Cometsgirl

Today we took a road trip to one of my most favorite places in this area. Pilar. And the Taos Junction Bridge.

Awakening to a winter sky,

a morning fire was in order.

Then book a trip to Iceland for May, and off for coffee. Dogs frequently join their owners for coffee, and today was no exception.

Pilar is seventeen miles south of Taos. There were gorgeous vistas along the way.

After reaching Pilar, the turn-off west is where the real beauty is for me.

The road meanders for about six and one-half miles along the Rio Grande River to the Taos Junction Bridge.

I was gobsmacked by the views seen as we headed east for the return drive to Taos.

Back in Taos it was time for cheese enchiladas at a favorite spot, La Queva.

In for the night with what else, an evening fire.

Winter advisory in place tonight and tomorrow. Three to five inches. Stay tuned.

We had a variety of worship choicess yesterday on the Sabbath day. The Roman Catholic Church at 7am at the Taos Pueblo. The Episcopal Church at 10:30am.The Methodist Church at 11am.

We vacillated until we decided it was pj sabbath. Part of me felt this was not okay.

The other side of me felt it was okay. At home I am very faithful to my parish and in community with those who worship on Sundays. So I gave myself permission for a pj sabbath.

My friend and I stayed in our pjs the entire day. We even wore pjs to our coffee place.

There were snow flurries off and on during the day. It was beautiful to watch the flurries dance their way to the ground.

I built a fire that lasted all day! It was good training for my fire-building skills.

Our one activity outside was to journey to Taos Apothecary. IN our pjs.

On the drive home we detoured just a bit so I could take some photos.

I woke up this morning….

And it’s still snowing.

It’s beautiful.

But how to get out? After all, this is massages day.

I borrowed my friend’s boots, grabbed the small fireplace brush, and set off.

There’s a real possibility of getting out!

Yesterday was a day of leisure. From dawn to dusk.

I built a fire first thing, of course.

It was a chilly morning.

It was only a 10 minute drive to Taos Coffee Apothecary for a cappuccino and a warm cookie. A chance meeting with the owners was delight-filled.

Later we decided to try a new BBQ place in town. SUP – Craft BBQ. We each enjoyed a S’Ploaded P-tater. My baked potato was covered with chopped brisket. Delicious!

Late afternoon it was time to go chase the sunset. Having missed opportunities to drive west toward the Rio Grande River gorge in December, we would not miss again.

Oh, how we were rewarded!

Turning around there was this…

And then day was done. Gone the sun.

Later I ran into town for supper takeout, and was treated to music softly played by this gentleman while I waited.

It was a very lovely leisurely day.

It seems like I just returned from Taos. Actually it was not that long ago – about four weeks. Time to get on that auto/train/plane trek once again.

This is usually the time of year my traveling friend and I journey to Taos. In the Christian church, it’s the season of Epiphany – the twelve days after Christmas, made popular as a song sung most often before Christmas. But I digress.

Now that my friend has retired, we have the luxury of a longer stay. Eight days!

New snow fell yesterday, so I anticipate scenes like this.

But first, scenes driving from the mountains to the airport.

Then at the airport.

Soon to ride in my chair in the sky. Come along.

Traveling mercies.

Last night I returned home after six “enchanted” days in northern New Mexico. .

The early morning departure for the Albuquerque airport, and the three hour ride as a passenger, allowed me time to gaze outward and reflect inward about New Mexico.

17° upon departure, everything seemed crisp.

As daybreak gave way to daylight, and the elevation lowered, colors changed.

I love New Mexico. I especially love Taos. It’s quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by beauty.

For the past fifteen years my traveling friend and I have been fortunate to stay in the Casa de las Abuelas. It feels like home while I’m here.

I’ll return in January. Yay!

Traveling mercies.

This days closes with sights beyond measure, with sighs of gratitude for the pleasure of seeing.

The morning fire

Cappuccino art

Falling snow

An opening art exhibit of a dear friend

Sunset on snow

Brutal cold

Robert Mirabal in concert – Play and Pray

What a day. Amen.

When we arrived a couple of days ago, we decided to set aside today (Thursday) for a road trip.

A good fire is key for trip planning.

So is coffee.

We decided to drive a couple of hours west to the Tierra Amarillo area. There is a shop we’ve loved for decades located nearby, but have not visited for close to ten years. It’s a bit dicey to drive that direction because of winter storms. Despite a winter storm warning today, we headed west.

It was an incredibly beautiful drive. I soon realized I should be the passenger, not the driver. So a quick switch and I was set.

We made it to Tierra Wools and had a fine time looking and admiring the rugs woven by local women. They raise the sheep, die the wool, then spin it, eventually weaving the rugs.

I admired but made no purchase. I own around eight rugs, and they are more than enough.

We continued on to Chama, which was pretty closed down for the winter. We found JV’s Place open for another 45 minutes. So glad we stopped in. We enjoyed it all.

Other diners reminded me of cast members in Breaking Bad. What do you think?

We drove on, headed north, to…

Yep, I came home for a brief but beautiful visit.

What a great day! Exhilarating, but always good to be back home.

Look what was delivered early today. I’m set!!

Tonight, grilled-cheese sandwiches in front of the ebbing fire. Bedtime soon.

I woke up this morning and thought, “I’m on Taos time”. Glancing out the window from bed, I saw the day’s beginning.

Snow-capped adobe wall with sunrise to come.

A sense of quiet.

And no haste.

I made a fire and settled into welcoming this new day in Taos – where the high desert meets the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And time slows down.

Then a short drive down the road to our favorite coffee place, The Taos Apothecary.

The owners, along with their 2-year old son, sat with us for catch up conversation. Their time was a gift. We’ve known them for years, from when they first opened the shop in 2014.

Now sauntering on to wander a bit in town…

Today I am flying to Albuquerque, destination Taos.

Chauffeured to the airport (a three-hour slog), I was transfixed by the clouds. They were twirling!

I’ve decided to twirl as well. As I soar across the country this morning, I’m going to view it as twirling. It’s a fun way to think about travel.

This will be my 12th flight this year and as I packed and made plans to travel, I found myself weary.

Then the clouds invited me to twirl.

“Maybe life is all about twirling under one of those midnight skies, cutting a swathe through the breeze and gently closing your eyes.” Sanober Khan

Traveling mercies.

Well, that was fun.

I Ubered to Rice University to gather up my granddaughter for our spa day adventure.

The driver didn’t speak English so I could not communicate that we would be picking someone up and then continuing on. Oh boy.

Sure enough when he pulled up to her college (dorm), and I didn’t get out, he turned and spoke to me. I responded. Each speaking our own language was quite the challenge for understanding. Uber then texted me, since there had been no finality to the ride, asking me if I was okay. Safe, I figured, but not quite ok.

My granddaughter showed up and told me I needed to have set a stop up when I booked. Clearly I’m new at 2-stop Ubering.

She hopped in and we tried to explain the plan. He would speak into his phone and a reply was spoken and written on the screen. He’d show us the reply and we’d shake our heads.

We tried to get out, thinking we would just call another Uber. “No, no”, he pleaded. Eventually we were on our way. I’ve no clue how it all got figured out, but off we went.

Our destination was MKT, a former industrial campus repurposed as a creative retail, dining and office destination in the Houston Heights. It would offer all I envisioned we’d do in one space.

A juice bar to begin our day;

a nail salon for manicures and pedicures;

lunch;

and ice cream!

Too soon it was time for the Uber return tip. My granddaughter took over, showing me how to set up a 2-step ride.

The ride to Rice went was way too short, given all the conversation we were having. We had such a lovely time together. She’s a very special young woman.

And just like that, she hugged me, hopped out and waved with a big smile.

“Uber” and I drove off.