Lost In Space

Since my last post, it seems that I have been lost in space. Valentines Day was the 14th of Feb. and here it is the 28th. Exactly 2 weeks and no post! Good grief, where does the time go? You may suppose that I have been having fun because you know time flies when you are having fun.
If that is what you were thinking, you would be right! A lot has happened since the 14th. I wont bore you with all of the details, but just enough of them so you understand what has been happening.

Shortly after Valentines Day, Jude and I went for a late Valentines getaway. Jude found this bed a breakfast place called the Cottonwood Inns up in Taos, NM. We got a little different perspective on the Rio Grande River going this way. The Rio Grande that we are used to seeing is a sluggish brown meandering shallow ditch as it flows through Belen and Albuquerque. But on our trip we found a different river.

Yes Virgina, that is actually white water suitable for rafting.

The Cottonwood Inn is about half way between Taos and Arroyo Seco. It is owned and operated by a really sweet couple named Brantley and Shantal. Shantal keeps chickens in a nice large enclosure. I think she has a special relationship with them that folks without chickens might find a little unusual. She lets them out to wander the parking area and side yard of the Inn every morning and talks to them. They furnish fresh eggs for all of the cullinary delights for the Cottonwood guests. Shantal loves to bake and she makes the best fruit scones I have ever tasted.

Jude and I stayed in the Territorial room which is on the second floor and takes up most of the upstairs space of the main house. It is quite beautiful as you can see.

View from the bedroom area.

Also there is a killer hot tub IN the room.

Hot tub

Down pillows and down comforter just add to the luxurious feeling. If you are thinking about a weekend getaway or a week on the slopes, this is worth looking into! There are also great little coffee houses and restaurants in the area to take care of most varied appetites. And the shops!! The Taos ski area, Arroyo Seco, Taos, and surrounding villages are rife with specialty shops. Small little quaint buildings that have been refurbished and restored into great little spaces that fill up the senses and delight the eyes. From potters studios and galleries, to hand made clothing and artworks to general merchandise and antiques.

If you choose to go to the Taos area for any reason, make sure that Arroyo Seco is on your itenerary, you will not be dissapointed. The Taos cow coffee house and Firenza Gallery are just two of the stops you must make.

Standing across from the Taos Cow coffee house, looking both ways down the main drag.

Walk the entire main street of the village, visit the church, talk to the residents, have lunch. It is a great place to relax and see some special things. Take lots of photos as you will want to look at them time and again. If it sounds like I am writing a travel brochure for the Arroyo Seco chamber of commerce then you get the idea that it impressed me. (For those of you who are a little Spanish challenged, Arroyo Seco means "Dry Ditch"). Just go and see for yourself.

One of the great things that happened while we were there was the placement of Judes creations in the Firenza Gallery.

Inside the Firenza Gallery

They loved her wallets, clutches, and tote bags and wanted to carry them in their gallery. Judes wallets, clutches and tote bags on the front counter by the door.

Jude agreed and when they asked if she did anything else, she pulled out a painted and altered denim vest for them to look at and they fell in love with it and wanted to carry them in their gallery too!
Well, that is just a little of what has been going on. That along with working on the house, doing some finish work that never seems to get done, has been taking up my time.
I hope the last couple of weeks have been kind to you as well.
Thanks for tuning in. Have a little fun when you can.