Flapping in the wind: A wacky arm-flailing balloon man, back lit by the sun, blows in the wind outside of Big Bear Bargains on Friday afternoon. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

Spring Flight: A bird becomes a blur of motion Friday as it takes flight from a tree branch and stretches its wings to reach the morning sky above Gallup. With the official first day of spring approaching area residents have been treated to clear skies and warm temperatures. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]

Mucho Enchiladas: Lisa Westlund talks to her son, India, as she fries a tortilla for the St. Francis Elementary School enchilada fund-raiser. The school will use 1,500 pounds of chili sauce, 1,200 pounds of cheese, 50 pounds of onions and 27 cases of tortillas to churn out the 19,440 enchiladas for their sale. The proceeds from the sale help defray costs of operating the school. [Photo by Brian Leddy/Independent]