It's Christmas Eve Day and after 3 solid days of being snowbound it was critical to finally get out and shop for food. For the first time ever, shopping for presents was finished early, so now it was just a matter of survival; the basics, like chocolate, ice cream, chardonnay, and cat food.
The first task of the morning was weighting down the back of my little car with 100 lbs of rock salt. Even with my new studded tires, the car is so light that it needs extra weight to get traction in the snow. And then off to my new local favorite restaurant - Los Amigos, for breakfast.
From the outside the restaurant looks like a dive, but inside is all understated elegance mixed with neighborhood charm, a kiva (corner) fireplace, and local art. The food is excellent and the ambience is warm and welcoming. The clientelle is even better. This morning two very real cowboys sat at the table next to me and I got a Christmas wink when they finally left. I really have to be braver about asking if I can take people's pictures because there is so much real character here. There is a reason Santa Fe calls itself the "city different."
With grocery shopping done, BB King's "Merry Christmas Baby," playing on the stereo, and a sip of Southern Comfort to inspire, I send warm holiday wishes to friends that I have been fortunate to meet from all over the world. In every language possible, I wish us all peace and goodwill.
Warm Regards from Ramblin Me.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Holiday Memories of Friends
Multiple decades ago I visited Scotland while on a business trip to England. I was staying in beautiful Edinburgh when I saw a sign advertising a music festival at the Firth of Forth (Sp?). I blindly took a cab to the festival not realizing that (1) no cab would ever come to the festival to pick me up and (2) the temperature would drop 40 degrees while I was at the festival. An incredible family instantly adopted the bumbling tourist from America and made sure that I was warm, fed, imbibed, and transported post festival back to my hotel. They were the kindest people I have ever met and I immediately felt like a welcome part of their family. Every Christmas since meeting them, I have received a Christmas card from Isobel and Jim letting me know how they and their family are doing. I keep telling them that they should be getting a commision from the Scottish tourism Council because they are living proof of the welcoming hospitality of Scotland.
As I gaze out at my snow covered driveway here in Santa Fe, I wish you all warm memories of good friends during this holiday season.
As I gaze out at my snow covered driveway here in Santa Fe, I wish you all warm memories of good friends during this holiday season.
First Christmas in Santa Fe
For the first time ever, I have a 30 ft ceiling in the living room. Despite the little internal voice telling me not to be crazy, I bought a 16 ft tree. This also meant buying my very first step ladder. Decorating was great fun and filled with memories. All of the old ornaments from decades ago reminded me of wonderful friends that I don't see anymore and life cycles that I've passed through. A tiny red cloth Volkswagon purchased the year I bought my very first car - a 69 VW with 4 smashed fenders. The year I took flying lessons was commererated by the 10+ airplane ornaments. Multitudes of skiing and kitty ornaments evidence these two loves. One of my favorites ornaments is a boat in a bottle labelled "Marion's Folly" from dear friends who talked me out of buying a boat to live on. Thank you thank you thank you.
And Happy Holidays and profound nostalgia to everyone!
And Happy Holidays and profound nostalgia to everyone!
Should I Do This?
Remember That Snow I Was Wishing For?
Well, it did snow again - and I was completely unprepared. I tried to drive to the local tire store but didn't make it 5 blocks before doing a 360. Very carefully and very slowly I returned home. 5 days later it melted enough for me to buy snowtires with studs. Now it feels like I'm driving on gravel all the time - but I'm ready!
Doorways of Santa Fe
Mountains North of Santa Fe
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