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