Santa Fe - We're Here!

So much to tell - first here's a photo of the lookout mountain at Tucumcari (translate lookout mountain) where we stayed last night. Then on to Cline's Corners where we left I-40W for 285N to Santa Fe. We saw no more than a dozen cars on 285 until we were within 10 miles of Santa Fe. Past Eldorado where I visited ten years or so ago - and into Santa Fe where Agua Fria crossed 285 (St. Francis St.) (Yep, the one and only St. Francis of Assissi) turning right onto Agua Fria and going about 10 blocks or so toward the Plaza to our home. Interesting that the street has speed bumps built into it. The house is over 100 years old but has recently been renovated with very nice upscale kitchen and bathrooms while retaining the feeling of a timeless adobe home with walled courtyard - and it's only a five minute walk to the Plaza. After getting the car unloaded we decided to visit the Whole Foods store where we stocked up on organic veggies and fruits and wine (organic, too) and a quick stop for tequila for margaritas and on to a regular grocery store which we never found - ended up two miles out of town asking directions from a guy we stopped at an intersection on top of a hill where we could see Santa Fe but not how to get back to it! With his accurate directions, we made it back home in no time - but still haven't gotten to the Albertson's grocery. We'll find it tomorrow. -----I'll insert another photo - one to give you some notion of the expansive open spaces in NM near Albuquerque - (it's hillier here in Santa Fe) and one of the sunflowers growing all along the roadside in NM. I lived here 46 years ago (Tate will be 46 in November, that's how I remember since he was born in Albuquerque) and don't ever remember the sunflowers. Maybe Lady Bird's program got them started? We had a great supper in the courtyard - baked chicken, asparagus, salad, and lovely bread. Spent our late afternoon in the courtyard perusing Cooking Light and other recipes planning our next healthy meals. On the drive out we listened to the Teaching Company's CD's on Lifestyle Management and got inspired to eat well. -------We are both tired. The drive is part of it, but the altitude is also - right at 5,000 feet here - so we're planning a day of rest tomorrow to catch our breath and get over the 2+ days in the car. We covered 1700+ miles driving 10 and 11+ and 4 hours so it's time for a day off. More tomorrow. By the way, all three of these photos were taken from a car moving at 80 mph - not bad, huh?