Santa Fe girls trip

My June Santa Fe trip was almost a month ago and I am just getting around to posting about it. Whoops. Things have been a bit crazy, extricating myself out of a very long (10 year) volunteer commitment, but finally all is calm. I do say yes too often for sure.... And we currently have company, much loved Texas family, which I'll post about next.

My friend Cheryl flew into Santa Fe from Naples and I drove over from Star Mt. to meet her. Let the  fun begin! We rented a lovely condo (photos above) that was walking distance to the main plaza with great restaurants along the way.

the local radio station and no, I didn't sample.

One of my favorite artists (Jill Shwaiko)

Her stunning gallery (Indigo Gallery) Of course I made a purchase (print).

Our lunch restaurant

As the sign says, not a store, just an oddball house

First area I didn't want Cheryl to miss: the eclectic town of Madrid outside Santa Fe. A colorful crazy collection of stores, art, and interesting characters.

the extensive outdoor gardens and our wonderful tour guide

We are big Georgia )'Keeffe fans so had to visit both her museum in Santa Fe and drive up to Abiquiu to see her home and studio. It was all surprisingly modern design and she made much use of the light in every angle and room. 

Native American crafts

Lots of art gallery gazing, great dinners out (it's a foodie town for sure), and small hits to the wallet. Sorry I didn't get to see more of my wonderful sister in laws who actually live in this special town. Love ya Lisa and Nancy!

Star Mountain

 

Our house in paradise

We've been back for a month and I'm finally getting around to posting. It's been spectacular, but it always is in June. The monstrous winter snowfall has created a lush green world with one of the best wildflowers seasons in years. Snow remains on the peaks and river flow is high. 

Taylor Reservoir

This is what we started with - in early June. Snow and green new growth with nighttime temps in the 30's.

Flowers in every direction: wild iris, sunflowers, larkspur, and lupine. It's heaven.

Lots of creatures every direction too. Deer and elk with their babies, hawks, fox, and moose sightings around our pond. Heard coyote in the night, great horned owl has left evidence he's back,  just waiting for a bear sighting. Our boys (the steers) are back on Star Mt. for the summer. Cowboys are everywhere moving cattle. Real western life still lives on in this part of the country.

new jeep!

The Castles

On a little trip with the new jeep- that's Star Mt. down below.

Rock climbing going strong

Enjoying all the hours even the waning sun. I'll be back soon with another post on my side trip to Santa Fe.

Walker family visit

Wonderful visit with our Charleston family: Chris, Tiffany, Penelope, and Juliet. They came over for Easter and spring break. The photo above is from our Easter brunch. And you'd never know it - Mark had knee replacement surgery 2 1/2 weeks before! Making an astounding recovery.

Of course had to have an Easter egg hunt. 54 eggs hidden in our tiny backyard.

Had one beach day, although it didn't last the whole day due to 24mph wind gusts. Sand in your face (and everywhere else) gets old pretty fast.

Yes that is a shark, a 3 foot young black tipped shark. Jules and I followed it along the shoreline. Unusual sighting for Naples. Relatively harmless and normally they don't come close to shore.

Lots and lots of pool action was had during the week. Weather cooperated except for one very rainy day. Hey no problem, just find things to do inside... Great visit -loved having everyone!

How's this for a crazy contrast! A neighbor sent me this two weeks ago.  Our area had a massive winter season. Now starts the major melting. We're back to Colorado June 2 - it will be long gone by then.