Mon. June 13, 2011

We were up & at im early and off to Santa Fe. Had a couple of stops along the way. First stop, Tinkertown museum. The museum was built by Ross J. Ward. It took him 40 yrs. to carve, collect, & construct the museum. It has thousands of miniature,wood carved figures that form the museum. There are miniature western towns, carnivals, old west memorabilia. An enchanting place.! Second stop- Madrid is an old mining town transformed into art shops, homes, gift shops. We spent a few minutes looking at stone fountains, copper yard art, jewelry. Found a parking place off the town square in Santa Fe. We walked to the plaza & had lunch in a beautiful old hotel, La Fonda, spent the day visiting stores, an old church in the center of the plaza & the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. Headed home tired, but had a fun day. We are off to visit my aunt & uncle in Elephant Butte in am.

Sun. June 12, 2011

Relaxed in the morning & straightened up "the house." We headed back down to Old Town & walked around looking for a Gallery showing the work of Steve Hanks. Finally found it in an upstairs Gallery. He is a favorite water-color artist of Larry's. We then chanced upon a peddle cart & driver, who gave us a great tour & history about the town.It seems that the town was first named  San Francisco in 1706 by the govenor of  NM. The spanish government was not happy because the governor named the town on his own. Spain renamed it  Albuquerque. We then went to the museum of art & history. There was a showing of tiffany lamps & the history. It seems, a woman named Sarah Driscoll designed many of the lamps.Came home & took a walk & hit the bed. Off to Santa Fe in the am.

Sat. June 11, 2011

Up & out to see the sights of Albuquerque. First stop, Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.. It contains one of the world's finest collections of historic balloons, artifacts, & some "hands" on experiences. I wished our grandkids along. I flunked flying a balloon. We headed to Old Town, which is a fun historic district that dates back to the founding of the city by the Spanisl in 1706. It comprises 10 blocks of historic adobe buildings grouped around a central plaza & church. The adobe buildings were converted to shops, restaurants.Old town did not become part of Albuquerque until the 1940's. We got to observe a Quinceanera, a rite of passage into womanhood for a 15yr. old Mexican girl. It was at the park & looked like a wedding. The girl wore a white gown & her attendants wore purple gowns. Quite impressive. One of the shop owners told us what was happening. At 6:30pm we headed towards Sandia Tram, which took us on a 2.7 mile ride up the mountain to 10,378 ft, where we had dinner  & watched the sun set. Beautiful experience. We stopped at the Sandia Casino where I left 15 dollars & Larry won. Went home tired, but with some fond memories.

Fri. June 10, 2011

We headed south of Gallup & stopped at a couple of jewelry stores. Larry was right, this area is the mecca for really nice Indian jewelry. We drove down to the Zuni pueblo & visited their shops & co-op. It was an enlightening & interesting experience. We came back to Gallup & visited with a man who worked in a store that Larry visited years ago. He recommended an authenic Mexican cafe that was delicious.Went back to the RV park & packed up Adventure & headed to Albuquerque. Arrived at this scenic park. Had some dinner, a walk around the park, & called it a night. The new jeep did the trip just fine!

Thurs. June 9, 2011

I'm back! After a week in Flagstaff, which we thoroughly enjoyed, we packed up Adventure & our new jeep which,( unintentionally) matches our motorhome & headed to Gallup, NM. We got settled in the RV park & took a short tour of Gallup. Called it a night & went to bed early. The changing time zones take some adjusting. Off to sight see & shop in the am.

Fri. June 3, 2011

Well, after much shopping & much frustration, we finally settled on a 2005 Navy blue Jeep Liberty. Larry took it to the garage that is storing our old jeep & they checked it over for us. It came out clean-we are thankful for that. We are leaving our old Cherokee in Flagstaff, The man that owns the garage is buying it from us for some money, better than nothing. Larry ordered a new tow plate, which has to ship from nebraska, it should be here tues. & then we have to have it put on. We plan to be in Flagstaff until June 8. Then we plan to head towards New Mexico. Last night there was an Art walk in downtown, & we attended. Heard some music, walked in some shops, & had a great dinner outside of an old hotel. A really fun evening. I am going to take a break from blogging, unless we have some great happening. Will pick it up when we get to NM. Have a great weekend

Thurs. June 2, 2011

Had a leisurely breakfast & then headed out for more car shopping. Found a great at the VW store, but it can't be towed on 4 wheels & that"s what we want. Went back to the place that has a 2006 jeep liberty-took it for a test drive & kept it overnite. Are having it checked out at the garage that has our jeep. They have been really helpful. Went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant. We like Flagstaff, but are ready to head towards New Mexico.