Woodpile Art

Linda's stack: 1 cord 

Greater Taos

My Greater Taos


When people think of Taos, they often mean Greater Taos -- for some that is the county of Taos plus contiguous areas of which they are particularly fond. For others, Greater Taos is more narrowly conceived.

The county of Taos, stretching to the Colorado border has about 30,000 people. The Town of Taos, a little less than 6000. And Greater Taos, it all depends on where one draws the lines, but I think it has about 20,000. Julia lives in Greater Taos.

For an information-packed site for all of the populated areas of Taos County, check
Taos County, New Mexico Populated Places




Taos County


New Mexico counties

Kiva fireplace

Our kiva fireplace 

As the weather chills and snow begins to fall, there is nothing like sitting in front of the kiva fireplace, a New Mexican corner fireplace reflecting its pueblo origins. However, it took a visit from the Fire God, our friend Phil with the National Forest Service, to set us straight. The kiva burns best without a grate and when wood is stacked vertically.

A local political culture of grassroots activism

Taos has an appeal for those who want a community with a tradition of grassroots action, rebellious action, and self-government in Pueblo and in the acequias. Think The Milagro Beanfield War, written by John Nichols, who moved to Taos in 1969. Historically, Taos has been home to rebellion and a magnet for the unconventional. When one talks with Taosenos, there are allusions to incidents where locals take matters into their own hands.

A wealthy developer and community benefactor from Florida had his near-finished home burned down. The bill of particulars against this developer was never clear. A $70,000 reward was offered for information on the arson. No one ever came forward.

For alternative news on Taos, there is The Horsefly in its second incarnation, published and edited monthly by Bill Whaley.

Moss in high sage desert, Taos foothills

wintering moss 

One of the surprises is to find moss growing under high and windy desert conditions. We easily transplanted some of the moss found under Big Sage on the property. The transplants are happily wintering in the patio -- a dramatic and beautiful addition.

The variety of moss is Tortula ruralis, close-up it is star-shaped. The moss can dry up and be without water for 70 years and yet come to life when it is watered. Plant scientists are researching its genetic makeup to make other plants drought-tolerant.



Moss Nursery under Big Sage 


Tortula ruralis 

Taos Fault Lines

geologic map of the Taos Valley 

36.407 N -105.572 W

Most Democratic Enclave

Taos County

Kerry
10,772 74%

Bush
3,605 25%

Nader
103 1%


Santa Fe County

Kerry
46,553 71%


Bush
18,315 28%


Nader
317 1%

Taos suburban front yard 

Aqui en Taos courtesy of KTAO

A male call-in to Trash & Treasures on Solar Radio KTAO: 1 GameBoy, '85 Chevy truck hotrod low-rider with 22" wheels, parrot feathers for the many Aztec dancers in Taos.

The Rural Gourmet

Sugar Nymphs Cafe
Gourmet magazine, October 2004, top eight middle of nowhere places for a gourmet meal. Penasco is in the Taos neighborhood, sort of, 45 minutes.

High Desert Grapes

Grape arbor in town

The neighbors say the grapes are wonderful.

Politically Correct Blue: Taos Blues

Attended a Planning Commission meeting where a rep of the volunteer fire department was interrogated about the color they intended to paint the trim of the main firehouse. He was released when he chose Taos Blue -- a color much like the definition of pornography -- you'll know it when you see it.


Taos Blues 

Taos Exposure: backyard ballooning

If Northern Exposure had a balloon festival, it would be the Taos Mountain Balloon Festival, late in October, several weeks after the big bash in Albuquerque.


El Salto 


from Gusdorf facing South


looking West 


takedown 


from Bypass looking North 

Taos street life: Why not street banners?

Sylvia Tait Street Banners in Toronto


Taos, with a tourist economy, would be a natural for sponsoring a street banner contest for banners along Paseo del Pueblo. What an opportunity for recognizing hispanic traditions and families, Taos pueblo, and the contributions of the art community. If Shuswa, British Columbia can do it, www.shuswapartscouncil.bc.ca, why not here?

Distinctively Taos: Lighting Ledoux

Ledoux entrance fires


Ledoux Gorman Gallery



Blazing Saddles

Early in December, historic LeDoux Street opens for a typically Taos festival -- open to everyone but intimate -- a place to meet friends in the chill of a winter evening.
For more on Lighting LeDoux

Distinctively Taos: Orlando's

Orlando's Restaurant 2004

Love the "lost and found" eyeglasses hanging on the interior glassless window.

Taos street life: Kill the one-way pair option

Cafe Renato street scene: Paseo del Pueblo Norte

It seems like every town and city, except Taos, officials from Tokyo to Aspen treasure street life. Cafes on the street are virtually universal. Far from hindering street life, 2-way traffic is part of the life of the street. Taos merchants recognize it. When will Taos Town officials abandon their goal of one-way pairing through town and, instead, encourage local cafes put out tables on sidewalks wherever possible?