled leftover french fry oil, solar powered fountains and organic apple cider to quench your thirst when all of that solar heat just got to be too much.