Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Valley Hopper Car

Grown Man Cries From Hot Chile Peppers

Harvey Morrow and I were driving through the fields of Hatch, New Mexico. I didn't know it at the time but the Morrow family owns hundreds of acres in the southern New Mexico Valley, enough to have become a top grower of chiles, onions and a variety of other staples. Of course, I was interested in the green chile and to test my resolve, I'd driven 1000 miles to discuss my dreams of starting in the gourmet food business. Morrow Farms was just the place for me.

"So, y'all want to get into the chile business". He commented.

I did. My wife had created a green chile sauce in our California kitchen and it was worth bottling. Like the guy who built the baseball diamond, knowing the fans would arrive, I was certain we could corner some of the gourmet sauce market.

Harvey Morrow was a soft spoken man, one of few words who wore a straw cowboy hat and denim shirts. Today he chewed on something that liked like hay, but it could have been a toothpick. I wondered why he took the time to drive me through the fields and why he even considered my request to purchase green chile from his family. Did he get a lot of city slickers like me who yearned for a bumpy and dusty drive through rows of alfalfa and chile?

I told him about the green sauce we'd created and about my passion for the green stuff. Chile, I explained, was in my blood. heck, it was in my bones. What was it about New Mexico Chile that was so good? So different?

I learned from him that the Hatch Valley once had a volcano erruption and the hot lave might be what made the chile taste so good. One thing was for certain, the best chile is planted and harvested in southern New Mexico.

The white Ford truck finally stopped at the edge of countless rows of chile plants. harvy placed both hands on the steering wheel and looked out over the thousands of rows before us. Perhaps this was a farmers meditation, or maybe he was just admiring the crop. Rows straight, vibrant green atop fertile mounds of rich soil.

I reached for the door, but waited as he surveyed the surroundings. Farmers, I've learned are quiet by nature. Introspective much of the time and for the most part they can be philosophical, but many are too quiet to share the wisdom they've learned from the land.

"Do you want hot chile or mild"? He finally asked.

I'd never been in a fraternity in college and only had one brother, so I never had to prove much in my lifetime. No initiation rights, crazy acts of bravado. Not even tested in war or proven to be a man. Sure, I've had some success in business, but sitting in that truck with a man like Harvey just brought all those male hormones to the front burner. Hot or mild. Just what kind of chile man was I to become?

"Well, I want the hot stuff". I said.

He tipped his hat a bit, raising it off is forehead and when he did I noticed steel eyes. Eagle eyes that I imagined could spot a leaf hopper miles away. He screwed up his mouth, flicked the straw out the window and opening the door, said, Well, let's go.

Thinking back, he could have added the moniker, son, after that sentence. Let's go, son. As in your lessons are just starting. Y'all want to come down here to my farm, to the epicenter of green chile-Hatch Valley. Y'all are bringing your city attitude in a foreign rental car on to my farm and y'all want some hot chile? Ok, let's go son.

Of course, Harvey Morrow never said that. He's far too much of a gentleman and much too kind to say such words and in fact he said very little. Once we approached the plant row he was searching for, he opened a pocketknife and bending low, sliced a brilliant green pod from the plant. He smelled it, eyed the little monster for a second then turned to me and said, "See if this is what you're looking for."

I'd finally made it, I thought. A step closer to bottling our green chile sauce, a cooking sauce resplendent with flavor and I could envision a bottle on every table in America. I just needed the right chile.

As I started to bite into the green pod, I noticed Harvey kick some dirt, waiting as I relived my dreams. It was hot in Hatch, but nothing prepared me for the heat I was about to consume. Even the sun, shining bright behind Harvey, seemed mild compared to what was happening in my mouth.

Of course, I couldn't spit it out. How could I? To do so would be a disgrace, but more important was my pride and my arrival in the Chile Capital of The World. Instead I chewed as Harvey looked on. Never once did his expression change and in fact it wasn't until my eyes started to roll back inside my head, that he cracked a grin. That impassive manner finally gave way and he burst out laughing. But did I stop? Not a chance. i was too dumb to know what to do.

"Y'all can spit that out before I have to haul you over to the doctor".

With his permission, I started spitting and prayed for the chile gods to rescue me. Instead it was Harvey who came to my aid.

"Look here". He said. "The first thing you need to learn is to never bite into a green chile. When we test in the field, we never do that. Look here".

As my eyeballs came back into focus, I watched him unfold the same pocket knife and as he bent to retrieve another chile from the plant, I prayed it wasn't for me. Realizing it wasn't I thanked the great capsicum god in the Hatch volcano and considered crying.

Harvey sliced open the pod length wise and as he peeled the upper half off, he revealed to me a golden channel of veins. I'd seen them before, the white portion of green chile, only this chile possessed none of what I was used to.

"If the veins are anything but white", he said, "it's hot and the deeper the color, the hotter the chile".

We were back in the truck, bouncing along the dirt pathways when I could finally speak. Granted it was a whisper at first and I don't remember what I said, but I remember how grateful I felt for my first lesson. Harvey was the perfect teacher. And he was kind, much more so that I'd been in my lifetime. After a while, we rode in silence and all of a sudden he slowed and again stared out the window of the truck. I remembered the zen moment earlier, but this time he said,

"We got hotter chile if you want to taste some of that. This time we both laughed and again my eyes started to water".

About the Author

Coyote Trail Cooking Sauces, have won many awards most notably for the BEST RED CHILE in the state of New Mexico. Today, they can be purchased at retail stores throughout the Southwest or on line through their web site where unique recipes can also be found

Chad Valley Hopper. $4.99 Children will be hopping happy with this Chad Valley Hopper! Watch them bounce, spring and leap around the garden or even race their friends! The hopper has a funny face and a chunky grip handle for safe bouncing.Designed in bright colours, children will love this ball for hopping and jumping!The built-in handle makes it easier to use.Inflates to approximately 45cm diameter.Takes approximately 5 minutes to inflate.Pump not included.For indoor and outdoor use.General information:Size H24, W8cm.Weight 0.5kg.Maximum user weight: 30kg.Colours and styles may vary.For ages 3 years and over.WARNING(S):Not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Covered Hopper $125.85 A Covered Hopper is a railroad freight car. They are designed for carrying dry bulk loads, varying from grain to products such as sand and clay. The cover protects the loads from the weather dried cement would be very hard to unload if mixed with water in transit, while grain would be liable to rot if exposed to rain. However, they are unsuitable for perishables such as fruit or meat these are transported in Refrigerator car, where they can be kept at low temperatures as well. Similar to an open hopper car, Covered Hoppers tend to contain 2, 3 or 4 separated bays. Each of these can be loaded and emptied individually, with access at the top to load the materials and visible chutes at the bottom for unloading. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 208 Publication Date: 2010/04/23 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.47 inches

Edward Hopper in Vermont (Hardcover) $50.02 Edward and Jo Hopper first discovered Vermont in 1927, making day trips from the Whitney Studio Club`s summer retreat for New York artists in Charlestown, New Hampshire. In 1935 and 1936 the Hoppers again traveled to Vermont, this time from their summer home in Cape Cod, in Edward`s continuing search for new places to paint. During these quests they identified the White River and what Edward considered to be Vermont`s "finest" river valley, and they returned there for longer visits in 1937 and 1938, boarding at Robert and Irene Slater`s Wagon Wheels farm in South Royalton. These "vacations" were a change from the usual tempo of their lives, a break from the studio-bound easels, canvas, and oils, an opportunity to paint something different, to be in a new place and paint en plein air. Over the course of Vermont sojourns, Edward Hopper produced some two dozen paintings, watercolors that are among the most distinctive of his regional works, strongly characterized by place. In this accessible volume, Bonnie Tocher Clause tells the story of the Hoppers` visits to Vermont, their stays on the Slater farm, and their introduction to farm life. She locates the sites shown in Hopper`s Vermont paintings, identifies two watercolors not previously recognized as Vermont scenes, and traces the development of Hopper`s singular interpretations of the Vermont landscape.In Edward Hopper in Vermont, Clause details the provenance of the Vermont paintings through the years, tracking the history of sales leading to the works` ultimate homes with private collectors and museums. Showcasing all of the Vermont paintings in color, this volume will delight both the fans of Hopper`s work and those who are fascinated by the story of the creation, collection, and business of producing great art.

Lionel LIO17129 9300 Wm 3-Bay Hopper with Coal $57.39 Here is a Lionel 17129 Western Maryland 3-Bay Hopper Car w/ Coal Load. This scale sized hopper features die cast trucks operating couplers and a simulated coal load.

Lionel LIO17129 9300 Wm 3Bay Hopper with Coal $71.06 Here is a Lionel 17129 Western Maryland 3Bay Hopper Car w/ Coal Load. This scale sized hopper features die cast trucks operating couplers and a simulated coal load.

Moody Sunlight Showing Hopper Car of the Reading Railroad Idle on Rusting Elevated Span $79.99 Walker Evans Moody Sunlight Showing Hopper Car of the Reading Railroad Idle on Rusting Elevated Span - Premium Photographic Print

Primm Valley Resort & Casino $99.95 Located in Primm, Primm Valley Resort & Casino is in the desert and close to Adventure Canyon Ride, Desperado Roller Coaster, and Fashion Outlet of Las Vegas. Nearby points of interest also include Bonnie and Clyde Getaway Car and Frog Hopper. Resort Features. Primm Valley Resort & Casino features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Spa amenities include spa services, massage/treatment rooms, and facials. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a casino, an arcade/game room, and gift shops/newsstands. Guestrooms. 623 air conditioned guestrooms at Primm Valley Resort & Casino feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Televisions have cable channels and pay movies. Also included are irons/ironing boards and clock radios. Guests may request extra towels/bedding and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available daily. Notifications:Advanced reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the resort prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Notifications:Advanced reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the resort prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Moody Sunlight Showing Arty Grouping of Hopper Car, Rusting Elevated Span, Trucks, Etc $79.99 Walker Evans Moody Sunlight Showing Arty Grouping of Hopper Car, Rusting Elevated Span, Trucks, Etc - Premium Photographic Print

Chad Valley Car Transporter. $14.99 Bring to life their imagination with this colourful and sturdy car transporter from Chad Valley which lets them load the 3 vehicles on board the back carriage and then offload them at their destination. They will love speeding along the motorway…or carpet, with this cool transporter with engine start up sound, horn and car melodies.Huge freewheeling car transporter with drop-down ramp and sturdy carry handle.This Chad Valley Car Transporter is designed for everyday play, with bright colours, the vehicles are perfect for small children.For ages 18 months and over.Batteries required: 2 x AA (not included).

S P Whistle Stop 98514 Wood Ore Hopper Car Pennsylvania Railroad $75.11 This is a G Scale Wooden Ore Hopper Car (Pennsylvania #417) from the Big Hauler Series by Bachmann. Compatible with any G scale model railroad equipment. This is a dark brick red open top hopper car. Authentic molding resembles actual wood. Pennsylvania and road number PRR 417 in white on each side. Realistically molded ladders steps grab irons brake wheel and hopper doors. Very detailed underframe. Freerolling metal wheels. Includes: One G Scale Wooden Ore Hopper Car (Pennsylvania Railroad). Scale: G (1:22.5). Length: 111/2 (299mm). Width: 4 (104mm). Height: 4 (104mm).

Hip Hopper $10 Hip Hopper

Hopper $15.11 As Adam Gopnik has said about this book, "Mark Strand looks more deeply into Hopper's pictures than anyone has before." In the page or two that accompanies each of the 32 paintings -- including "Nighthawks, " "Gas 1940, " "People in the Sun, " "Automat" -- Strand leads us into an astonishingly complex and aesthetically satisfying way of seeing that particular work and the whole of Hopper's oeuvre. Approaching a painting visually, or formally, he subtly draws us to a place where what the painting has to say us is free of the usual sociological or psychological terms in which Hopper is discussed. In Strand's own words he shows that "Hopper's paintings locate the viewer in a virtual space where the influence and availability of feeling predominate." "Hopper" is a gift to anyone who is interested in the painter, or in fact in any painter -- it expands the way we look at a work of art.

Sacramento Valley, California - Southern Pacific Motor Car $19.99 Sacramento Valley, California - Southern Pacific Motor Car - Premium Poster

Sun Valley, Idaho, Ski Jumper Over Car $14.99 Sun Valley, Idaho, Ski Jumper Over Car - Premium Poster

Compartment C, Car 293 $44.99 Edward Hopper Compartment C, Car 293 - Giclee Print

Bachmann Williams BAC17642 Ho 40 ft. Quad Hopper Norfolk and Western $28.93 This is a Premium HO Scale Silver Series 40 Norfolk and Western Quad Hopper Car from Bachmann. It s for experienced train collectors. A onepiece removable textured black plastic cover on top simulates the quad hopper being fully loaded with coal. Raised panel lines on the black exterior. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Added weight for optimum tracking. Celcon trucks. Detailed underframe. Includes: One Premium HO 40 Norfolk and Western Quad Hopper Car. Scale: HO 1/87. Quad Hopper size . Length: 53/4 (14.5cm). Width: 11/4 (3.3cm). Height: 11/2 (4cm).

Edward Hopper $19.99 Edward Hopper Edward Hopper - Giclee Print

Green Hopper $9.99 Green Hopper - Art Print

Dennis Hopper $7.99 Dennis Hopper - Photo

S P Whistle Stop 17534 56 ft. Center Flow Hopper Shell SCPX HO $31.05 This is a Premium HO Scale Silver Series 56 CenterFlow Shell Hopper Car from Bachmann. It s for experienced train collectors. Boxy hopper car is yellow with Shell s logo and the word Plastics painted prominently in black. Hopper includes roofwalks around the roof perimeter a brake wheel on one end and ladders at each end. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Body mounted couplers. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Added weight for optimum tracking. Celcon trucks. Detailed underframe. One Premium HO 56 CenterFlow Shell Hopper Car. Hopper car: 71/2 (19cm)L x 11/2 (3.5cm)W x 2 (5.2cm)H.

Giant Apple on Train Car from Shenandoah Valley, Virginia $39.99 Giant Apple on Train Car from Shenandoah Valley, Virginia - Giclee Print

Bachmann Williams BAC19140 Ho Grain Hopper Saskatchewan $30.55 This Saskatchewan Cylindrical Grain Hopper (#397387) is a Premium HO Scale Model Ready to Roll from the Bachmann Silver Series Series. Suitable for Ages 8 and Older. Blackened machinedmetal wheels with RP25 contours. Magnetically operated body mounted EZ Mate couplers. Realistically detailed Barber 100 ton roller bearing trucks molded in black Celcon material. Nonmagnetic blackenedbrass axles with needlepoint bearings. Roofwalk with micromolded diamond tread. Delicately molded brakewheel. Four bays with moldedin outlet gates. Accurately molded plastic body shell with prototypical orange and brown painting and yellow printing: Saskatchewan Grain Car Corporation SKNX 397387 data. Includes: One Cylindrical Hopper. Scale: HO 1:87. Length: 75/8 (194mm). Width: 13/8 (34mm). Height: 21/8 (55mm).

Valley, The $11.49 Valley, The

Santas Hopper $34.99 Will Bullas Santas Hopper - Giclee Print