Taos Pueblo

I visited the pueblo in town today. It's one of the oldest inhabited Native American pueblos in the country. It was interesting to see, but also left me with a strange feeling. The buildings are simple, made of adobe - earth, water, and straw. There are dogs running around everywhere, though you're not supposed to pet them. Nearly every building has a shop inside selling pottery, jewelry, or food. There were a lot of tourists milling about and I just couldn't help but feel that it was somehow a cheapening of something really cool. Again, worth seeing but not necessarily an uplifting experience.

Herbs and more herbs

As promised, here are some pics of the many herbs lining the walls at the acupuncturist's office. It's a little overwhelming, really, to think about knowing which one does what. Apparently they can be quite effective, although I am a bit skeptical. Perhaps I'm just not in the right mind-frame, however.


On a side note to anyone following this blog... anyone who knows me will be shocked to learn that I have given up caffeine (!). For as long as I can remember I have been a coffee lover... addict, really. I've taken to drinking herbal tea now, which I find just as enjoyable, and perhaps better for my health. But this is not to say that I won't go back someday. ;)

A common occurrence

I've heard that New Mexico has 300 days of sunshine a year. Even in the winter I guess it's sunny during the day and snows at night. At this time of year the trend appears to be sun most of the day and an afternoon shower. Perfect for gardening. After these showers, the sun usually reappears, leading of course to a rainbow. I saw one last week and didn't have my camera, but Mother Nature did not disappoint and sure enough, yesterday there was another... and another. Rainbows are pretty amazing. There were a few other people pulled off to the side of the road snapping photos, but it looks like the cows around here are pretty used to them.

The Rio Grande

Well, there's just no denying that this is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Yesterday we hiked down to the Rio Grande and some natural hot springs. It was hot, but luckily I put enough sunscreen on... all it takes is one good burn to learn your lesson! Here is a view on the way down:




A cricket that was kind enough to let me photograph him (her?)


After the hike, we drove to a bridge that crosses the river. In the parking area are several vendors selling everything from jewelry to emu oil. (Who knew you could get oil from an emu?!) This bus is solar-powered and offers smoothies and shakes. And I thought Berkeley had a big hippie influence...

Backyard

So here's what my backyard currently looks like:


I'm living in a valley and a short hike up the road gives this view. Not bad, hey? Along the path are all sorts of flowers I've never seen before. There are also a lot of ants. Here's a pic of a flower bud, some sort of sunflower, and if you look closely you can see the ant hanging off the bottom of it. There were actually way more around back, but I didn't linger too long as I needed to make sure I was back in time to get to my first ever acupuncture treatment, which was amazing. Pics of the jars and jars of herbs on her wall to come...

Welcome Back to Taos!

I got a very kind email with the above message from a photographer out here who I am looking forward to meeting. Welcome back, indeed. There is something truly magical about this place. Everywhere you turn there are beautiful views, mountains in nearly every direction, it seems.


Yesterday included an almost two-hour yoga class (!), errands around town, and a trip up to Taos Ski Valley, which is unbelievably steep. The town of Taos is at 7,000 feet above sea level, and the mountain ranges from 9,200 to 12,000. Whoa!

Gram's garden

I stopped by to visit Gram today, who has three acres of amazing garden to tend to. She has some help, of course, but she is truly inspiring. She is so with it, in every sense of the word - definitely the hippest grandmother around.


Gram has, literally, thousands of day lilies.


A beautiful specimen of iris.


Travis, the gardening companion.

A perfect day for hiking

Today I went hiking with my friend Danielle at Bradbury Mountain State Park. It was not too strenuous - just right for today. And what a gorgeous day it was! I think it's clear from the pictures that Paris was pretty satisfied (and muddy!). Afterward, we went to lunch and ate out on the patio - lovely.

Another day well spent

Today I went to the Boston Children's Museum with my sis and the boys. What a blast! Again, I have no idea where these guys get their energy, but they can go, go, go. It was a beautiful day out as well, so we got to have lunch outside in the sun. Followed by a cookie, of course.


Playing with a funky contraption.


The little guy, clearly spent himself, passed out with cookie in hand and crumbs on face.

Home cooked food

I am in the throes of packing and moving out of my apartment, so all of my cookware is packed up and stored away for another day. I am living on take-out and dreaming of the day, not so far away, when I'll be able to cook for myself again... or maybe have someone cook for me. :)

Here's another picture of some of the yummy food found at last weekend's farmers' market. I think the lady said it was firecracker kale.

Best friends

It was a weekend of best friends, of both the canine and human kind. Good food, good conversation, good weather (sort of) - what more could you ask for? Actually the food was great. Staying at Kris and Jason's house is like staying at a gourmet B&B. I mean really, who makes cheese soufflé for breakfast? Yum.

In addition to spending time with two of my favorite people in the world, we also got to hang with their awesome dogs, Cassidy and Stella. Here are my two favorite pics of these girls in action.


Cassidy, the sweetest, gentlest fluffy girl around.


Stella, whose tactic of staring at the ball until someone picks it up and throws it for her is amazingly effective.

Farmers' Market

This weekend Paris and I are visiting our good friends in Orono. Two of them are human, two are canine. The weather is only slightly better here. We actually managed to get a nice walk in last night, sans rain gear. So nice. This morning we visited the local farmers' market, where it wavered between overcast and showery. The goodies were lovely, however, and we are sure to have a yummy dinner. It looks like it's clearing up again so I see another walk in our future. I'm sure our four-legged friends will be happy about that.

Rain rain everywhere

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? After days of not taking pictures because all it's been doing is raining, I decided to take some anyway. Every plant, shrub, blade of grass, and dog's nose has little drops of water on it. What are you gonna do? It's 97% humidity here today. Ha. It's like walking around in a fog, literally. It sure would be nice to see the sun before I move!