Monthly Archives: March 2013

Travel Log – Thursday, March 21, 2013

A Day in Santa Fe

Shopping, Sculpture and Frivolity

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We weren’t the only ones kicking up our heels in Santa Fe today. We met these high steppers created by Jim Agius at Ventana Gallery on Canyon Road. We stopped at the venerable gallery to see the whimsical watercolors of Tom Noble and enjoyed the works of numerous other artists. Memorable to Bob where the mixed media creations of Debra Corbett.

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Shopping started with a quick visit to a true Santa Fe original – Jackalope. We didn’t wander the multiple buildings and acres of pottery and “stuff”. Our purpose was the broad selection of World Music. New CDs play as I write.

Bob always likes to stop at Books and More Books to check out the shelves of used art books. Brushes and a book by artist Nancy Reyner were purchased  at Artisan on Cerrilios Road.

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In the afternoon we drove out to Tesuque Village for a leisurely stroll through the sculpture gardens at Shidoni Foundry and Galleries. The variety of styles, materials and creativity never ceases to amaze. We note numerous additions since our last visit seven months ago. A great way to spend a sunny spring afternoon.

New to us, but certainly not to the locals, was dinner at Andiamo! in the Rail Yard District. The highly recommended crispy polenta in a rosemary gorgonzola sauce did not disappoint for a starter. The well-dressed Caesar Salad was fresh and enough for both of us. Bob finished off his eggplant Parmesan with tomato basil spaghetti. As much as I liked the linguine with spicy grilled shrimp there is a box of leftovers going home with me tomorrow. We passed on dessert, however, the tiramisu looked most promising. Next time.

The big decision of the evening is a choice between relaxing in our favorite room at Inn at Vanessie or drinks and jazz piano next door. Frivolity anyone?

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Travel Log – Monday, March 18, 2013

A Day in Albuquerque

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We start the week with a typical Yackel “vacation” day – on the go.                

After a bit of shopping for projects at home the day was too beautiful to spend inside museums. Instead, we head to ABQ BioPark. The Botanical Gardens was fairly new the last time we visited; interesting to see growing maturity and development. Plantings show springtime promise and the garden’s expansions include a Heritage Farm. Children’s enthusiasm radiated throughout the aquarium, “Mommy, the shark has BIG teeth,” from a bug-eyed three year old or a ten-year-old explaining about blue blood of the horseshoe crab used in medical research. The circular tank of Moon Jellies mesmerizes visitors of all ages.

DSC00776 - Version 2Nearby Old Town attracts us for our next stop. We like seeking out unique shops tucked in quiet courtyards and patios. A find this trip was Yucca Art Gallery a showcase for Albuquerque’s oldest artist co-op. Works of forty local artisans include jewelry, pottery, weavings, woodworks and a wide variety of painting media and genre.

Next destination – the rural village of Corrales, a historic adobe church and another co-op art gallery. After a brief stop by our hotel we’re off to dinner and more shopping before capping the day with a frozen yogurt. Time to rejuvenate for tomorrow – another “vacation” day.

When You Go: Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau

Travel Log – Sunday, March 17, 2013

Ah, New Mexico!

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When an attitude adjustment is needed we find it easy to change scenes with a trip to New Mexico. Bob said he needed to get away, relax, enjoy good food and take pictures. After an easy Sunday drive we’ve settled into a Staybridge Suite in Albuquerque where we’ve spotted green willows and blooming fruit trees. How refreshing after a series of snow storms in Denver.

Picture taking today focused on an old adobe church east of Santa Fe. Bob’s successfully completed watercolors of Nuestra Senora De La Luz at Canoncito. We’ve never before been here in early spring before the trees have leaved. Perhaps a new painting will soon be in the works.

We stopped in Las Vegas, NM for lunch. Trip Advisor list’s Charlie’s Bakery and Cafe as the #1 restaurant in Las Vegas. We’d been here years ago and it was time for a revisit, we weren’t disappointed. Old timers remember Charlie’s as the “Spic & Span” az the sign on the building  still attests.

Charlie’s is open until 3pm, both the breakfast and lunch menu were available. We both chose the “Fluffy” – a handmade sopapilla stuffed with fluffy eggs and your choice of meats (bacon, ham, chorizo or sausage, steak for $1 more), smothered with either red or green chile and served with either hash browns or pipits. While we waited we watched a very busy lady making the fresh tortillas served and sold at Charlie’s. Our plates were delivered hot and so enticing I failed to think of taking a picture. The serving was too large for travelers needing to spend a few more hours in the car so we both have boxes in the hotel frig.

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At the cash register I ordered two of their iced sugar cookies shaped as shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day. Bob had his immediately and I wolfed mine down while Bob was filling the car with gas. The best sugar cookie I’ve had in a very long time! We were temped to go back for a dozen but we resisted. But, I will remember the next time we’re anywhere near Las Vegas, NM.