Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Woodpile Art


Linda's stack: 1 cord Posted by Hello

Greater Taos


My Greater Taos Posted by Hello


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 Posted by Hello


New Mexico counties Posted by Hello





Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Kiva fireplace


Our kiva fireplace Posted by Hello

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.

Friday, December 10, 2004

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 Posted by Hello

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 Posted by Hello


Tortula ruralis Posted by Hello

Saturday, November 06, 2004

Taos Fault Lines


geologic map of the Taos Valley Posted by Hello

36.407 N -105.572 W

Thursday, November 04, 2004

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 Posted by Hello

Thursday, October 28, 2004

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.

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

The Rural Gourmet




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

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

High Desert Grapes


Grape arbor in town Posted by Hello

The neighbors say the grapes are wonderful.

Monday, October 25, 2004

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 Posted by Hello

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 Posted by Hello


from Gusdorf facing South Posted by Hello


looking West Posted by Hello


takedown Posted by Hello


from Bypass looking North Posted by Hello

Saturday, October 23, 2004

Taos street life: Why not street banners?


Sylvia Tait Street Banners in Toronto
Posted by Hello

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 Posted by Hello


Ledoux Gorman Gallery Posted by Hello



Blazing Saddles Posted by Hello

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

Friday, October 22, 2004

Distinctively Taos: Orlando's


Orlando's Restaurant 2004 Posted by Hello

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 Posted by Hello

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?