As I reflect on the past year I can’t help but be grateful for so much. So happy for so many things that happened this year—-our son Max’s marriage to Melissa & Felice; our fabulous trip to Costa Rica, and our clients whose beautiful homes we are creating bring me much joy. And then there is the part that is so sad. Loosing Mario pierced my soul. The loss does not seem real, at the same time it is so real. We were partners in the true sense of the word. We conferred with each other constantly. Yet, he showed me the way early on. There was nothing in the construction of a home that he believed I couldn’t do. He would joke about getting fired, I’d take over completely and he’d go fishing!
As the year closes we are getting close to finishing up the Hernandez home. 
It’s ironic that the first rammed earth home Mario designed (our home) is 14-sided and one of the last homes he designed was also many-sided (12 sided). He was particularly excited about the ceiling in the great room. As you can see from the photograph, it is a circle of latillas and vigas. The completed room will have a round glass faced fireplace in the center of the room. The walls in the room are a beautiful, Tobias plaster of a golden color. We will be sure to share photos of the completed home.
Our home for the Stowe’s on Armijo Street, downtown Las Cruces, is in the framing stages. It has taken shape over the last 4 weeks into a cozy, efficient-use- of-space home. The neighborhood is excited about the new addition to the area. This will be our Showcase 2009 Home. As well, it will be included in the Las Cruces Symphony Tour of Homes in April. This means everyone will have the opportunity to see the home.
On January 3rd & 4th I will begin studying for my Contractor’s test. I have been issued a temporary qualifying party license. This gives me until March to complete the testing for the GB2 License in the State of New Mexico. It’s been a few years since tests have been part of my life……six years of graduate and undergraduate study… I took plenty of tests!
The office will be closed December 24-January 4. We will be back in on Monday, January 5th.
I want to thank everyone for all the support I’ve received over the last month. The phone calls, the meals, the kind words, the many ways you have given us your support is so much appreciated. I will continue to keep everyone updated as we move forward in our quest to build energy efficient, comfortable, long lasting homes as well as long lasting friendships. The best to all of you. May your celebrations be joyful, peaceful and comforting. Happy New Year.
Pat Bellestri-Martinez