All Aboard the Georgia O'Keeffe Express!

Good Morning,

It seems, sometimes, that weekends are too short. Such was the case this weekend, with so much going on in sunny Santa Fe. Jonathan and I, as fellows, got invited to come along on the annual "summer picnic" for the museum staff. This year, as it's the 10th anniversary of the museum, the picnic was a special event. We boarded an historic train in Santa Fe and left for Lamy, an hour train ride away (not because Lamy is far, but because the train only goes 25 mph). The train ride itself was interesting, as most people had never been on this train, and for some, it was their first time on a train ever. Trains are not nearly as common out here these days as on the East Coast! The ride was very scenic, through a lot of wide open space, and the trainride itself was a lot of fun--with old fashioned seats, a club car with a bar, and a general party spirit. We arrived in Lamy to go to, literally, the only place in town, the Legal Tender Saloon. The Saloon, had been closed for a decade, until recently it was restored and revived. It was a neat old building, with a lot of history and cowboy stories of Billy the Kid, poker games that ended in death, and general mayhem. It's a bit quieter today, mostly a stop for tourists who take the rail ride.
We had a BBQ buffet dinner, with bandannas for napkins, played horshoes, line-danced (NOT me!) and generally had a good time. It was nice to meet some new people from the museum outside of the work setting, and definitely a fun excursion.

The rest of the weekend was spent reading, watching movies, going to the gym, and at my favorite Saturday morning activity, the AMAZING Santa Fe Farmer's market. I did a better job of keeping my purchases in check this week. Buying only some delicious little grapes, some Mediterranean flatbread, some orange and purple dahlias, and a breakfast calzone. But, it's always fun to walk around and take in all of the sights and smells. Were I able to pass on via this blog the smell of roasting green chiles, I would, because it's such a unique and wonderful smell--one that's often in the air around here because it's high chile season. I find myself being able to eat spicier and spicier food here--especially the chiles--which are made into a sauce that is ladled over everything from eggs to enchiladas!

But, now, on a gray Monday morning here, it's time to hit the books as it were and get back to business. This is a busy week here as a new show is opening--the women of the Stieglitz circle. The opening is Thursday night, and should be a lot of fun. Hope everyone is well! I miss New England Fall--I can only imagine the lovely weather and the leaves beginning to turn.

Pic 1: Chiles are in season and they are EVERYWHERE!
Pic 2: Chiles Roasting--I've become quite fond of this smell
Pic 3: The Bounty of the Farmer's Market
Pic 4: The train we took from Santa Fe to Lamy