Nomad Newbie!

 One of the most amazing Rover jobs I have had to date was the two-week gig I spent caring for this "beast"-- a pit bull by the name of "Moto Moto"-- in the Sandia mountains. Although totally different terrain, and having a very remote feel, this small community of Tijares is only a 25 minute drive up the mountain from Albuquerque. Furthermore, the drive is fairly scenic, and follows the historic route 66 (Although, sadly, a major interstate--route 40-- now usurps the quaint 66.) The beauty and charm of the pine forest and mountains is in stark contrast with the dry, brownish aspect of ABQ itself, and was a wonderful change of scenery for me. It is at 6300 feet, and as such, does get a modicum of snow in winter-- hence, the delightful, light snow fall I was graced with during my first couple of days up there.  As for Moto Moto (so named by the teenage son after the hippo character in the anime movie Madagascar), he was a force to be reckoned with! Only two years old...

This incredible "telephone wire art" comes from Africa...and yes, it is REALLY true that it is entirely constructed from multi-colored telephone wire! Hard to believe, considering the intricacy... I cannot begin to fathom the hours and hours of work this piece entailed! And there were many more like it, made by many different African artists. This was my favorite display in the museum.                                  My favorite excursion in Santa Fe was to this fabulous museum, where folk art was represented from around the world.  This is what it says on their website:  " The museum's holdings represent diverse cultures and constitute the largest collection of international folk art in the world. The core collection, donated by museum founder Florence Dibell Bartlett, from 34 countries has grown to over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries". There is really nothing mo...

Still lovin' Santa Fe! The historic center of town is beautiful, what with its lovely, earth-tone adobe buildings, Saint Francis of Assisi Church, and various galleries to peruse. Everything is pricey, of course, but it makes for wonderful window-shopping...strolling the streets and just enjoying the beauty of it all. It was sunny but chilly on both days that I made it there, so I didn't linger, but saw everything worthwhile...except for some of the museums which I hope to visit the next time around.  Besides the historic downtown district, I thoroughly enjoyed walking up and down "gallery row" on Canyon Road, along with some of the side streets. I was thrilled with some of the magnificent creations, and seriously appalled by others. Appalled and downright horrified at times,  because of the outrageous prices on the shlock which some deluded people somehow believed was "art". Now, I know this sounds judgemental, and beauty truly IS in the eyes of the beholde...