Rancho de Taos

This is my last post from New Mexico. I've been back in St. Paul since July 31st, and it's time to leave my photos taken in that wonderous state safely tucked in  my archives 'til I return again.  It's a bit of magical thinking on my part; it means I'll return again soon if I leave some more photos for later posts.

Above is the front of the church made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe's painting. The smaller photo below is the back of the building from my archives that I'm sure you would recognize immediately.

I had an artist friend paint a likeness of the above photo for me; not as famous as O'Keffee's but he did a great job for me and it's hanging above my bed.  Reminds me of the state.  Sigh!!

Travels with . . . ?

The sleepy armadillo didn't seem to mind having his photo taken, although he seemed a bit shy.  The truck was filled with many animals,  including snakes and birds, that the two volunteers use to educate the audiences they meet during their demonstration travels. It's no easy task since they have to clean and bed the animals before they can relax at night.  Better than Travels with Charlie in some respects!

Linking to Camera Critters

Two Happy Travelers

On one of our road trips out of Santa Fe, we met these two volunteers, Mary and Virginia,  who travel around the state to libraries, community centers and schools giving presentations for the Bio Grande Zoo, an educational arm of the Albuquerque Zoo. We learned that sometimes they are gone for several days, doing what they both love best.  Far removed from their former professions, both are  happily retired while acting as educators for people who are interested in animals.  Tomorrow I'll give you a peek at what's in the van!

A Camera Man

There are happy photographers everywhere!

Dinner?

If you want a quick snack and a cold drink when you're in the Plaza or waiting to watch the Bandstand dancers, here's your answer.  Those fajitas aren't bad at all. (As seen from the balcony of the Marble Tap Room on San Francisco St.)

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Other scenes from the balcony:  Some kind of altercation being mediated by the police and grandson hustling back to the car to plug the meter while we enjoy our beer and the view from the balcony.

Doors and Windows

Two examples of Doors and Windows on very old adobe buildings at Ranchos de las Golondrinas.

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

The Prophet

This Plaza Prophet has a complex system of the universe.

Although I am back in St. Paul, I have photos scheduled through the 11th of this month.  Come see me at VisualSt. Paul, too.

Remains of the Day- Pecos Church

One of the best places to visit while in Santa Fe is the Pecos National Monument, the remains of an earlier Pueblo village and Franciscan Church.  The adobe bricks baking in the sun are placed around the original adobe to preserve it.  Restoration is a constant consideration, yet it is wonderful that it is such an accessible  old ruin to see. It is close to the city and an easy hike that is well-marked and maintained.  You might even consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy while there. 

I returned to St. Paul, MN, last Wednesday.  Although I love my city, I am very sad to have left Santa Fe and the friends I have made there.

I'll still be posting here for another week as well as in VisualStPaul.  Visit both and I'll love ya forever!

Camera Critter in the Santa Fe Botanical Garden

The grand opening of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden was attended by humans and other species as well.

Linking to Camera Critters

Arrive Early at the Spanish Market!

Although there are many artist and craftspeople displaying their handiwork at the Spanish Market, if you want first choice you have to arrive early!  We arrived at noon on the opening day and discovered that many items in all categories were already sold, including this beautiful wood cabinet.

Theme Day: August 1, 2013 "Street Lamps"

Although technically not a "street lamp," this light is on the entrance wall next to the door at the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Linking to CDP Theme Day

Colorful Dancers at the Spanish Market

Dancers in traditional dress take center stage at the Bandstand during the Spanish Market.

Here's Nora again!  It seems that she appears at the Bandstand whenever there is an opportunity to dance.  Today she is dressed in blue; when I first introduced her to you she was decked out all in pink.

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Colorful Christ

This is the 62nd Annual Year of Spanish Market that showcases traditional art and crafts of the Spanish culture, including retablos, bultos, tinwork, straw appliqué, weaving, woodcarving, colcha embroidery, pottery, and furniture. 27 years ago the market broadened its market selections by also adding a contemporary Hispanic Market whose artists display their work in tents that covered several city blocks this year. This blue colored Christ is one of the many hundred of examples of artists' work in different media.

Linking to ABC Wednesday

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

What a great day we had on Friday!!

We took the High Road to Taos (one of my very favorite roads), Stopped at Sancturio de Chimayo, went to Taos Pueblo for their annual Santa Anna Feast Day with ritual dances open to the public. No cell phone, videos or cameras allowed; I didn't want to risk confiscation of my camera so I respected their wishes.  From there we went to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which is pretty darned impressive.

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, locally known as the "Gorge Bridge" and the "High Bridge" is a steel deck arch bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Taos, New Mexico, United States. At 565 feet (172 m) above the Rio Grande^[3], it is the seventh highest bridge in the United States and 82nd highest bridge in the world. 
(Credit: Wikipedia)

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Two Sisters

Sisters: Bernadette and Angel

Artist, Bernadette

Angel was helping her sister in a booth at Spanish Market, selling Bernadette's  artwork, Straw Appliqué.  I bought two of Bernadette's crosses, one for myself and one for my own sister, both pieces are delicate and beautiful.  Another plus in meeting those two personable women is that Bernadette,  in addition to being a gifted artist, is a co-worker and friend of Randy at Santa Fe Daily Photo.

Dancing her heart out!

 Nora celebrated her 62nd birthday on the dance floor at the Santa Fe Bandstand musical performance in the Plaza last Monday night. Trumpeter Ryan Christopher Montano serenaded her with a brief rendition of a jazz "Happy Birthday."  For the past several years Nora has travelled from California during the summers so that she could dance on the Santa Fe Plaza community stage.

Enthusiastic New Mexican!

Marcus, originally from El Paso, should be employed by the New México Tourism Bureau.  We have met many lovely people here but none as enthusiastic about the state as he. As a kid in Texas he spent a great deal of time in New Mexico, loved it and moved here permanently when he was 18-years-old.  He approached us when he saw us walking the grounds of the original site of the private Boys Ranch School in Los Alamos, which was closed in 1943 to become the top secret city for research to develop the atomic bomb. When Marcus noticed our 19-year-old grandson with us, he gave us numerous suggestions that Dom would like.  In rapid fire succession  he named hiking places, natural attractions, fishing sites, and other areas that he obviously loved himself.  If I lived here, I would be sure to count him among my friends.

Great Performance!

 

Last Friday the Little Bird Art Gallery at Loretto presented Grammy-winnng composer, jazz pianist and singer John Proulx with trio from 2-4 pm.  It was a terrific place to hear very good music amid fantastic art.

Bonita!

¡Viva México! is a two-day festival that took place close to Santa Fe at Ranchos de las Golandrinas last week-end. While wandering the grounds and seeing vendors from all over México selling their merchandise I stopped to talk to Michelle who was one of the volunteers from Santa Fe. Although this is only her first year at the facility, she said she has learned a great deal. . .crafts and different kinds of lessons that is part of the volunteer program. Michelle showed me her first weaving that was part of the training program. She hopes to make it into a purse. The volunteer program certainly takes good care of the people who share their time there. (Doesn't she have a sweet smile?!)

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Two Blogging Buddies

Part of the fun of visiting Santa Fe again is renewing my blogging friendship with Randy of Santa Fe Daily Photo. (Take a peek at his blog here.) Randy has been a great source of information for restaurants to visit, places to see, and other interesting things to do;  He is a terrific ambassador for Santa Fe.  More important, he is a personable individual and a good friend.  I feel lucky to have met him!! If you ever visit St. Paul, Randy, ¡ mi casa es su casa!

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY