Taos, NM

First major snowfall of the season.

Last night and early this morning a heavy rain pounded the valley and through the clouds rising from the mountain peaks we saw the evidence of the first major snowfall of this season.

Of course it has snowed already in the high country, reports from people who hiked up to Williams Lake last weekend said they were able to scrape up enough of the white stuff to have a snowball fight. But this snowfall was significant, reaching down the mountain to probably 10.000' and it's safe to say that it won't be going away until the runoff begins in the spring and early summer.

At lower elevations, and in the valley, it almost always snows before Halloween. And with it only a week away there's still the possibility that one day soon there will be a significant snowfall in the low country. If you can call 7,000' low country.

No doubt the skiers and boarders were overjoyed to see this first major snowfall, especially with all the talk about La Nina and the chance of warmer and drier weather this winter.

Let's just hope that we're fortunate enough to have another winter like the past few, with enough significant snow events, the resorts at Taos Ski Valley, Red River, Angel Fire, Sipapu and Costilla will continue to provide high adventure for locals and visitors alike.

Of course it has snowed already in the high country, reports from people who hiked up to Williams Lake last weekend said they were able to scrape up enough of the white stuff to have a snowball fight. But this snowfall was significant, reaching down the mountain to probably 10.000' and it's safe to say that it won't be going away until the runoff begins in the spring and early summer.

I was having one of those moments so please bear with me. I was sitting in my office and thinking about Taos, where I live. I just couldn't sit in the office a minute longer so I grabbed my camera and set out for a stroll around the Neighborhood.

I started my walk around the block at LeDoux Street. I could barely go a step without seeing a beautiful sight. I just kept stopping and peering over walls or at shop entry ways. There is a great story about the magical light in Taos, and all I had to do was step out of my office to experience the phenomenon. Artists abound in Taos and my little stroll reinforced the reason so many come to Taos.

I won't keep jabbering about the beauty and charm. I will just let the photos speak the thousand words.

Can you guess where you are?

Loka Coffee shop corner of Ledoux

Wall Mural Taos

Ledoux Wildlife

Garden at the Harwood

a must see Photography gallery

Gallery next to my office

Welcome Home: my office porch

Hope you enjoyed the stroll as much as I did. Blue sky, fresh air and beauty all in Taos, New Mexico.

Taos, New Mexico is Dog friendly!

I have a really rather fabulous pound-hound named Daisy. She is mostly golden retriever and the rest is a whole lot of love. We live in an in-town neighborhood on a dead end street in Taos, New Mexico.

Each morning when the weather permits, I take Ms. Daisy on a mile stroll around our neighborhood. We visit with the two dogs across the street- a Bassett Hound and a Chihuahua, who live inside a fence. Next door also reside two dogs. They all like to sniff and bark greetings.

We cruise up to the dead end and cross over a small bridge, where we meet up with Red Dog . (Her real name is Maggie, but I didn't know that when we met her.) She likes to come with us on our morning cruise. She also likes to meet me when I return from work each evening in case I happen to happen to have a little morsel of something to eat.

We walk up to a development which was the old hospital in Taos and now is offices. There we normally encounter some prairie dogs and one unfortunate cat who still has not figured out that if she runs, Red Dog and Daisy will tree her. They will also stay in rapt attention at the tree base until I drag them away.

We all three do our laps around the old hospital complex and then head home. By this time, we have several other doggy friends in tow. They all know that if they come to my house that they will be given the ever divine Dog bone (large) biscuits.

I must say that I am well trained and also obedient. Daisy thinks I am the perfect owner-person. My neighbors are also getting trained. Red Dog and Daisy have the neighborhood houses marked for the human friends who will give them pets and better yet. Treats!

For more information about Taos Life Style, Neighborhoods, Real Estate, things to do; contact me at www.TaosHomePage.com

Taos, New Mexico Parks. There are lots of public parks in Taos but the park that isclose to the Heart of Taos is Kit Carson Park. It is named after, guess who? Kit Carson the famous Scout who lived in Taos for many years. He is buried in a small cemetery in the park itself.

Kit Carson Park is a beautiful Green spot with absolutely wonderful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park has three baseball fields, sand volleyball courts, two tennis courts, lots of walking paths and is open to people and dogs.

Taos Wool Festival is held here as is Taos Solar Festival. The Wool Festival is a haven for weavers who display and sell their wares. The Solar Fest is a three day event which features many famous musicians and also offers displays of solar technology.

Today, May 7, 2010, starts a juried Arts and Crafts Fair. The artists who participate create very unique and quality products and art. I never go to the Fair without seeing something that I must take home. Beware!

Taos Little League uses the park all summer. The volley ball courts are available for public use and there is a tournament at the end of the summer. The trails around the park are used often. Each Easter there is a huge Easter Egg Hunt for kids.

Often at lunch time, I go for a quick stroll around the trails. I always feel refreshed after being there. I visit Kit's Grave when I go and think back on the wild and wonderful history of Taos.

Kit Carson Park is within easy walking distance of some superior restaurants. I suggest taking a walk around the Park and then a great Sunday Brunch at the Taos Inn or Café Renato. This weekend would be the perfect time to come because of the Crafts Fair.

Around Taos Plaza and Bent Street.  I must admit that I went and bought a new "flip" camera which allows you to take simple videos and post them on the web. 

Well, yesterday I just couldn't stay in the office for one more second because; we were having the first really lovely, warm day in a long time.  As an excuse, I went out with my cute little new video camera and shot short videos around Taos Plaza and on Bent Street.

For those of you who have not been to Taos, the center of town is a large lovely Plaza.  The buildings around the Plaza are pueblo style (a style which is prevalent in town and one copied from the Taos Pueblo.) 

The Plaza is a great place to stroll.  Many lovely shops showcase Art, and Jewelry.  The Open Space Gallery is an artist co-op where you can find Photography, Paintings and hand crafted items.

There is a nice coffee shop in the bottom of La Fonda Hotel.  There is also a very fine mineral/rock shop which carries jewelry by well known artists.

From the Plaza there are two alley ways which lead to Bent Street which is a walking mall area filled with Bookstores, shops, coffeehouses and other interesting spots.

 Bent Street is a great place to go, sit and people watch.  Down another small street there are numerous art galleries.  Parks Gallery specializes in modern art.  Robert Parsons Gallery is known for housing some of the old Taos masters as well as other beautiful collections.  At the end of this small alley is the Jerry Mann Studio which is well worth visiting. 

I hope you enjoy my short tour around the center of Taos.  Stay tuned.  I'll be out and about again with my Flip.