The Taos Unlimited Blog

National Corn Chip Day

2012-01-30T14:11:00.021-07:00

Let’s Celebrate Fritos and Frito Pie!

There’s no doubt that Fritos are the quintessential American corn chip. There is simply nothing quite like the tasty snack. In 1932, Elmer Doolin was so taken with the bag of corn chips served with his lunch in San Antonio, Texas, that he paid $100 for the recipe and started the Frito Corporation. His company refined the chips, mechanized the process, and then moved the company to Dallas to market the product. The new company was named the Frito Company and in 1961 it merged with the H. W. Lay Company to form the snack king corporation called Frito-Lay, Inc. Although there are many brands and types of chips, no one has been able to copy the distinctive taste, texture and crispness of Fritos. And so, when a recipe calls for Fritos, nothing else will do.

Original Fritos ingredients are limited to whole corn, corn oil and salt. Fritos are now made in the following varieties: Original, Barbecue, Chili Cheese, Flamin' Hot, Tangy Roasted Corn, Sabrositas (lime & chile), Scoops (wider chips intended for dipping), Pinch of Salt, Dirty Mexican Chicken, and Ranch Style.

The classic Frito pie is this: a single-serving bag of Fritos, opened lengthwise and topped with chili or chili beans, Velveeta cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. For the hearty, green chiles and/or jalapenos are added.

As to its true origin, some say Frito pie actually did get its start at the Woolworth’s on the Santa Fe Plaza in the 1960s, as a dish created by lunch counter worker, Teresa Hernandez. Corporate lore at Frito-Lay, however, claims that Daisy Dean Doolin, mother of the man who first bought the rights to market Fritos in 1932, not only perfected her son’s product, but also created the Frito pie recipe as a way to help market the corn chips. Regardless, this dish is extremely popular throughout the Southwest, especially Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. ~Jean

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Tamale

2012-01-27T18:45:00.010-07:00

A tamale (in Spanish, “tamal”) is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of steam-cooked corn dough (masa) with or without a filling. The most common filling is pork, but chicken is also used, in either red or green salsa or mole. Tamales can also be filled with cheese, sliced chiles, or other ingredients. The tamale is wrapped in a corn husk before cooking. Tamales are a favorite dish in Mexico that take several hours to prepare and cook. In Northern New Mexican cities and towns, many locals market homemade tamales in shopping areas and supermarket parking lots. For those who love tamales, but don’t have the time or skill to prepare them, this is an easy way for them to enjoy the classic Mexican treat. ~Jean

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Aimee’s Haiku for January

2012-01-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

snowing blowing through
upsy daisy limbs askew
when the year is new

Recipe of the Month: Roast Pork with Sweet and Sour Chile Cilantro Sauce

2012-01-23T18:17:00.064-07:00

Ingredients:

Pork Roast
1/3 cup coriander seeds
1-1/2 cups fine dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 lb. center-cut boneless pork loin roast, butterflied

Chile Cilantro Sauce
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup caribe (crushed New Mexico red chile flakes)
1 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

Pork Loin
Preheat oven to 400°F. Coarsely crush coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle or an electric coffee/spice grinder, then stir together with bread crumbs, oil, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

Turn pork so a long side is closest to you and season with salt and pepper. Pat one third of seasoned crumbs onto pork, leaving a 2-inch border along top edge. Starting with side nearest you, roll meat into a cylinder and tie securely with kitchen string. Coat pork with remaining crumbs.

Roast pork on a rack in a roasting pan in middle of oven 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325°F and roast until an instant-read thermometer diagonally inserted at least 2 inches into meat registers 155°F (approximately 1 to 1-1/4 hours more). Let pork stand, loosely covered for 10 minutes.

Make sauce while pork roasts:
Simmer bell pepper, caribe, honey, lime juice, and salt in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened or about 30 minutes. Cool sauce to warm or room temperature, then stir in cilantro just before serving.

Slice pork and serve with sauce.

Note: Sauce (without cilantro) may be made two days ahead and chilled, covered. Heat over low heat until warm and stir in cilantro.

Enjoy!

For Authentic New Mexico Chile visit the Taos Unlimited Food Section

Movie Locations of the Great Southwest: Part 1 in a Series

2012-01-18T13:54:00.045-07:00

The Last Picture Show (1971)

This movie is perfect for January discussion and viewing. It’s set in such a bleak, dead-of-winter reality, you can almost feel the chill as you watch it. That’s why I chose "The Last Picture Show" as the first in our series of excerpts from Movie Locations of the Great Southwest .

My thoughts on the movie:
Since the first time I saw this movie (in the theater, like you had to back then), it has been one of my all-time favorites. With the brillance found in all Larry McMurtry stories, it captures the isolated, small Texas town of the 1950s to a T. And the cast is unbelievable! Just to see the first on-screen and almost-first on-screen performances of Cybill Shephard and Jeff Bridges is worth the price of admission, but here we have so much more! The stories of the characters are sad, funny, pathetic, charming, and depressing... and it makes for a really good movie experience. Today, some people may not get the depth of this film and the reason it is so amazingly good, but at the time, the critics and industry folk got it and awarded it accordingly.

I almost drove down to Archer City to witness some of the filming of "The Last Picture Show," but decided to use my gas money for another road trip. I’ve regretted that decision for a long, long time. I think it could have been one of the best experiences of my life, but I was young (only 20 years old) at the time, and other adventures were calling me. But, oh, to have seen Archer City! ~Jean

Movie Synopsis:
A group of 1950s high schoolers come of age in a bleak, isolated, atrophied West Texas town that has been slowly dying, both economically and culturally, along with its older generation of cynical, hardened, and hopeless townsfolk.

Location Site: Royal Theater, Archer City, Texas
The Royal Theater is the iconic image most connected to "The Last Picture Show." It is located at 116 S. Sycamore Street in Archer City. When filming began, the theater itself had already fallen into great disrepair, and only the outside facade was used in the movie. The production crews for "The Last Picture Show" (and its sequel, "Texasville") spent considerable money and effort to prop the building up for filming purposes. But, ironically, the inside shots that were supposed to be the Royal Theater were filmed at a then still-active theater in nearby Olney, Texas. More...

See the entire feature about The Last Picture Show in Movie Locations of the Great Southwest on Taos Unlimited

National Hat Day... was Yesterday

2012-01-16T13:46:00.021-07:00

We honor National Hat Day with the celebration of the Cowboy Hat!

The Cowboy Hat has become so iconic that it can be worn virtually anywhere in the world and receive immediate recognition. Before the invention of the cowboy hat by John B. Stetson, cowpunchers of the plains states wore hats leftover from previous occupations. Top hats, derbies and Civil War caps, as well as tams and sailor caps were all worn in the early days of the western frontier. The first cowboy hat was designed in 1865. As the story goes, John B. Stetson (and some of his companions) went west to seek the benefits of a drier climate. During a hunting trip, Stetson amused his friends by showing them how he could make cloth out of fur without weaving.

After creating his fur flannel, Stetson continued the joke by making an oversized hat with an enormous brim. But he, and his company, noticed that the hat would be useful in protecting the wearer from rain and sun. Stetson decided to wear the hat on his hunting trip. He was so happy with the outcome, that he continued wearing it on his travels throughout the West. In 1865, he began producing the first line of his oversized hats, and before long, his "joke" became known as the cowboy hat. The original Stetson hat sold for five dollars. Today, the cowboy hat is a link to the Old West, lending its wearer an air of rugged individuality and playful enjoyment that still rings of Stetson’s humorous invention. ~Aimee

A Bit of Cowboy Hat Movie Trivia: In the 1960s Doris Day movie, “Pillow Talk,” Rock Hudson’s fake Texan persona is named “Rex Stetson,” although he never wears a cowboy hat in the film’s New York City setting. Hudson did, however, succeed extremely well in impersonating a Texas oilman, making the sex-farce comedy one of the top box office hits of the year. In one piece of dialogue he tells Day that being with her is "like sitting around a pot-bellied stove on a cold, winter mornin'." Now, that's a real down-home compliment, if I ever heard one! ~Jean

Three Cultures of Good Luck

2012-01-13T18:52:00.078-07:00

Hispanic

The Milagro
Literally meaning “miracle,” a milagro is a charm or talisman, sometimes offered to a particular saint, and made in their image. Milagros are also made to represent animals, an affected part of the body, or an object. Often connected with specific prayers, these charms originated with the ancient Iberians who inhabited Spain. Milagros have been used extensively in Spain and the Americas for centuries, and are made from many different materials, depending on local customs. They can be flat or fully dimensional, and fabricated from gold, silver, tin, lead, wood, bone, or wax. They are often made as a charm, to be pinned to, or nearby the statue of a saint.

In New Mexico, the majority of milagros take the form of small metal charms, and can be found adorning shrines and devotional niches. In recent times, milagros have evolved into charms used in jewelry which can be worn on the person, as an amulet, or purely as decoration.

The Ristra
Each year after the harvest, chiles, garlic and other produce are hung out to dry to save for later consumption. They may be made into a wreath, or tied at various heights on string, a form which is known as a ristra. Chile ristras can be found throughout New Mexico, conspicuously hanging from portals by the front door to welcome visitors and bring good fortune to the home.

Traditionally, chiles were also used as amulets to ward off malaria, the plague, the evil eye (mal de ojo), bad luck, and bewitchment. Thus, another part of the belief that chile ristras bring goodness or good luck in general. Originating in Mexico, this practice has spread throughout the Southwestern United States.

Native American

The Fetish
Zuni fetishes depict animals and icons integral to their culture and mythology. According to Zuni tradition, there were animals associated with each of the six directions which were carved for ceremonial use, as well as others with ceremonial meaning. Additionally, fetishes might be a power animal for the carver, embodying the spirit of the animal as protection and to lend strength to its bearer.

Other Zuni fetish carvings depict animals and reptiles such as the frog, turtle, buffalo, deer, ram, otter, and others. There are many more subjects of contemporary carvers, including dinosaurs, for example, which would be considered non-traditional. In addition, there are numerous insect and reptile fetishes which are integral to Zuni mythology and folklore, petroglyphs, and patterns of design in pottery: for example, dragonflies, butterflies, water spiders, and lizards.

Fetishes were carved from stone indigenous to the region, or procured by trade, the most important of which was turquoise, which is considered by the Zuni as the sacred stone. Jet, animal shell and coral were also frequently used. Other materials used include jasper, pipestone, marble, and organic items such as bone and deer or elk antler. There are some Zuni carvers who will not carve fetishes from bone or antler, considering the practice to be dangerous.

The Kachina
Kachinas are depictions of spirits, often in the form of a doll, traditionally made for ceremonial uses. There are virtually hundreds of Kachinas, some with meaning to one or several related tribes, while others appear almost universally in tribal legends.

Perhaps the most well known Kachina is the Kokopelli. Found also in the mythology of the Zuni, Kokopelli is a Hopi fertility god, also known as a prankster, hunter, healer, musician, dancer and storyteller. As a fertility spirit, many Kokopellis found as petroglyphs were depicted with an erect phallus, but contemporary Kokopellis tend to be more modest, wearing a long loincloth or tunic which covers the genital area. While many believe that Kokopelli was humpbacked, tradition has it that he carried a trader’s bag on his back.

In some Hopi tales, Kokopelli’s bag contains gifts that he uses to attract women. In others, he carries a baby on his back and leaves it with a young woman. As a trickster, he appears in the folktales and mythology of many different peoples. Kokopelli’s flute is similar to the flutes used in Native American religious rituals. As a hunter, Kokopelli may play the flute to attract the mountain sheep he is hunting. The Zuni call him a rain priest and connect him and his music with the gift of rain. According to the Hopi, Kokopelli warmed the land and the winds by playing his flute as he led them to their homeland. And lastly, some legends suggest that Kokopelli was a real ancient Toltec trader who played the flute and traveled routes between Mexico, the West Coast, and the Southwest.

Anglo

The Horseshoe
When kept as a talisman, a horseshoe is said to bring good luck. The most common belief is that hanging it with the ends pointing upwards is good luck. Some feel this is because the horseshoe itself is good luck, and this keeps the luck in. Others believe that the horseshoe acts as a container which catches any good luck that happens to be drifting by. Many believers hold that to hang the horseshoe with the ends pointing down allows the good luck to fall out. There are others, however, who believe that the shoe should be hung with its ends pointing down, as it will then release its luck to the people around it.

Horseshoes were considered lucky in part because they were made by blacksmiths, which was considered to be a very powerful and lucky trade. Blacksmiths were thought to have special powers because they worked with elemental fire and iron. Iron was considered magical because of its superior strength and ability to withstand fire. Centuries ago, iron was used as a charm to ward off evil spirits.

Another aspect of the horseshoe that added to its good luck was the fact that it was commonly held in place by seven iron nails; seven being thought of as the luckiest number since ancient times. Life was thought to be divided into seven ages; a rainbow has seven colors; astrology once held that seven planets made up the universe; a seventh child was thought to have special powers; there are seven days in a week; the moon changes from one phase to another every seven days; and the body is completely remade every seven years.

The Wishbone
Sometimes called the “merrythought” in Great Britain, the wishbone is the collarbone of fowl, especially the chicken and the turkey. It is the custom to save this bone intact when carving the bird at dinner and to dry it over the stove or by the fire (or sometimes, to dry it for three days in the air, three being a fortuitous magical number) until it is brittle.

Once the merrythought is dry, it is given to two people (usually children), who pull it by the pinkie fingers until it cracks and breaks, each one making a wish while doing so. The person who gets the “long half” of the wishbone will have his or her wish come true. This wish must never be spoken out loud and must remain secret to the wisher or it will never come true. If the wishbone breaks evenly, both parties get their wishes.

The term “wishbone” is believed to have come from the ancient Italians who read the future in the bird’s entrails. It is believed that people also started thinking the wishbone was lucky because they were sure that hens and cocks were fortune tellers at soul, as proven in their ability to foretell the break of the day.

As an amulet the wishbone represents wish fulfillment and is sometimes artistically represented in gold or silver pendants or brooches. The term “getting a lucky break” originated from the wishbone ritual, referring to having received abundance or winning a prize. The wishbone has also been used as a fertility charm. Maidens would hang wishbones over the doorway in their homes to attract a suitor to their hearth.

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Adobe

2012-01-11T18:06:00.023-07:00

Definition: “A kind of clay used as a building material, typically in the form of sun-dried bricks; a brick of such a type or a building constructed from such material.” Origin: “mid-18th century: from Spanish, adobar meaning ‘to plaster.’”

Adobe has long been the traditional building material of the Southwest. Structures made from it are undulating and sculptural in nature, yet their mass gives them a sense of permanence and timelessness. The word adobe originated in the Arabic language and was brought to America by Spanish colonists at the end of the 15th century. It is used to refer to the earth from which structures are built, the structures themselves, and the unbaked clay bricks made from the earth.

In New Mexico, archaeologists have discovered remnants of adobe walls built by Pueblo Indians that date back to 1200 AD, 400 years before the arrival of the Spanish. From that time, through the 15th century, there is evidence of two types of earthen walls. One was coarse adobe, which started with a stiff mixture of mud and was blended with anything from stones to pot shards. The mud was applied by the handful, layer on top of layer, until the desired wall height had been reached. A more sophisticated method made use of hand-formed, unbaked clay bricks. When the bricks were dry, mud mortar was used to hold the bricks in place on the wall.

Believe me, nothing can take the place of the feeling you get when you enter an old, well-maintained adobe structure. In the summer, it’s akin to walking into a cool, refreshing cave; and in the winter, there is nothing more delightfully cozy than sitting in front of an authentic kiva fireplace. Ultimately, it’s a big part of the process of truly being in touch with the wondrous and sacred land that is America’s Great Southwest. ~Jean

See our special feature about Adobe on Taos Unlimited

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Tomorrow is... National Bird Day

2012-01-04T17:55:00.002-07:00

Why National Bird Day?

• The beauty, songs, and flight of birds have long been sources of human inspiration.
• Today, nearly 12 percent of the world’s 9,800 bird species may face extinction within the next century, including nearly one-third of the world’s 330 parrot species.
• Birds are sentinel species whose plight serves as barometer of ecosystem health and alert system for detecting global environmental ills.
• Many of the world’s parrots and songbirds are threatened with extinction due to pressures from the illegal pet trade, disease and habitat loss.
• Public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of birds kept in captivity.
• The survival and well-being of the world’s birds depends upon public education and support for conservation.

To find out more visit the National Bird Day website

The End of Another Year

2011-12-30T17:28:00.013-07:00

Another year is coming to a close... it seems like time just flies by faster and faster with each passing day!

This has been a great year for us personally, as well as a wonderful year of continued success at Taos Unlimited (and Santa Fe Unlimited).

We send good wishes to our blog readers, clients and friends, for the coming new year. ~Jean and Aimee

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Burro (or Donkey)

2011-12-26T14:26:00.019-07:00

A domesticated member of the horse family, the donkey’s wild ancestor is the African Wild Ass. Males are called jacks and females jennies. Offspring have the same names as horses (i.e., foal for either sex under one year, and colt and filly for males and females who are over one year old). Different species within the Equidae, or horse family can interbreed, however, their offspring are almost always sterile. A mule is the offspring of a jack, or male donkey, and a mare, or female horse. Though rarely successful, the offspring of a stallion (male horse) and a jenny (female donkey) is a hinny.

The Spanish brought burros to North America where they quickly became the chosen beast of burden of early prospectors, due to their sure-footedness. While many use the terms donkey and burro interchangeably, others call the smaller Mexican descendants burros, and their larger cousins, imported directly from Europe, donkeys.

Burros which were abandoned or ran away gave rise to feral burros in the Western range lands. Fortunately, these animals are now protected in New Mexico, where they are considered to be a living legacy. During drought conditions, herds are at risk, and are routinely thinned to preserve grazing. Roundups remove a percentage of the feral burros which are then auctioned to the public. Wild burros are clever and curious, making excellent pets when treated well and trained properly. Once trust has been established, they greatly enjoy the company of humans. ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

See our special feature on the Burro in the Plants & Wildlife section on Taos Unlimited

Sunday is... Christmas Day

2011-12-23T17:14:00.010-07:00

This is one of our favorite times of the year. We enjoy some peace and relaxation; some quiet time and some time to do the things we like to do. We love the music and the decorations, and the contemplation of the meaning of this season.

Whether you are a long-standing client and friend of Taos Unlimited, or you just happened upon our celebration of this part of New Mexico that we call home, my cousin Jean and I want to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas: with peace, joy, love, and the warmth of your family and friends around you. ~Aimee and Jean

Recipe of the Month: Christmas Chile Jellies

2011-12-21T17:05:00.015-07:00

The New Mexico state question is “Red or green?” Chile, that is. And if you want both, you enjoy your tamales “Christmas” style. It is only fitting that Christmas gift chile jelly should be Christmas style as well.

Ingredients:

For Green Chile Jelly:
1 tbsp. (medium to hot, to taste) green chiles, chopped
1 cup mild green chilies, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1-1/4 cup white wine vinegar
5 cups jam sugar
1 ounce liquid pectin

For Red Chile Jelly:
3 red bell peppers, diced
2 cups of jam sugar
6 medium to hot red chilies
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 ounce liquid pectin

Directions:

Combine the chiles and pepper with the vinegar in a food processor. Process until pureed (about 3 minutes). Transfer the puree and sugar to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, skim the foam from the top and discard, then add the pectin.

Return to the heat and bring again to a hard boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir constantly for 5 minutes. As it cools, the jelly will begin to thicken. Pour it into clean, sterilized 8-oz. jars, leaving a 1/4” space at the top. Seal as desired.

Enjoy!

Purchase fresh or frozen flame-roasted New Mexico chiles

The Museums of Taos, New Mexico: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 6

2011-12-19T16:31:00.015-07:00

This is the sixth in a series of blog entries about the museums in Taos and the surrounding area.

Taos Art Museum and Fechin House
In 1927, Russian-born, internationally-known artist, Nicolai Fechin joined the growing number of artists moving to Taos. His home, now open to the public as the Taos Art Museum, is a testament to his prolific talent.

Designed and constructed circa 1927-1933, the structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. Considered an architectural masterpiece, it is filled with Fechin’s distinctly Russian, elaborate woodcarvings on doors, windows, furniture and art. Also on display are his drawings and paintings, as well as those by members of the Taos Society of Artists, Taos Moderns, and works by contemporary artists.

To read about the other museums in Taos, New Mexico, visit the Museums section on Taos Unlimited

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Farolito (or Luminaria)

2011-12-12T14:17:00.008-07:00

The first luminarias in North America were bonfires of crisscrossed pinon boughs arranged in 3-foot high squares. The Pueblo Indians in New Mexico have long made these small fires outside their homes to light their way to church on Christmas Eve. Later luminarias were small paper lanterns made from colored paper brought to this continent from the Orient. Instead of hanging these delicate lanterns from trees or on wires, they were placed on the ground, on rooftops and along pathways. Today, the word farolito is used in Northern New Mexico, while luminaria is used in Central and Southern New Mexico. Contemporary farolitos are small brown paper bags, filled with an inch of sand that supports a candle. At Christmas time, New Mexico streets and rooftops are lined with these festive lights. ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

The Big Blizzards Passed Us By

2011-12-07T18:13:00.016-07:00

We were forewarned about two big blizzards that were coming our way early this month, but oddly enough, we didn’t get much more that a couple of days and nights of blowing snow (here on the plateau). It’s so cold, though, that the snow is staying on the ground.

That doesn’t mean they didn’t get a lot of snow dropped on the mountains, so rest assured that ski season will be a great success and very happy time for our visiting skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts.

Come visit Taos this winter!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-02T18:01:00.012-07:00

Around our home we don’t wait long at all to get everything decorated for the Holidays. The day after Thanksgiving, the boxes of Christmas ornaments and decorations come down from out of our closets and the Christmas CDs get their first spins of the season. It is a time that Aimee and I look forward to from the time of the first snow (sometimes as early October, depending).

This year, we each wanted to share a photo of some of our Christmas decorations.

Aimee’s cat, Sadie, nestles among a warm Christmas display in their living room.

The teapot cabinet in Jean’s dining room is all decked out for Christmas.

Happy Holidays! ~Jean and Aimee

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Cornbread

2011-11-25T13:57:00.013-07:00

Definition: “A type of bread made from cornmeal and typically leavened without yeast.” Native Americans were using ground corn for cooking long before the European explorers arrived in the New World. The Native Americans learned early to dry and grind corn into corn meal, the basic component of cornbread. When mixed with eggs and corn flour, the easiest and simplest of cornbreads can be made. Thin, dense, and flat, it was a healthy food that could be transported long distances for months at a time. Cornbread was first discovered by Europeans during their exploration of North America. Europeans who had to use the local resources for food, fashioned cornmeal into cornbread. Cornbread was popular during the Civil War because it was very cheap and could be made in many different sizes and forms.

Cornbread is a common bread in United States cuisine, particularly associated with the South and the Southwest. It is often eaten with pinto beans or chili. Cornbread crumbs are also used in some poultry stuffings, with cornbread stuffing being closely associated with Thanksgiving Day turkeys. Some prefer a sweetened version of cornbread, while in the South and the Midwest, the sugar is left out and the cornbread is saltier. In Texas (and the Southwest), the Mexican influence has spawned a hearty cornbread made with fresh or creamed corn kernels, jalapeno peppers, and shredded cheese as a topping. Variations of cornbread include: hush puppies, corn pones, and johnnycakes. ~Jean

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Tomorrow is... Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-23T12:59:00.012-07:00

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. It offers us all a chance to stop and look at the many blessings we have around us in our lives, while it rings in the season for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

This year we are especially thankful for the abundance we have received through Taos Unlimited and Santa Fe Unlimited. It is such a joy to for us to maintain and continue to create new features for these website portals.

And a big thank you goes out to everyone who has enjoyed and supported the websites. Happy Thanksgiving to all! ~Jean and Aimee

Recipe of the Month: Turkey Sweet Potato Stew

2011-11-21T12:44:00.024-07:00

Ingredients:

1 cup diced onion
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium diced sweet potato
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle powder (or to taste)
2 cups turkey broth
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
4 oz. chopped green chile
1 cup diced turkey
1/8 cup lime juice
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in heavy soup pot, add onions and saute about 5 minutes. Add sweet potatoes, oregano, cumin, chile powder, black beans, chilies, and broth, then bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer, and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender (about 30 minutes), stirring a few times.

Add diced turkey and simmer 10 to 15 minutes more. (If using leftover Thanksgiving turkey, just heat through). Stir in lime juice, season with salt and pepper, garnish as desired, and serve.

Enjoy!

High Desert Plants & Wildlife, A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 5

2011-11-18T13:14:00.053-07:00

The Burro (Domestic)
The word burro is derived from the Spanish word “borrico” meaning donkey. Therefore, a burro is a small donkey, often used as a pack animal. A male donkey (jack) can be crossed with a female horse to produce a mule.

Burros come in many different colors including red, red roan, pink, blue, black, brown, and paint. By far, the most common color is grey with a white muzzle and white underbelly. Burros average 11 hands high (44”) and weigh about 500 pounds at maturity.

Burros are adapted to marginal desert lands, and have many traits that are unique to the species as a result. They need less food than horses. Overfed burros can suffer from a disease called laminitis. Unlike horse fur, burro fur is not waterproof, and so they must have shelter to protect them from rain and snow.

Burros have developed very loud voices to keep in contact with other burros of their herd over the wide spaces of the desert. Burros have larger ears than horses to hear the distant calls of fellow burros, and to help cool the burro’s blood. The tough digestive system of the burro can break down inedible vegetation and extract moisture from food more efficiently. Burros can defend themselves with a powerful kick of their hind legs.

Despite early appearances of burros in Western society, the burro did not find widespread favor in America until the miners and gold prospectors of the 1800s. In the barren, nearly water-less hills, the burro adapted well and became indispensable to prospectors. Burros were used as pack animals for the prospectors, worked in the mines hauling ore, and carried supplies, water, and even machinery into desolate mining camps. Their sociable disposition and fondness for human companionship allowed the miners to lead their burros without ropes; they simply followed behind their master. The lone prospector and his trusty pack burro became a legendary symbol of the Old West. With the introduction of the steam train, these burros lost their jobs and many were turned loose into the American deserts. Descendants of these burros can still be seen roaming the Southwest in wild herds to this day.

By the early 20th century, the Burros began to be pets in the United States and some other wealthier nations, while remaining an important work animal in many poorer nations. The burro as a pet is best portrayed by the appearance of the miniature donkey in 1929. Robert Green imported miniature donkeys to the United States and was a lifetime advocator of the breed. Mr. Green is perhaps best quoted when he said, “Miniature donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to man’s.” Standing only 32-40 inches, many families were quick to recognize the potential these tiny equines possessed as pets and companions for their children.

Although the Burro fell from public notice and became viewed as a comical, stubborn beast who was considered cute at best, the burro has recently regained some popularity in North America as a mount, for pulling wagons, and even as a guard animal. Some standard species are ideal for guarding herds of sheep against predators since most Burros have a natural aversion to canines and will keep them away from the herd.

Formal studies of their behaviour and cognition are rather limited, but burros appear to be quite intelligent, friendly, playful, and eager to learn. They are many times fielded with horses due to a perceived calming effect on nervous equines. If a burro is introduced to a mare and foal, the foal will often turn to the burro for support after it has left its mother.

Most burros (probably over 95%) are used for the same types of work that they have been doing for 6,000 years. Their most common role is for transport, whether that be riding, pack transport, or pulling carts. They may also be used for farm tillage, threshing, raising water, milling, and other jobs.

See more about Northern New Mexico Plants & Wildlife on Taos Unlimited

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Buckskin (or Buckskins)

2011-11-11T13:51:00.018-07:00

Clothing made from the soft leather of deer or elk, with the underside (or the suede side) turned to the outside. Usually consisting of a jacket and leggings, buckskins were usually trimmed along the seams with fringe, to wick the water away in the rain. Originally common to certain tribes of American Indians, buckskins became popular among mountain men for their warmth and durability. Some of the famous icons of the Old West who wore buckskins were Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, and Annie Oakley. ~Aimee
Left: Buffalo Bill in his buckskins

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Serape

2011-10-26T17:39:00.008-06:00

A long blanket-like shawl, often brightly colored and fringed at the ends, worn especially by Mexican and Southwest Indian men. ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Recipe of the Month: Pumpkin Empanadas

2011-10-24T12:13:00.015-06:00

Ingredients:

For the Filling:
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

For the Dough:
1 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 (1/2-oz.) packages dry yeast (4-1/2 teaspoons)
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups flour, divided in half
3/4 cup vegetable shortening

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix filling ingredients together and set aside.

Combine water, sugar, salt, yeast, baking powder, and cinnamon. Using an electric mixer, gradually blend in half of the flour. Add shortening and mix, then gradually blend in remaining flour.

Slap the dough balls between the palms of your well-floured hands until somewhat flattened, then roll out on a floured surface into circles approximately 4 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. Place about 1-1/2 tbsp. of pumpkin filling in the center of each circle, fold over and seal the edges.

Bake on a greased cookie sheet until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes (watch carefully as they can burn quickly).

Enjoy!

The Museums of Taos, New Mexico: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 5

2011-10-19T17:34:00.008-06:00

This is the fifth in a series of blog entries about the museums in Taos and the surrounding area.

The Harwood Museum of Art (University of New Mexico)
The second oldest art museum in the state was founded by Elizabeth Harwood in 1923 in memory of her husband, Burt. Operated by the University of New Mexico, the collection celebrates the rich multicultural heritage of the community and commemorates Taos’ role in the development of seminal American art. Seven galleries display works from the 19th century to the present, including paintings by world-renowned artist Agnes Martin. Changing exhibits feature contemporary works by artists from Taos and elsewhere.

To read about the other museums in Taos, New Mexico, visit the Museums section on Taos Unlimited

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Fringe

2011-10-12T17:17:00.022-06:00

Definition: “An ornamental border of threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists, used to edge clothing or material.” Fringe originates in the ends of the warp, projecting beyond the woven fabric, but many times it is made separately and sewn on, consisting sometimes of projecting ends, twisted or plaited together, and sometimes of loose threads of wool, silk, and linen; or in the case of Western wear, narrow strips of leather. Commonly found on Western-style leather coats, jackets, pants, boots, and handbags, fringe adds that extra special “cowboy” touch to both vintage and contemporary Southwestern apparel. ~Jean

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Tomorrow is... National Taco Day

2011-10-03T12:18:00.012-06:00

I love tacos, and tomorrow is National Taco Day. Lots of fast food and eat in restaurants give away free tacos to celebrate and call attention to this tasty and classic Mexican food treat.

Most people who celebrate this holiday do so by hosting taco parties or setting up taco building buffets for their friends and family.

What is a taco?
A taco is a traditional Mexican dish composed of a maize or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling. The fact that a taco can be filled with practically any meat, fish, shellfish, vegetable, and cheese allows for great versatility and variety. A taco is generally eaten out of hand, without the aid of utensils, and is often accompanied by a garnish such as salsa and vegetables like onion, cabbage, tomato, and lettuce.

Taco History
The taco predates the arrival of Europeans in Mexico. There is anthropological evidence that the indigenous people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate tacos filled with small fish. Writing at the time of the Spanish conquistadors, Bernal Diaz del Castillo documented the first taco feast enjoyed by Europeans which Hernan Cortes arranged for his captains in Coyoacan. Note, however, that the native Nahuatl name for the flat corn bread used was “tlaxcalli.” The Spanish give it the name “tortilla.”

So get out there and enjoy some tacos!

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Ristra

2011-09-26T17:11:00.013-06:00

A method of hanging chiles, garlic and other foodstuffs on a string for drying and storage. They are commonly used for decoration inside and outside adobe houses in Taos and Santa Fe. New Mexican legend has it that hanging a ristra outside your home brings good luck. ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Recipe of the Month: Chile Rellenos

2011-09-23T17:00:00.004-06:00

Ingredients:

6 Fresh green chiles of a mild variety such as Ancho, Pablano or Anaheim
1/2 pound Queso Blanco or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
(shredded spiced chicken may be used with or instead of the cheese)
1/4 cup flour
6 raw eggs (separated)
2 cups salsa verde and/or 2 cups Homestyle Salsa
1 cup vegetable oil, plus oil to coat chiles
Salt to taste

Directions:

Rinse the chiles. Preheat oven to broil.

Coat chiles evenly with vegetable oil. Do not use olive oil, as it has a low smoke point. Place the chiles in a 9 x 14 baking dish and place on the top shelf of your oven.

Keep a close watch on the chiles. When the skins start to char and turn black in places, take the chiles out and flip them over. When both sides are fairly evenly charred, remove them from the oven.

Place chiles in a paper bag, roll the tip closed, and allow the chiles to steam. After a few minutes, check the skins. When the skin comes off easily, peel the chiles.

When the peppers are cool enough to handle, slit each pepper lengthwise. You may remove the stem or cut around it according to your preference. Remove the seeds and pulp, and with the back of your knife, gently scrape off any stray seeds which remain.

Fill the chiles. Fillings should be at room temperature or slightly chilled. If fillings are hot, the juices will flow out and cause the coating to slide off.

Use enough filling to stuff each chile relleno as completely as possible, but not so much that the seam won't hold together. Once the chiles are stuffed, you can set them aside for a few minutes or a few hours in the refrigerator.

Whip the egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer, until stiff peaks have formed.

Heat the oil in a skillet until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into the pan.

Beat the egg yolks with one tablespoon flour and salt. Mix the yolks into egg whites and stir to a thick paste.

Roll the chiles in 1/4 cup flour and dip each one in the egg batter. Coat evenly. Fry, seam side down on both sides until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain.

Meanwhile, heat the salsa in a medium saucepan (either one or some of each). Place one or two rellenos on each plate and pour salsa over them. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Purchase fresh or frozen flame-roasted New Mexico chiles

High Desert Plants & Wildlife: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 4

2011-09-19T13:11:00.021-06:00

Juniper Trees
Juniper is a coniferous plant of the cypress family, with more than 50 varieties ranging all the way from the arctic to tropical Africa. This 25- to 50-foot tree is common in the Southwest, where it causes severe allergic reactions in much of the population during late winter and early spring when it is in flower. Juniper berries are actually a modified pine cone, with fleshy scales that merge together to form an outer skin over the seed, giving it a berry-like appearance. The berries start out green, ripening into a blue, purple or nearly black color in 10 to 18 months, depending on the variety. Trees will typically contain berries at all stages of the ripening process.

Juniper is durable, adaptable and tolerates extremes of both heat and cold, making it a commonly used element in landscaping. This versatile plant includes tall tree, bushy, and creeping ground cover varieties. The trees are also some of the most popular species chosen for bonsai.

With the exception of a few juniper species, specimens have two types of leaves. Seedlings and occasional twigs of mature trees have needle-like leaves, while the mature plants produce tiny, overlapping, scaly leaves.

Several species of butterfly larvae feed exclusively on juniper, including the Juniper Carpet, Juniper Pug and Pine Beauty.

While highly toxic, juniper berries are used for medicinal purposes, in cooking and for other flavorings. Perhaps the best known use of these highly aromatic berries is the use of green berries in the flavoring of gin, which explains the particularly bad hangover that overindulgence in gin produces. In addition, the beautiful ripe blue to purple-black berries are used in numerous culinary applications, including a sauce for game meats, such as quail, pheasant, rabbit, boar, and venison. Juniper berries are typically used in Norwegian and Swedish dishes, and sometimes in German, Austrian, Czech, and Hungarian cuisine, often to flavor roasts. Northern Italian cuisine sometimes incorporates juniper berries, as well. While thought of mostly as a flavoring for the game meats and fowl, juniper berries also complement pork and beef dishes. Their pungent, piney flavor is particularly suited to marinades and sauces with black pepper, garlic, sage, thyme, or rosemary.

Juniper berries have diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and are used medicinally to treat a wide range of ailments, including asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, and to hasten childbirth. An infusion of juniper berries can be used as a topical antiseptic to treat wounds, acne and other skin disorders, including growths. The antiseptic action of juniper moves through the body, disinfecting the digestive system, relieving ulcers, colitis and urinary infections. It also removes uric acid from the body, relieving gout and kidney disease. High in natural insulin, juniper was used by certain Indian tribes to treat diabetes, as a contraceptive, and as an appetite suppressant in times of hunger or famine. A folk tale reported in Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs mentions more esoteric uses for juniper: “The plant’s pungent aroma has long recommended it for driving away evil spirits and disease. Legend has it that juniper planted beside the front door will keep out witches; the only way for a witch to get past the plant was by correctly counting its needles.”

See more about Northern New Mexico Plants & Wildlife on Taos Unlimited

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Chamisa

2011-09-12T16:56:00.002-06:00

Chamisa (also known as Rabbitbush) is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is a deciduous shrub, similar to sagebrush with a native range in the arid Western United States and Mexico. It is a shrubby, 12- to 90-inch perennial, producing pungent-smelling, golden-yellow flowers in late summer and early fall. Chamisa is seen literally everywhere in Northern New Mexico and is synonymous with the landscape of both Santa Fe and Taos. Chamisa is a significant source of food for browsing wildlife on winter ranges. Dense stands of chamisa often grow on poorly managed rangelands, in disturbed areas along roadways, and on abandoned agricultural property. It is, however, locally prized as a xeriscape plant that needs little care or specific watering. It thrives in a wide range of coarse, alkaline soils that are common to desert environments. Pruning the shrub back to several inches in early spring, before new growth begins, may help improve its ornamental value. I love chamisa! ~Jean

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

A Question of Taste: Chile Roasting Season

2011-08-31T16:44:00.016-06:00

The New Mexico State Bird is the roadrunner. This little fellow is quite an amazing creature. One would expect that any flightless bird might become dinner for a rattlesnake, but the fact is that roadrunners kill and eat rattlesnakes. They are so fast, that they can pick a rattlesnake up by its tail and slam its head on the ground before the snake has a chance to strike. Quite a feat, I would say, and one which earns a real feast.

Which brings us to the New Mexico State Question. Now most states don’t have a state question, but this one is asked so frequently, the legislature had no choice but to adopt it. The question we would now ask the roadrunner is, “Red, or green?” No, we are not checking to see if the roadrunner is color blind, we are asking him what kind of chile he wants with that rattlesnake. And why not? New Mexicans put chile on almost everything.

Chile Rellenos are whole green chiles with eggs. Green chiles are heaped onto omelettes, burritos (of course!) and meats of all kinds, added to soups and stews, and in New Mexico, even McDonald's offers a chile burger. I once had a roommate who put green chile in tuna salad! Now red chiles are served as a sauce, and are not chunky like green chile. Contrary to popular opinion, red chile is not necessarily hotter than green, and in fact, the hottest chile pepper is green. In the mood for a mixture? Then your answer to the state question is “Christmas!”

The average New Mexican probably has a freezer loaded with chiles, or buys any of numerous brands of green chile refrigerated or frozen. And in their pantry is generally a variety of chile sauces. My favorite is chipotle, made from jalapenos specially roasted to develop a delicious smokey flavor. And then there's the hardcore chile addict, who has a year’s stash of the peppers roasted fresh annually.

Throughout New Mexico, supermarket parking lots are turned into chile roasting stations after the chile harvest. Green chiles are purchased in large burlap bags, and the chile lover takes his or her place in line to wait for their batch to be roasted. The aroma of chiles roasting can be smelled blocks from any supermarket, and for those who live in New Mexico towns, it is a constant for several weeks.

I remember sitting in a Taos supermarket parking lot a couple of years ago, waiting for my cousin to finish her shopping. I was parked just next to the chile roasting “paddock,” watching the ritual, and listening to the sounds of the tumbling chile roaster. Now, my cousin loves chile, but does not have enough room in her freezer to store it in such quantity, so freshly roasted, still-sweating chiles are generally not a staple at her house.

As a woman walked by with her chile stash, I asked her if they perhaps sold any smaller batches, explaining my cousin’s situation to her. Well, this kind soul became my cousin’s “Chile Angel,” offering to sell me a couple of gallon zip lock bags of the still-warm peppers for $2.00. I jumped at the chance, knowing I would be rewarded with a big smile on my cousin’s face when I told her the news. She made those chiles last (it was an amount that she could freeze), enjoying them in numerous dishes for most of the following year.

The subject of chile brings up so many questions, I’m going to write about them in ongoing blog entries... sort of a running FAQ. In the meantime, it’s time to make cornbread and chipotle pinto beans. ~Aimee

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Bandana

2011-08-24T14:04:00.014-06:00

Definition: “A large handkerchief or neckerchief, typically of cotton, often having a colorful pattern; a red paisley bandana kerchief, neckerchief, headscarf, or babushka.” A kerchief (from the French, couvre-chef, “cover the head”) is a square or triangular piece of cloth tied around the head or neck for protective or decorative purposes. Bandannas are worn as a practical garment by outdoor workers such as farmers and cowboys, who wear them around the neck to wipe the sweat off their faces and keep dust out of their collars.

There are several methods of bandana folding and many different uses for them. In the past, these handy handkerchiefs were folded into common workers’ squares, and tucked into pockets for the more traditional uses, but they have also been used as bandages, compresses to stop bleeding, and folded into triangles, to be worn around the neck as slings.

Cotton bandanas in regulation sizes, are available in a multitude of patterns and colors. Today, bandanas have many new uses, and are in style as head coverings, and are folded and worn in different ways.

Bandana folding: Regular bandanas, being square, are folded into a triangle, placed low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows, and tied in a manner to secure the back triangle to the head. These are often worn by motorcycle enthusiasts underneath their helmets, or as Western wear, alone or under a cowboy hat. Folded bandanas can also become a type of head scarf, when they are folded into a triangle, placed on the top of the head, brought behind the ears, and tied to leave the back triangle point free. ~Jean

A Bit of Personal Bandana Trivia: About 10 years ago, I took to wearing a bandana on my head almost every time I went outside or into town (the exception would be if I chose to wear a cowboy hat, instead). For quite awhile I was unaware that anyone took notice of it. Then, one day I met with a woman for some business concerns and the first thing she said to me was, “Oh, you’re the woman who always wears the bandana! I see you at the market quite often.” Now, I find more and more, people seem to compliment me on the bandana I am wearing. I have collected quite a few unusual and colorful ones over the years! ~Jean

Above: My dog, Juno, wearing his favorite bandana.

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Recipe of the Month: Fish Tacos

2011-08-22T13:58:00.014-06:00

Taco Ingredients:

2 cups chopped white onion, divided
3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1/4 cup olive oil
5 tbsp. fresh lime juice, divided
3 tbsp. fresh orange juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1 pound tilapia, striped bass, or sturgeon fillets
Coarse ground salt
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. milk
Corn tortillas
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1/2 small head of cabbage, cored, thinly sliced
Salsa Verde
Lime wedges

Directions:

Stir 1 cup onion, 1/4 cup cilantro, oil, 3 tablespoons lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and oregano in medium bowl. Sprinkle fish with coarse salt and pepper. Spread half of onion mixture over bottom of 11 x 7 x 2 inch glass baking dish. Arrange fish atop onion mixture. Spoon remaining onion mixture over fish. Cover and chill 30 minutes. Turn fish; cover and chill 30 minutes longer. Whisk mayonnaise, milk, and the remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice in small bowl.

Brush grill grate with oil; prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill fish with some marinade still clinging until just opaque in center, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Grill tortillas until slightly charred, about 10 seconds per side.

Coarsely chop fish; place on platter. Serve with lime mayonnaise, tortillas, the remaining 1 cup chopped onion, the remaining 1/2 cup cilantro, avocados, cabbage, Salsa Verde, and lime wedges.

Salsa Verde Ingredients:

2 large fresh Anaheim or other mild chiles
1/2 pound tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and diced
1-1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 large green onions, chopped
1 large serrano chile, stemmed, and seeded
1 large garlic clove
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (firmly packed)
1 tbsp. whipping cream
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice (optional)

Directions:

Char chiles directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag; let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed and chop chilies.

Combine tomatillos, broth, green onions, serrano chile, and garlic in medium saucepan; bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until mixture is reduced to 1-2/3 cups, stirring occasionally, about 18 minutes. Transfer mixture to blender. Add Anaheim chiles, cilantro and cream. Puree until smooth. Season salsa with salt and pepper. Add lime juice, if desired.

Enjoy!

Find New Mexico grown, fresh roasted, frozen and prepared chiles

The Museums of Taos, New Mexico: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 4

2011-08-19T13:40:00.020-06:00

This is the fourth in a series of blog entries about the museums in Taos and the surrounding area.

La Hacienda de los Martinez
One of the few remaining Northern New Mexico style Spanish Colonial “Great Houses” open to the public, this hacienda served as an important trade center between the northern frontier of the Spanish Empire and Mexico City.

Built in 1804, this fortress-like building with massive adobe walls became an important trade center for the northern boundary of the Spanish Empire. The Hacienda was the final terminus for the Camino Real (the royal road) which connected northern New Mexico to Mexico City. The Hacienda also was the headquarters for an extensive ranching and farming operation.

Severino and his wife Maria del Carmel Santistevan Martinez raised six children in the Hacienda. Their eldest son was the famous Padre Antonio Martinez who battled the French Bishop Lamy to preserve the Hispanic character of the Catholic Church in the territory. The Padre was a dynamic social reformer who created the first co-educational school in New Mexico and brought the first printing press to Taos.

Today, the Hacienda’s 21 rooms, surrounding two courtyards, provide the visitor with a rare glimpse of the rugged frontier life and times of the early 19th century.

To read about the other museums in Taos, New Mexico, visit the Museums section on Taos Unlimited

Taos Mountain Music Festival

2011-08-17T14:53:00.000-06:00

In August of 2009, approximately 4,000 people gathered in the village of Taos Ski Valley to enjoy the 1st Annual Taos Mountain Music Festival. Music lovers of all ages spent the day enjoying music, food and games on Taos Ski Valley’s Strawberry Hill.

Now in its third year, the Taos Mountain Music Festival is expanding. The festival has become so popular so quickly, that more music has been added, and this year’s festival is scheduled for August 20th and 21st.

It’s no surprise. The Taos Ski Valley is an ideal setting for an outdoor music festival. The festival site is located at the base of the Taos Ski Valley ski runs, and is surrounded by the Carson National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Festival presents a wide spectrum of music, including Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop, Country, Latin, and Reggae. Festival promoters encourage bringing sunscreen, hats, lawn chairs, blankets, and warm clothes. A photo ID is required to purchase alcoholic beverages, and an ATM is on site. Sorry, pets are not allowed, but beach balls and hula hoops are encouraged.

Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights

2011-08-15T14:43:00.014-06:00

It’s the time of year that lends a fiery passion to New Mexico. Time for chile pickin’, chile roastin’, chile dryin’, and chili cook-offs.

Not surprisingly, Red River makes a big to-do out of it all, with its annual “Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights” Music Festival & Cook-off. This year the festival runs August 18th through 20th, and features the “Red River Red” CASI Chili Cook-off, the New Mexico State Green Chile Championship, and a Lone Star BBQ Society Cook-off. Well, that should be enough red or green chile for just about anyone!

This spicy three-day celebration combines a singer/songwriter music festival at venues throughout Red River from Thursday through Saturday, with multiple cook-offs in Brandenburg Park on Saturday.

The cook-off this year is the CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) Four Corners Regional Cook-off, so Red River is expecting more chili cooks than ever. They are also hosting the Lonestar BBQ Society for their third cook-off in Red River, and are once again having the New Mexico State Green Chile Championship.

There will be a new overall “People’s Choice” category this year allowing for a huge prize (with cash) for the favorite entry in the PC category. This event is open to numerous recipes, including salsa, chili, green chile, jalapeno poppers, cobbler, beans, or whatever the cooks might dream up.

So make your way to Red River this weekend for some hot food and cool music.

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Arroyo

2011-08-10T14:37:00.004-06:00

Definition: “A steep-sided gully cut by running water in an arid or semi-arid region.” An arroyo is a nearly vertically walled, flat floored stream channel that forms in fine, cohesive, easily eroded material. Arroyos can cut as deeply as 65 feet into the valley floor, are often wider than 165 feet, and can be hundreds of miles long. Arroyos exist throughout the Western United States, but are most common in arid and semi-arid climates in the Southwest. They are found throughout New Mexico.

The rapid widening and deepening of arroyos have both changed the physical environment and been a costly nuisance in the West since settlement began in the mid-1800s. From 1870 to 1890, the number of livestock in New Mexico alone increased from 300,000 to 2,300,000. Valley floors, which were the most dependable forage areas for the animals, were quickly overgrazed. The fragile vegetation was consumed, and the soil was compacted and left extremely susceptible to erosion. To further exacerbate the soil conditions, both humans and livestock created trails along stream channels and nearby hillsides forming small ditches, leaving the land surface susceptible to arroyo formation. ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Wild & Scenic Rivers, Part 3: The Pecos River

2011-08-08T13:28:00.011-06:00

National Wild and Scenic River status is a designation made by Congress for the purpose of protecting naturally flowing rivers from development which would substantially change their wild or scenic nature.

Selected rivers in the United States are preserved under this designation for possessing “outstandingly remarkable” scenic, recreational, geologic, historic, or other similar values. Rivers, or sections of rivers, so designated are preserved in their free-flowing condition and are not dammed or otherwise impeded.

New Mexico has four designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, which include the Rio Grande, the Rio Chama, the Pecos River, and the east fork of the Jemez River. These rivers flow through some of the most breathtaking landscapes New Mexico has to offer.

Famous in the folklore of the Old West, the expression “West of the Pecos” made reference to the rugged frontiers of the Wild West in the latter half of the 19th century. The Rio Pecos played a large role in the exploration of the Southwest by the Spaniards.

The Pecos River headwaters are located north of Pecos, New Mexico, at an elevation of 12,000 feet. The river flows from the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains through the rugged granite canyons and high alpine meadows of the Pecos Wilderness, forming several waterfalls. The river flows a total of 926 miles through the Santa Fe National Forest in North Central New Mexico and neighboring Texas, before it empties into the Rio Grande near Del Rio. The Pecos is one of New Mexico’s most heavily fished trout streams.

The upper reaches of the Pecos flow through deep forest year-round. The river provides seasonal whitewater opportunities for canoeists and kayakers, and excellent year-round fly fishing. Other recreational activities on the Pecos River include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.

Find out more about New Mexico’s Wild & Scenic Rivers

Our 6th Great Year!

2011-08-01T14:30:00.020-06:00

August 2011, marks our sixth great year at Taos Unlimited and Santa Fe Unlimited! From the conception of these two Southwestern-themed websites (which consisted simply of Aimee and I sitting on our porch laying the whole project out on paper), through the months of work we both did in website design and construction, to the two website portals as they exist today... well, it has been a labor of love that has proven successful beyond our wildest dreams.

And the creative ideas and work continues. Just this year we have added numerous sections and individual features to both sites. And at this writing, I am working on yet another major feature for the Western Funhouse section, while Aimee continues her work on many more fun and interesting features.

We love creating, developing, and designing for Taos Unlimited and Santa Fe Unlimited, and we see no end in site for the growth of these already huge websites. We want to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters over the last five years, and we look forward to the next five years being as exciting, expansive and successful as the ones we’ve already enjoyed. Thanks to all! ~Jean and Aimee

Visit Taos Unlimited and Santa Fe Unlimited

Movie Locations of the Great Southwest!

2011-07-29T13:00:00.001-06:00

I have always loved the movies. I was raised up on the local Saturday double feature and late night TV classics. Movies are simply a part of my life. And that begins to explain this Special Feature: Movie Locations of the Great Southwest. But it goes much deeper than that.

In the early 1990s, “Movie Locations” began as a book project, but my agent and I could never seem to get if off the ground. I brought the manuscript with me when I moved to Santa Fe, because I was still working on it, but not too long after that my agent retired, and I got caught up in a myriad of other things. So, into the trusty file cabinet it went.

Last winter, I talked with Aimee about putting the project online... and here it is! Movie Locations of the Great Southwest: An Online Book by Jean. Bigger and better than it ever could, or would, have been as a printed book, this Special Feature now available on the Taos Unlimited and Santa Fe Unlimited websites, will eventually encompass over 150 movies (from the 1950s through the 2000s) and their unique Southwestern locations.

I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the movies of the 1950s and 1960s, and I have a massive amount of film info in my brain about films of the 1970s and 1980s, as well. I called upon Aimee to assist me with the later decades (1990s and 2000s), because that is her major area of expertise in regard to film. When Aimee has provided information on a particular movie/location, she will be credited for her contribution.

Well, I guess that’s it. Movie Locations of the Great Southwest has truly been a labor of love. I hope you enjoy exploring it as much as I did creating it. Now... on the to movies! ~Jean

Movie Locations of the Great Southwest!

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Lizard

2011-07-25T13:49:00.000-06:00

A large, widespread group of reptiles with nearly 5,000 species, lizards range across all continents except Antarctica. Lizards typically have four limbs, external ears, and a long tail. Many species of lizards can detach their tails for the purpose of escaping from predators. Lizards are very common in the Southwest, often spotted climbing New Mexico’s exterior adobe walls... and as decor, they can be found on interior adobe walls as well. ~Aimee

A Bit of Lizard Rock Trivia: Rock icon, Jim Morrison (lead singer of the 1960s rock group, The Doors), was known as the “Lizard King.” Jim Morrison’s deep connection to shamanism often took form as iconography in his writing. In his lyrics for the epic performance/song Celebration of the Lizard, he would speak, “I am the lizard king. I can do anything.” This is the origin of the “Lizard King” moniker. Although several attempts were made to record “Celebration of the Lizard,” only one small section of it was released as “Not to Touch the Earth” on The Doors’ third album, “Waiting for the Sun.” ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Recipe of the Month: Chilled Avocado Soup

2011-07-22T13:38:00.010-06:00

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. and 1 tbsp. olive oil (used separately in preparation)
1 cup diced white onion
1 serrano chile, stemmed, seeded, and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt, for seasoning, plus 1 teaspoon
4 firm ripe avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and mashed
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups water
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Mexican sour cream or creme fraiche, whisked to soften*
1 cup canned corn kernels, well drained
1/4 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
1 thinly sliced cucumber
1 shaved green onion

Directions:

Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, chile and garlic, and cook until slightly soft, about 2 minutes.

Season with salt, to taste. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Put the avocados in a large bowl. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, cilantro, onion mixture, and water. Add, in batches, to a blender and puree until smooth, straining each batch of puree into a large bowl. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt and the 1 teaspoon of pepper, then cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 3 hours.

In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook until fragrant and golden brown, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from the heat and garnish each serving of soup with cucumber slices, sour cream, pan-roasted corn, and shaved green onions.

Enjoy!

Fiestas de Taos

2011-07-20T13:33:00.012-06:00

Fiestas de Taos is a community celebration honoring the two patron saints of Taos: Santa Ana and Santiago. The annual event, popularly referred to as “The Taos Fiestas,” invites the local population to put aside their labor for two days and bask in the leisure of the holy days.

The first day is dedicated to Santiago, who is the patron saint of Spain. Santiago is a contraction of Saint Yago, the Spanish words for St. James, and in his lifetime, Santiago was known as James. On the first fiesta day, men used to ride on horseback through the plaza in their finest livery, “encatrinados,” as they were called in their fancy attire.

James and his brother, John, were mending their nets one day on the shores of Lake Genesaret, when they were called by Jesus of Nazareth to be fishers of men. The Acts of the Apostles says that he was the first of the apostles to suffer a martyr’s death for his faith. Popular tradition holds that James had preached in northwestern Spain when the area was still known as Galicia. It was to this area that the body of the Apostle of Spain was returned by two of the nine converts he had made in the area, Theodorus and Athanasius.

Later, a vision of Santiago was seen in battle between the Spanish and the Moors, who had occupied Spain for hundreds of years. The cry of “Santiago Matamoros!” (St. James Slayer of Moors!) was to be heard in Spain for centuries afterwards.

Santa Ana, or St. Anne, was the mother of The Virgin Mary, and the grandmother of Jesus Christ. She was born to wealthy parents, who gave a third of their yearly income to the temple, a third to charity, and lived off the last third. Even in so doing, their flocks and holdings continued to multiply at their beautiful country estate in Sephoris, near Nazareth. St. Anne is considered a model of virtue. The Angel Gabriel himself brought St. Anne together with her husband, Joaquim, a pious middle-aged bachelor who was seeking divine help in finding a wife.

The couple had endured much suffering for 20 years as they remained childless, when the Angel Gabriel came to Anne again to declare that God had chosen to give them time to prepare for a child who was much more than they asked for: and now the time had come for them to bring forth a daughter to be named Mary. Anne was told that Mary was destined to be the mother of the Messiah, and to keep that a much-guarded secret.

The second day of The Taos Fiestas is always dedicated to St. Anne. On this day women historically rode in horse-drawn carriages. Mothers and older sisters hold tightly to the hands of the children and everybody marvels at the mystery of St. Anne, who is the perfect example of motherhood.

So, Viva Fiestas de Taos!

High Desert Plants & Wildlife: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 3

2011-07-18T12:49:00.008-06:00

Cactus of the Northern New Mexico High Desert
We will complete this series on cactus with some general facts about the species.

All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. What separates a cactus from a succulent is the organs that produce the spines, and some other characteristics specific to fruit formation.

Many of the smaller cactus that live in a desert environment are situated under bushes or in behind rocks and do not receive constant, intense sunlight. The native habitat of many other cacti is often at a higher altitude (where the light is strong but the temperatures are far cooler than on the desert floor), or in tropical jungle-like environments. Many cactus dwell at higher altitudes and underneath pine trees, where they receive very little direct sun.

This vintage postcard illustrates the colorful variety of cacti (cactus) that abound in Northern New Mexico and the entire Southwest. The cacti are quite fascinating plants that grow in all shapes and sizes, with flower blossoms of many kinds and colors.

All cacti need a rapidly draining, porous soil mix. If kept fairly dry, most cactus can tolerate without difficulty night-time temperatures which are consistently as low as 32 degrees.

Cacti have a thick, hard-walled, succulent stem. When it rains, water is stored in the stem. The stems are photosynthetic, green, and fleshy. The inside of the stem is either spongy or hollow (depending on the cactus). A thick, waxy coating keeps the water inside the cactus from evaporating.

Many cactus can also be grown from broken-off parts of the plant, but the new plant will be genetically identical to the original plant.

Read more about Northern New Mexico Cactus on Taos Unlimited

Mountain Biking in Northern New Mexico

2011-07-13T13:28:00.015-06:00

Biking enthusiasts find nearly every level and type of off-road cycling in and around Taos, New Mexico, from steep, rocky mountain trails and rolling meadows of wildflowers to rides along mesas with wide-open vistas, and the sheer cliffs of the Rio Grande Gorge.

It is important to keep in mind that this is high elevation, wilderness mountain biking; often trails are not marked. Orientation skills are important to prevent getting lost in unfamiliar territory, and wilderness skills are essential. Many single-track biking trails can climb to well over 10,000 feet, so be prepared for rain, snow, and hail even in the summer. Always carry lots of water, food, and clothing for changes in the weather.

The Taos area also has some of the most beautiful and challenging road rides in New Mexico, or indeed, anywhere. Currently, there are no bike paths, and many Taos area roads are narrow with little or no shoulder, but this shouldn’t discourage any cyclist from enjoying the spectacular high desert, Rocky Mountain scenery, and world class climbing. And there are some routes with bike lanes or large shoulders.

Most local riders tend to begin their road rides in the morning to avoid possible afternoon wind and showers, especially during “monsoon season” from mid-July through August. Roads here are rough, so it is advisable to bring plenty of spare tubes and a patch kit, and be well versed in roadside repair skills.

The Taos area offers rides ranging from short town loops to several century, and even double century options and beyond. Temperatures can climb in the summer, but are moderate in spring and fall. Again, be prepared for changing weather by carrying a windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket, as weather in the mountains is unpredictable.

More information on mountain bike trails and Taos area road rides

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Fry Bread

2011-07-11T12:44:00.010-06:00

An extremely popular Native American food, found throughout the United States, fry bread is a flat dough pan- or deep-fried in oil, shortening, or lard. The dough is generally leavened by yeast or baking powder. Topped with additions such as beans, ground beef, or shredded cheese, fry bread is then served as “Indian tacos” or “Navajo tacos.” Fry bread is also served sweet, with powdered sugar on top.

Some say that fry bread came from the time when about 8,000 of the Navajo people were imprisoned at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, during the 19th century. It is said that the Navajos were just given wheat flour and lard to eat, two commodities that were quite foreign to their bean and corn-based diets. Others say that the Navajo and folk of other tribes made the bread because they didn’t know what else to do with the government-granted wheat and fat they were provided on the reservations. Regardless, once you’ve tasted fry bread in any of its forms, you’ll want to come back for more! ~Jean

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

High Altitude in Northern New Mexico

2011-07-08T19:41:00.001-06:00

What is High Altitude?
Altitude is defined on the following scale: High 8,000-12,000 feet; Very High 12,000-18,000 feet; and Extremely High 18,000+ feet. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, which affects humans by reducing the partial pressure of oxygen. The human body can adapt to high altitude by breathing faster, having a higher heart rate, and adjusting its blood chemistry. Extremely high altitude cannot be permanently tolerated by humans.

High Altitude Sickness
It can take days or weeks to adapt to high altitude. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don’t, and some people are more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet with minimal effect. If you haven’t been to high altitude location before, it’s important to be cautious. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude trouble free, as long as you are properly acclimatized. The major cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at any particular altitude.

Drink Water!
Before your trip to Taos or Santa Fe (and while you are here), drinking plenty of water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to the higher altitude of these communities. The low humidity in Northern New Mexico keeps the air dry (afterall it is the desert), so you need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home.

Monitor Your Alcohol Intake
In Taos’ rarified air, golf balls go ten percent farther... and so do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. It is recommended that you go easy on the alcohol in the mountains and in Taos and Santa Fe, as its effects will feel stronger there.

Eat Foods High in Potassium
Foods such as broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes will help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake. And all those wonderful foods are good for you to consume anytime!

Watch Your Physical Activity
The effects of exercise are more intense in the high desert. If you normally run 10 miles a day at home, you might try 6 miles in Taos or Santa Fe.

Pack for Sun
With less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Taos. But there’s 25% less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm... even in winter.

Dress in Layers
Two days before your trip to Taos or Santa Fe, check the weather and use that information to pack appropriately. Because Taos is closer to the sun, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then become very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer your clothing.

Take It Easy and Have Fun!
Don’t let anything you hear about the high altitude in Northern New Mexico scare you. The air is just thinner and dryer. In fact, many people with respiratory problems move to Taos for the benefits of the dry air. Just follow these simple tips and you will very likely not even notice the difference.

Turquoise: Part 3 in a Series

2011-07-06T18:54:00.024-06:00

Types of Turquoise
There are five types of turquoise, as described by law. All turquoise for sale worldwide will fall into one of the following categories:

Natural Turquoise
This is that is so hard and beautiful that is able to be mined, cut, polished and set into a piece of jewelry without any kind of treatment. Less than 3% of all the turquoise on the market worldwide is classified as “natural.”

Stabilized Turquoise
This is a soft, chalky turquoise that has been injected with a clear epoxy resin. The resin, under pressure, is absorbed into the rock, permanently hardening it and deepening the color. The colors in stabilized turquoise are permanent and will not deepen over time, like natural turquoise. Most of the turquoise on the market today is the stabilized type. It is quite beautiful and is usually a very good value.

Treated Turquoise
This type of turquoise is soft and has been stabilized, but the epoxy resin has also been dyed. Colors in treated turquoise can sometimes look artificial. Prices for this kind of turquoise should be much less than the natural and stabilized varieties.

Reconstituted Turquoise
This turquoise is very low grade. It has been ground into powder, saturated with epoxy resin, dyed, and compressed into blocks and/or cakes. It is then cut into shapes for jewelry making. This is the least expensive type of turquoise.

Imitation Turquoise
This is not real turquoise, but is made from resin or plastic. Sometimes it hard to tell the difference visually, so it’s always best to ask before you buy.

More about Turquoise on Taos Unlimited

4th of July: Independence Day!

2011-07-04T18:44:00.029-06:00

Celebrating Independence Day is a time-honored tradition, even in the smallest of American towns. We don’t watch the biggest and fanciest parade on television on July 4th. We line the streets of our own hometowns and watch our neighbors as we celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On this day we honor the years of hard work, sacrifice and tremendous risks taken by our Founding Fathers to create the document which signaled a new country, a new hope, and a grand experiment in governing.

In Northern New Mexico, there are two tiny towns which preserve this tradition in their own unique way. Their hometown Independence Day parades are well-loved, and participated in by nearly as many who watch the festivities.

Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, is located seven miles north of Taos. It is home to approximately 1,500 residents. As you are about to enter the village of Arroyo Seco, a road sign announces an upcoming ”congested area.” And on July 4th, a truer statement cannot be made. This usually sleepy village, filled with wonderful little galleries, shops and eateries, is transformed on the 4th of July. It starts early in the day, when lines of cars, pedestrians with dogs, and people on horseback can be seen making their way to Arroyo Seco. To us locals, this is as much a part of the 4th of July as the parade itself.

And the parade! Colorful floats, banners, unique costumes, more people on horseback, burros pulling carts, and a variety of other animals are as likely to be a part of the parade as the local fire department.

Red River
Set high in Northern New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Range of the southern Rocky Mountains, Red River was a booming mining camp in 1895, with strikes of gold, silver, and copper swelling its population to an estimated 3,000. A few years later, the mines went bust, and the majority of the camp residents moved on.
But the inhabitants of this gem of the Enchanted Circle are a hardy breed, and so Red River began its new identity as a resort town in ernest some 80 years ago.

Today, with a full-time population hovering around 500, the residents of Red River see long, cold winters, and more than their share of the “great indoors.” This has prompted the good people of this little town to celebrate everything there is to celebrate, and when they’re done celebrating, they find more things to celebrate! And in that spirit, an Independence Day parade has marched through the town of Red River for more than 70 years.

The parade does the folks of Red River justice, being a creative combination of good old-fashioned Old West mining town spirit and a kick-up-your-heels good time. It’s colorful and real “hometown,” with kids and dogs participating the same as floats and fire trucks. And when it’s over... it’s not over yet! Red River is a little town that does everything in a BIG way. After the parade, viewers stroll down to Brandenburg Park, where there is are games at the Community House, live music, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and good old fashioned family fun!

So if you find yourself in Northern New Mexico on the 4th of July, make a day of it in Arroyo Seco or Red River.

More on the 4th of July in Arroyo Seco and Red River

Videos:

Red River 4th of July Parade

Arroyo Seco 4th of July Parade

Summer Is Upon Us

2011-07-01T12:46:00.001-06:00

Well, summer is certainly upon us in Northern New Mexico! It’s been quite hot for a while now, but that is what is expected in the area, by locals and tourists alike. It’s one of the most active times of the year in Taos and Santa Fe, and if you are planning to visit us during the summer season, there’s always plenty of exciting events going on, and numerous recreational opportunities all across the state. So come and have some high desert fun! ~Jean

We’ve Got a Drought

2011-06-29T12:41:00.011-06:00

We’ve been dealing with a serious drought throughout all of New Mexico, but it is extremely troubling this year in Taos. The last precipitation we got was back on April 25th, so it’s been all of Spring, and now into the Summer temperatures that we are not seeing any rain.

Life goes on, however, and all the usual activities, events, and festivals will keep both locals and tourists busy. We just have to take it easy with the water... and continue to pray for rain! ~Jean

Day Trips: High Road to Taos, Part 3 in a Series

2011-06-27T12:34:00.015-06:00

Las Trampas
Leaving Truchas and continuing on NM 76 towards the village of Las Trampas, enjoy a spectacular vista as the valley opens before you, with the Truchas Peaks rising on the eastern horizon.

Founded in 1751, by a Spanish land grant entitled Santo Tomas Apostol del Rio de las Trampas, (Saint Thomas, Apostle of the River of Traps), Las Trampas was settled by 12 families from Santa Fe. Located in the valley between Truchas and Picuris, Las Trampas is approximately halfway between Taos and Santa Fe, on what is now the High Road to Taos. As with other communities established at that time, the village was built around a plaza. When the village came under attack, the entrances to the plaza could be blocked to create a fortress. And the village did survive numerous attacks, as well as a smallpox epidemic.

Of note is the church of San Jose de Gracia at Las Trampas, one of the finest examples of the parish church still existing, with outstanding reredos, or altar screens, painted by well-known santeros. Parish churches were a more elaborate structure, based on the original mission churches which were established by the Spanish in New Mexico. The mission churches were simple rectangular structures of adobe bricks with flat wood beam ceilings. They were fashioned after the fortified churches of Mexico, with tall, bright, white-washed interiors. Constructed of the same materials, the parish churches evolved into a cross-shaped plan like the great cathedrals of Mexico and Spain. To the exterior of the mission church were added one or two simple bell towers.

Travelers coming from the direction of Santa Fe, on the High Road to Taos, first see San Jose De Gracia as they round a bend in the mountain road and descend into the village. The church sits peacefully in the middle of the village, as it has for centuries. If the doors to the church are open, visitors are welcome to enter the church and view the works of art by local artisans which adorn the interior of the church. ~Aimee

Learn more about Trampas at Taos Unlimited

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Vest

2011-06-24T11:48:00.000-06:00

Definition: “a close-fitting waist-length garment, typically having no sleeves or collar and buttoning down the front.” Origin: King Charles II introduced the vest (or waistcoat) in England by Royal Proclamation on October 7, 1666. It was a simple straight cut, close-fitting garment made from black cloth with a white silk lining. Promoted personally by the King, it was soon popular with everyone. However, the political purpose was to undermine French fashion influence in England, and the vest’s simple lines was meant to defy the extravagant dictates of Versailles. The vest was based on a style brought back to England by visitors to the Persian court of Shah Abbas. It became sleeveless around the 1750s, and the garment eventually made its way to the New World.

When young men began traveling out West in the 1860s, they brought the current “highfalutin” Eastern fashions with them, which included tailored trousers, suitcoats and vests. They simply added the Western accents, such as a cowboy hat, bandana scarf, and a gunbelt to the mix. You then had the “gentleman cowboy” look, so well depicted in the films, “Silverado,” “Wyatt Earp,” and “Tombstone.” There were also “western style” vests, made from suede and leather, with elaborate fringing. This was more the “mountain man” or “outlaw” look, also depicted in western movies.

The fringed, Western-style vest reached an extremely high level of popularity in the late 1960s, when it became almost a uniform for a generation of Hippies. Today, it is worn by people of all ages, both male and female. Whether it is used for actual daily wear, or reserved for special occasions (and/or trips to Taos and Santa Fe), it is, without a doubt, a fun fashion that has survived over the centuries. ~Jean

Yesterday was... Summer Solstice

2011-06-22T11:37:00.012-06:00

The four seasons are determined by the path of the earth around the sun, and its affect on the tilt of the earth’s axis in relation to the sun. Each season begins on either an equinox, or a solstice. During the spring and fall equinoxes, the day and night is of equal length. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year and winter solstice is the shortest day of the year.

The North Pole is tipped more toward the sun on the summer solstice than on any other day. The opposite is true for the Southern Hemisphere, where the same day is the winter solstice.

As a result, the sun appears at its highest point in the sky on noon of the summer solstice. Depending on the latitude of the viewer, the sun will appear to have a different “high point,” being directly overhead at about the latitude of Cuba, but still at a low angle when viewed in Alaska.

It’s all downhill from there, at least from the perspective of the height of the sun and the length of the days... until the day following the winter solstice.

Due to the differences in the astrological calendar and the human calendar, the day of the solstice varies, most often occurring on June 20th, but occasionally on June 21st.

The summer solstice has been celebrated by many cultures around the world for thousands of years.

The ancient Egyptians built the Great Pyramids so that the sun, when viewed from the Sphinx, sun sets precisely between two of the Pyramids on the summer solstice.

The Incas, of South America, celebrated the summer solstice with a ceremony called “Inti Raymi,” which included food offerings and sacrifices of animals and maybe even people.

Chaco Canyon is home to a number of sites which are thought to be ancient observatories, the most famous being the “sun dagger.” Here, a set of spiral petroglyphs carved into a cliff face set behind three huge rock slabs, functions as a solar marker. At summer solstice, two shafts of light bracket one of the spirals perfectly. Light shafts strike the center of a nearby smaller spiral on the spring and fall equinoxes. It is thought that the dagger also tracked the 18.6 year lunar cycle.

And perhaps most famously, Stonehenge, in the United Kingdom, has been associated with the winter and summer solstices for about 5,000 years. ~Aimee

To learn more about Chaco Canyon, visit our feature at Taos Unlimited

Recipe of the Month: Southwestern Salad Bowl

2011-06-20T13:10:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

Mixed Greens
Handful of grape tomatoes
2 green onions, sliced
2 small baby bell peppers, red, yellow or orange, diced
1/2 cup black beans
1/2 cup fresh sweet corn kernels
1 tbsp. toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 tbsp. grated cotija cheese
A handful of tortilla strips

Directions:

Toss with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

1/2 cup virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. cider or rice vinegar
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
Dash chipotle sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy!

The Museums of Taos, New Mexico: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 3

2011-06-17T13:12:00.011-06:00

This is the third in a series of blog entries about the museums in Taos and the surrounding area.

E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum
Housed in a circa 1797 traditional adobe structure, the E.L. Blumenschein Home and Museum celebrates the artist who was so instrumental in establishing the Taos Society of Artists. Blumenschein first arrived in Taos in 1898, with his friend and traveling companion Bert G. Phillips, when a wheel broke on their wagon; they decided to stay.

The Blumenschein Home, which he acquired in 1919, is the only home of a Taos Society of Artists member that is open to the public. It features family possessions, a diverse art collection and eclectic furnishings that are preserved much as they were when the Blumenschein family lived there. The blend of fine European furnishings, Spanish Colonial antiques, and works by early Taos artists within the rustic home creates a uniquely Taos experience.

To read about the other museums in Taos, New Mexico, visit the Museums section on Taos Unlimited

New Mexico’s Wild & Scenic Rivers: Part 2, The Rio Chama

2011-06-15T12:51:00.001-06:00

National Wild and Scenic River status is a designation made by Congress for the purpose of protecting naturally flowing rivers from development which would substantially change their wild or scenic nature.

Selected rivers in the United States are preserved under this designation for possessing “outstandingly remarkable” scenic, recreational, geologic, historic, or other similar values. Rivers, or sections of rivers, so designated are preserved in their free-flowing condition and are not dammed or otherwise impeded.

New Mexico has four designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, which include the Rio Grande, The Rio Chama, the east fork of the Jemez River, and the Pecos. These rivers flow through some of the most breathtaking landscapes New Mexico has to offer.

The Rio Chama
Flowing through a multi-colored sandstone canyon, which is at times 1,500 feet deep, the Rio Chama is a major tributary of the Rio Grande in Northern New Mexico. The Rio Chama’s mild rapids and stunning vistas make this the perfect river for relaxing family rafting and camping trips.

Kayaking and canoeing are also extremely popular. A float through the entire 31-mile canyon and its Class II rapids, can take two to three days. There are scenic and heavily forested side canyons to explore, and quite a few historical sites. Much of this region is designated Wilderness or Wilderness Study Area, making its use fall under wilderness rules and regulations, with the exception of the lower eight miles of the canyon.

Access to the Rio Chama has been limited since 1990. Because of the high demand for float trips in late spring and summer, a lottery system has been established to assign launch dates. Applications for floatboating and rafting permits for the upper canyon must be filed by February 1st of each year, and can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Find out more about New Mexico’s Wild & Scenic Rivers

Blast from the Past: Frontier Circus, Classic TV

2011-06-13T13:39:00.000-06:00

Frontier Circus was a short-lived Western television series about a traveling circus roaming the American West in the 1880s. The show aired on the CBS television network from October 5, 1961, until September 6, 1962, and was filmed by Revue Productions.

The show featured veteran Western television and movie performers including: Chill Wills as “Colonel Kasey Thompson,” John Derek as “Ben Travis,” Richard Jaeckel as “Scout Tony Gentry,” and J. Pat O’Malley as “Duffy.” Thompson and Travis were the owners of the T & T Circus. The circus ran into lots of difficulties and troubled characters during its short run.

The difference between its plot and the plot of most standard Westerns may have led to its short run. Frontier Circus is a true rarity, as it has not been syndicated in the U.S. since its cancellation.

Frontier Circus ran opposite two very popular ABC sitcoms, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” and “The Donna Reed Show,” and another western series, “The Outlaws” on NBC.

This is a very enjoyable show from those good ole days gone by. If you like "Rawhide," "Wagon Train," or "The Rifleman," then you are bound to like "Frontier Circus."

Buy Frontier Circus on Amazon.com

For more of the Wild West, visit Taos Unlimited’s Western Funhouse

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Getting Hitched

2011-06-10T12:59:00.013-06:00

An Old West term, meaning “getting married.” It was derived from the practice of horses being hitched to a wagon. Used as slang even today, it leads one to believe that somehow marriage is a burden or sharp restriction of an individual’s freedom. I’ll leave this for the reader to decide. ~Jean

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Annual Rivers and Brews Blues Fest

2011-06-08T12:54:00.014-06:00

Tucked away high up in the Southern Rockies, Red River, New Mexico is a tiny little town that does everything in a big way. This former mining town has been a summer resort location for nigh unto a century, luring vacationers with its cool, fresh mountain air, spectacular alpine vistas, wildlife, and recreation opportunities.

This weekend marks the third year of the Rivers and Brews Fest, bringing together great blues music, delicious food and micro-brewed beer, for a fun getaway in the mountains.

Events start with an informal jam session on Friday night. The Rivers and Brews Fest itself begins on Saturday, and takes place by the Red River in the middle of town. A food court is set up offering lots of great food from local restaurants, along with a number of fine selections from New Mexico’s oldest microbrewery.

Saturday night the Red River Trolley will entertain you with music as it transports you to various music venues at Red River’s favorite bars.

So bring a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen, and your camera, and come on out for a great day of blues and fun in Red River!

Vintage Western Plastic Toys: Part 3 in a Series

2011-06-06T13:57:00.000-06:00

The Vintage Western toys featured in our Western Funhouse photo albums are from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and (in some cases) beyond. During the early- to mid-20th century, several generations of America kids loved playing with these amazing creations. We’ve corralled some fine examples of these toys from days gone by for your viewing pleasure. Perhaps they will bring back some fond memories or simply entertain you with their good old-fashioned style.

So have some fun looking through our collection of Vintage Western Toys in the Western Funhouse section of the Taos Unlimited website. We’ll continue now with the plastic toys.

Taos Unlimited’s Vintage Western Plastic Toys Photo Album

Visit the Taos Unlimited Western Funhouse

Taos Plaza Live!

2011-06-03T13:17:00.000-06:00

Taos Plaza Live! is a free annual concert series that takes place on the Historic Taos Plaza from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday evening during the summer months.

The season opened with an All Star Jam. The plaza was crowded with locals and visitors alike, here to enjoy Northern New Mexico’s All Stars, which included members of Red River’s Damn Band and other local favorites.

Enjoy a full summer season of free music on the Plaza, with a great lineup of local musicians, encompassing all kinds of music. Whether you like jazz, blues, country & western, rock, or traditional New Mexican/Native American music, there is an evening of music for you!

It’s Time for TeePees

2011-06-01T13:12:00.000-06:00

I love it when the teepees are erected in the Taos area for the summer season. It lets us natives know that the “time of the visitors” is here.

Taosenos have “modern day” designed teepees. They can be made of different fabrics including 100% cotton and blends of polyester and cotton for hard weather areas. The owner can create their own artwork for the teepee or choose from many pre-made designs. Modern teepees have floors made of dirt, cement or flagstone, and they also have the option of adding a liner to protect the inside of the teepee from the harsh elements in Northern New Mexico.

A teepee can usually be set up in one day and it is amazing to watch. The set up consists of placing the teepee poles in a tripod design, putting a lift pole in with the teepee cover attached, and finally, bringing the teepee cover around the poles. The teepee liner is inserted inside and is usually tied in bows in intervals around the structure.

Because we are now living in the 21st century’s high tech world, some Taos teepees are wired for electricity in order to accommodate lighting, heating, and TVs... some even have their own satellite dishes!

Of course, there is a long history about the original teepees of the many Indian tribes and pueblo peoples of the Great Southwest, but I thought today I’d just write about the newer teepees owned by Taos residents that can be viewed from the highway coming into town and other surrounding areas. If you are vacationing in Taos, look for the giant teepees on the Taos Drums grounds located five miles south of Taos Plaza on highway 68. ~Jean

Day Trips: High Road to Taos, Part 2 in a Series

2011-05-27T13:18:00.038-06:00

Cordova and Truchas
The next stops on the High Road to Taos are two communities small enough, and close enough together to share a zip code.

Cordova
Originally named Pueblo Quemado for an ancient, burned-out pueblo, Cordova was settled as an expansion from the Chimayo valley. The tiny community was abandoned in 1748 due to renegade Indian attacks, and permanently re-settled by 1750, named Cordova for a prominent local family.

Cordova is best known for the Lopez family of Santeros, or saint-carvers.

Originally, Spanish usage reserved the term santos for holy personages, including the saints as well as the Holy Family and for blessed objects which represent or are associated with them. The term “santero” referred to a wide range of persons who cared for a church or chapel and its furnishings, or who made, repaired, or repainted images. While the term santos has evolved into a broader meaning, including spiritually significant icons as well as animals and other folk images, the meaning of santeros has narrowed, now referring only to those who carve santos.

Jose Dolores Lopez (1868-1937) was a fifth generation santero, and like his forbears, he made his living also by making carved and painted screen doors, frames, nichos, shelves, chairs, tables (and even mailboxes and coffins), as well as being a maker of paper flowers and filigree jewelry, and a weaver. He also served as the town cobbler.

Lopez’s early santos were in the traditional painted style, but in the 1920s he began to develop what would become a unique style to his family; intricately carved santos of natural wood. He made use of the natural grain and unusual shapes present in local woods such as juniper, aspen and cedar.

Though his son George grew up with the tradition, for a time he went his own way, working on the railroad in Colorado, and then in Los Alamos during World War II. During long nights in the railroad camps, George started whittling small santos reminiscent of those he had watched his father carve in his youth. After the war, he returned to Cordova to take up the art full time.

George’s work continued the evolution of the art form, and in 1982, he was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Lopez santero tradition is carried on today by his niece Sabinita Lopez de Ortiz.

Truchas
The next stop on the High Road is Truchas, halfway between Santa Fe and Taos, where it straddles a ridge 8,400 feet above sea level. The colony of Truchas was established by a Spanish land grant in 1754 as an outpost. Built as a walled compound around a plaza, its purpose was to provide a buffer between other Spanish settlements and nomadic Apache and Comanche bands who often raided both Spanish villages and Indian pueblos.

There are numerous traditional crafts in evidence, including weaving, wood carving, furniture making, quiltmaking, and local pueblo pottery. In addition, Truchas has several galleries which feature contemporary local artwork and imported handicrafts.

Because the community has remained unchanged for so long, it still operates by many of the original Spanish land grant bylaws. For example, cars must share the roads with livestock, giving the livestock right-of-way.

Truchas offers stunning views of the Truchas Peaks, part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, (nearly 5,000 feet above the community) and the Espanola Valley. The Truchas Peaks are a beautiful group of mountains with a true wilderness character, making them a destination for serious hikers and climbers.

More about Cordova, New Mexico

More about Truchas, New Mexico

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Howdy

2011-05-25T13:58:00.000-06:00

Definition: “An informal friendly greeting, particularly associated with the Western United States, as in ‘howdy, stranger.’ ” Origin: 1820–1830; from the phrase “how do ye?” It is typically associated with the American Southern accent, especially from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi. It is also a well-known phrase, as used by cowboys in early- to mid-20th century Western movies. ~Jean

A Bit of Baby Boomer Howdy Trivia: Gosh, how I dreamed of being on “The Howdy Doody Show”! Oh, to be a part of the “Peanut Gallery” while Howdy and Buffalo Bob did their thing! Of course, it wasn’t possible, as I lived in the heartland of America, far, far away from the big city studio where the show was produced. We did, however, have a local kiddie show that was hosted by “Foreman Scotty” (one of the TV station’s newsmen). The highlight of our show was when they would move the camera around back and forth on the rows of kids, and whoever it stopped on would win the “Lucky Horseshoe.” One of my close friends actually won it, and all us kids just stared at it in awe. Those were the days. ~Jean

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Recipe of the Month: Black Bean and Chipotle Salsa

2011-05-23T15:02:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

4 cups ripe chopped tomatoes
1 16-oz. can of black beans, rinsed and well drained
1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned sweet corn, well drained
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
1 teaspoon fire-roasted jalapenos (optional)
1 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Heat the olive oil, add the corn, and salt to taste. Roast on medium high heat until corn starts crackling. NOTE: If using fresh corn, move onto step two and add the corn last.

Turn the heat down to medium low. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until aromatic, do not brown the garlic.

Add half the chopped tomatoes. Sauté a few minutes until the tomatoes have cooked down to half their volume, remove from heat.

Add the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir and cover. Let stand 30 minutes or refrigerate before serving.

Enjoy!

Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally

2011-05-20T13:39:00.019-06:00

Q: What has 30,000 motorcycles, 100 vendors selling food, leather and motorcycle accessories, live music in the glorious Southern Rocky Mountains, and a tour to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation?

A: It’s the biggest motorcycle rally in New Mexico, and a nearly three decade tradition in the little town of Red River: the Red River Memorial Day Weekend Motorcycle Rally.

Red River is one of New Mexico’s most popular summer vacation destinations due to its breathtaking scenery and cool mountain temperatures. Located in the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains, Red River is surrounded by over one million acres of National Forest, offering a wealth of recreational activities and some spectacular mountain rides; including the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, one of Northern New Mexico’s most popular day trips. This more than 80-mile trip takes you through Eagle Nest, Angel Fire, Taos and Questa, with amazing views of both alpine forest and high desert plateaus. For explorers, this beautiful ride has a lot to offer: the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Angel Fire, the oldest continually inhabited pueblo in America (Taos Pueblo), the Taos Gorge, the DH Lawrence Ranch, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and Valle Vidal.

There are plenty of scheduled activities in Red River, with new ones added every year, so get on the road and head to New Mexico to kick off a great summer of riding in Red River, New Mexico.

More about the Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally

More about the Enchanted Circle

High Desert Plants & Wildlife: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 2

2011-05-18T12:40:00.001-06:00

Two types of cacti are most prevelant in Northern New Mexico: Prickly Pear and Cholla. We will now talk about Cholla.

Chollas are also members of the Opuntia genus but have cylindrical, jointed stems rather than flat pads. Cholla cacti represent more than 20 species of the Opuntia genus in the North American deserts. Chollas are the only cactus with papery sheaths covering their spines. These sheaths are often bright and colorful, providing the cactus with its distinctive appearance.

Most Cholla cactus have orange or greenish-yellow flowers with a variety of colors. Most species bloom April through June, depending on local conditions. Stems and joints vary in width, length, shape, and color, as well as in the profusion of spines and glochids. Chollas may appear as ground creepers, shrubs or trees, varying in height from less than a foot to as tall as 15 feet.

Chollas are usually fast-growing, take little care, and many are very hardy. These beautiful cacti are famous for their distinct character and are standouts as specimens. Some Opuntias are miniatures that span only inches, and are essentially ground covers, while others are arborescent tree forms ranging up to 20 feet in height.

Like other cacti, most Chollas have large spines (actually modified leaves) growing from tubercles (small, wart-like projections) on their stems. But members of the Opuntia genus are unique because of their clusters of fine, tiny, barbed spines called glochids. Found just above the cluster of regular spines, glochids are yellow or red in color and detach easily from the pads. Glochids are often difficult to see and more difficult to remove, once lodged in the skin.

Read more about Northern New Mexico Cactus on Taos Unlimited

Historic Southwestern Biography: Pawnee Bill

2011-05-16T14:46:00.033-06:00

Wild West Showman Gordon “Pawnee Bill” Lillie joined the first Buffalo Bill Wild West show at age 23, after spending a number of years living with the Pawnee Indians in Oklahoma. After being recruited to organize a Pawnee performing troupe, he joined the show as a performer and interpreter. While on tour with the show in Philadelphia, he met May Manning, a 15-year-old Quaker girl, who was watching the parade. Gordon was smitten, and after two years of a long distance courtship they were married.

Gordon gave his new bride a pony and a rifle as wedding gifts, and May turned out to be a natural horsewoman and a natural shot, as well. Lillie went on to feature May in all his shows as “Champion Girl Horseback Shot of the West.” She was one of the first women to perform as an equestrian and shooter in American Wild West Shows.

After his marriage, Lillie found backers for a show of his own, and in 1888 took the “Pawnee Bill Wild West Show” on the road. After only one season it failed, but Lillie had many irons in the fire, and after receiving some notoriety for leading the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, he reorganized his show and named it “Pawnee Bill’s Historical Wild West Indian Museum and Encampment.” This time the show met with success.

After a number of years touring with different versions of his show, Pawnee Bill would join forces with Buffalo Bill to create the last show either would produce, “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Pawnee Bill’s Great Far East Show.” The show ran for five years, finally closing in Denver Colorado in 1913, but while it ran, it was the entertainment triumph of the ages.

Bill and May settled into a more private life on their land in Pawnee, Oklahoma. As years went by, they started a buffalo ranch, a movie production company, and developed a wide variety of interests.

Several of their “Wild West Show” friends had settled in Taos, New Mexico, and the Lillies made a habit of spending part of every summer in Taos, where they added greatly to their circle of friends. Among that circle were Doc and Helen Martin, who had important roles in the founding of the Northern New Mexico community. Doc and Helen had purchased a number of buildings surrounding a small plaza, and over the years had provided lodging for artists and others who were new to the area, which in the meantime had become a thriving art colony.

When Doc died, Helen bought the last of the properties on the Plaza and made it official. The Hotel Martin (now the Taos Inn) opened in 1936 with a grand celebration. On hand for the events were their friends Pawnee Bill and May, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary that summer in Taos. It would be the last time the Lillies visited Taos together.

Pawnee Bill was without a doubt, one of the foremost Wild West Showmen, and a perpetuator of the Wild West as both history and myth in America.

This year the Taos Inn is again having a grand celebration for its 75th anniversary.

Visit the Taos Unlimited Wild West Section for More on Pawnee Bill

More about the the Doc and Helen Martin and The Taos Inn

More about Taos as an Art Colony on Taos Unlimited

Three Cultures of Good Luck

2011-05-13T12:45:00.048-06:00

Hispanic

The Milagro

Literally meaning “miracle,” a milagro is a charm or talisman, sometimes offered to a particular saint, and made in their image. Milagros are also made to represent animals, an affected part of the body, or an object. Often connected with specific prayers, these charms originated with the ancient Iberians who inhabited Spain. Milagros have been used extensively in Spain and the Americas for centuries, and are made from many different materials, depending on local customs. They can be flat or fully dimensional, and fabricated from gold, silver, tin, lead, wood, bone, or wax. They are often made as a charm, to be pinned to, or nearby the statue of a saint.

In New Mexico, the majority of milagros take the form of small metal charms, and can be found adorning shrines and devotional niches. In recent times, milagros have evolved into charms used in jewelry which can be worn on the person, as an amulet, or purely as decoration.

The Ristra

Each year after the harvest, chiles, garlic and other produce are hung out to dry to save for later consumption. They may be made into a wreath, or tied at various heights on string, a form which is known as a ristra. Chile ristras can be found throughout New Mexico, conspicuously hanging from portals by the front door to welcome visitors and bring good fortune to the home.

Traditionally, chiles were also used as amulets to ward off malaria, the plague, the evil eye (mal de ojo), bad luck, and bewitchment. Thus, another part of the belief that chile ristras bring goodness or good luck in general. Originating in Mexico, this practice has spread throughout the Southwestern United States.

Native American

The Fetish

Zuni fetishes depict animals and icons integral to their culture and mythology. According to Zuni tradition, there were animals associated with each of the six directions which were carved for ceremonial use, as well as others with ceremonial meaning. Additionally, fetishes might be a power animal for the carver, embodying the spirit of the animal as protection and to lend strength to its bearer.

Other Zuni fetish carvings depict animals and reptiles such as the frog, turtle, buffalo, deer, ram, otter, and others. There are many more subjects of contemporary carvers, including dinosaurs, for example, which would be considered non-traditional. In addition, there are numerous insect and reptile fetishes which are integral to Zuni mythology and folklore, petroglyphs, and patterns of design in pottery: for example, dragonflies, butterflies, water spiders, and lizards.

Fetishes were carved from stone indigenous to the region, or procured by trade, the most important of which was turquoise, which is considered by the Zuni as the sacred stone. Jet, animal shell and coral were also frequently used. Other materials used include jasper, pipestone, marble, and organic items such as bone and deer or elk antler. There are some Zuni carvers who will not carve fetishes from bone or antler, considering the practice to be dangerous.

The Kachina

Kachinas are depictions of spirits, often in the form of a doll, traditionally made for ceremonial uses. There are virtually hundreds of Kachinas, some with meaning to one or several related tribes, while others appear almost universally in tribal legends.

Perhaps the most well known Kachina is the Kokopelli. Found also in the mythology of the Zuni, Kokopelli is a Hopi fertility god, also known as a prankster, hunter, healer, musician, dancer and storyteller. As a fertility spirit, many Kokopellis found as petroglyphs were depicted with an erect phallus, but contemporary Kokopellis tend to be more modest, wearing a long loincloth or tunic which covers the genital area. While many believe that Kokopelli was humpbacked, tradition has it that he carried a trader’s bag on his back.

In some Hopi tales, Kokopelli’s bag contains gifts that he uses to attract women. In others, he carries a baby on his back and leaves it with a young woman. As a trickster, he appears in the folktales and mythology of many different peoples. Kokopelli’s flute is similar to the flutes used in Native American religious rituals. As a hunter, Kokopelli may play the flute to attract the mountain sheep he is hunting. The Zuni call him a rain priest and connect him and his music with the gift of rain. According to the Hopi, Kokopelli warmed the land and the winds by playing his flute as he led them to their homeland. And lastly, some legends suggest that Kokopelli was a real ancient Toltec trader who played the flute and traveled routes between Mexico, the West Coast, and the Southwest.

Anglo

The Horseshoe

When kept as a talisman, a horseshoe is said to bring good luck. The most common belief is that hanging it with the ends pointing upwards is good luck. Some feel this is because the horseshoe itself is good luck, and this keeps the luck in. Others believe that the horseshoe acts as a container which catches any good luck that happens to be drifting by. Many believers hold that to hang the horseshoe with the ends pointing down allows the good luck to fall out. There are others, however, who believe that the shoe should be hung with its ends pointing down, as it will then release its luck to the people around it.

Horseshoes were considered lucky in part because they were made by blacksmiths, which was considered to be a very powerful and lucky trade. Blacksmiths were thought to have special powers because they worked with elemental fire and iron. Iron was considered magical because of its superior strength and ability to withstand fire. Centuries ago, iron was used as a charm to ward off evil spirits.

Another aspect of the horseshoe that added to its good luck was the fact that it was commonly held in place by seven iron nails; seven being thought of as the luckiest number since ancient times. Life was thought to be divided into seven ages; a rainbow has seven colors; astrology once held that seven planets made up the universe; a seventh child was thought to have special powers; there are seven days in a week; the moon changes from one phase to another every seven days; and the body is completely remade every seven years.

The Wishbone

Sometimes called the “merrythought” in Great Britain, the wishbone is the collarbone of fowl, especially the chicken and the turkey. It is the custom to save this bone intact when carving the bird at dinner and to dry it over the stove or by the fire (or sometimes, to dry it for three days in the air, three being a fortuitous magical number) until it is brittle.

Once the merrythought is dry, it is given to two people (usually children), who pull it by the pinkie fingers until it cracks and breaks, each one making a wish while doing so. The person who gets the “long half” of the wishbone will have his or her wish come true. This wish must never be spoken out loud and must remain secret to the wisher or it will never come true. If the wishbone breaks evenly, both parties get their wishes.

The term “wishbone” is believed to have come from the ancient Italians who read the future in the bird’s entrails. It is believed that people also started thinking the wishbone was lucky because they were sure that hens and cocks were fortune tellers at soul, as proven in their ability to foretell the break of the day.

As an amulet the wishbone represents wish fulfillment and is sometimes artistically represented in gold or silver pendants or brooches. The term “getting a lucky break” originated from the wishbone ritual, referring to having received abundance or winning a prize. The wishbone has also been used as a fertility charm. Maidens would hang wishbones over the doorway in their homes to attract a suitor to their hearth.
Above: Photo of wishbone courtesy aligibbons.com

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Xeriscape

2011-05-11T12:15:00.000-06:00

A landscaping method which requires little or no irrigation or maintenance, used to conserve water in arid regions. Rather than a specific style, Xeriscape is the employment of seven basic landscaping principles. Each principle is considered in the planning and designing phase, and is installed in a particular sequence.

The seven principles of Xeriscape are: planning and designing, soil improvements, efficient irrigation, zoning plants, mulches, turf alternatives, and appropriate maintenance. A new Xeriscape garden will require a similar amount of time to maintain as a traditionally landscaped garden, but it decreases over time. ~Aimee

Feature in Taos Counterculture on Xeriscape Gardening & Landscaping

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Get Ready to Vacation in Northern New Mexico

2011-05-09T13:04:00.000-06:00

Northern New Mexico is a virtual cultural and recreational playground. The high desert plateaus and Southern Rocky Mountains provide a fantastic variety of landscapes which accommodate an abundance of outdoor opportunities. It’s the ideal place for a wonderful summer vacation, whether you enjoy an active, sports oriented lifestyle, or prefer to relax and take in the mountain air, reveling in the sights and sounds of alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, singing birds and wildlife.

Our recreation is the best!
The plateaus and mountain forests offer numerous terrains for mountain biking. Rafting enthusiasts have a full range of choices. One favorite is a leisurely three-day trip on the Rio Chama, that offers mild rapids suitable for families with small children. Experienced rafting enthusiasts can take on the challenging Taos Box run on the Rio Grande, with class 3 to 5 rapids.

Trail riding enthusiasts can take anything from an hour ride on Taos Pueblo land to a three-day trek through the Carson National Forest. And for those who want a taste of the old west, you can get off your horse at the end of the day and enjoy a cowboy-themed outdoor dinner with entertainment and all the “fixins.”

The fly fishing is great!
New Mexico’s native cutthroat trout offers the fly fisherman a real challenge. Local guides not only know all the best fishing places, but with years to develop their skills, they are able to help even the experienced angler to improve their technique.

Red rocks abound!
Have you always felt you were part mountain goat? Then climbing is your game, and there are plenty of fantastic opportunities to get a bird’s eye view of red rock panoramas (with expert guides, of course). And if slower ascents are more to your liking, take a hike with a llama! They are happy to carry the heavy stuff, so you can spend your time enjoying the scenery, hiking at a leisurely pace and enjoying gourmet meals at your campsite... something you wouldn’t be doing if you had to carry all the gear yourself!

The eats can't be beat!
And while we’re on the subject of fine foods, et al, how about an early-morning champagne toast while aloft in a hot-air balloon? Northern New Mexico’s high desert provides the perfect updrafts for fantastic ballooning experiences.

Another option is to take a lovely drive along the Rio Grande river road to Velarde, where you can tour one of New Mexico’s award-winning wineries, or enjoy a game of golf that offers one of the most stunning vistas in the Southwest.

History speaks for itself!
And of course, we can’t forget that this area is rich in history. Taos Pueblo is the oldest occupied dwelling in the United States and the biggest tourist attraction in the area. From Northern New Mexico’s rich “Wild West” history to Taos’ place as one of the most important art colonies in the United States, there are abundant opportunities to discover the fascinating history of the area, with museums and art galleries to suit every interest.

And when your day of exploration, play, or relaxation is over, you have a tremendous variety of fine lodging to choose from. Perhaps you will enjoy beautifully restored historic inns on or near the plaza, a vacation home of your own, or even an earthship! Taos and the Enchanted Circle area offer a wide variety of charming and unique bed and breakfast inns, cabins and, of course, RV parks for those who like to bring their homes with them.

Whatever your choice, Northern New Mexico has something to offer everyone. So come visit Taos and Santa Fe, and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!

Book vacation lodging in Northern New Mexico

Plan your Northern New Mexico adventure

Yesterday was... Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-06T11:35:00.001-06:00

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “Fifth of May”) is a holiday which has its roots in the French occupation of Mexico. A devastating series of three wars which took place between the years of 1846 and 1860 left the Mexican Treasury nearly bankrupt. In 1861, Mexican President, Benito Juárez, issued a moratorium on the payment of foreign debts for two years in an effort to allow rebuilding of Mexican finances. In response, France, Britain and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, at that time ruled by Napoleon III, decided to use the opportunity to establish an empire in Mexico that would favor French interests.

Late in 1861, the French fleet stormed Veracruz, landing a large army which drove President Juárez and his government into retreat. Moving then towards Mexico City, the French army encountered heavy resistance from the Mexicans near Puebla, at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. The 8,000-strong French army, which at that time was the best in the world, attacked the much more poorly equipped Mexican army of 4,000. Yet, in the early hours of May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the victory occurred. While observance of Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is rather sedate, the date is observed in the United States more as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Some cities hold parades and other events. There is traditional dancing, lots of food, and more than an abundance of fine Mexican beer, lending the celebration a closer resemblance to St. Patrick’s Day than Armistice Day.

Turquoise Shopping Tips: Part 2 in a Series

2011-05-04T12:59:00.001-06:00

When buying turquoise, there are many things to take into consideration: color or combination of colors and the type of matrix or lack thereof. The deepest colors are the most rare and the fine, spiderlike matrix is the least common.

Many people purchase turquoise that is mined from a particular area. Bisbee turquoise is from Arizona, while Number Eight is from a mine in Nevada. Tyrone turquoise is from New Mexico, as is the highly-prized green colored Cerrillos turquoise.

There are over 100 named turquoise mines around the world. Many mines are named after a nearby town, such as Kingman (Arizona) or the above-mentioned Cerrillos. Others are named after the miners themselves, like McGinnis or Godber.

More about Turquoise on Taos Unlimited

May’s Not Really Spring

2011-05-02T19:23:00.015-06:00

Sweet, warm breezes tickle the flowering trees, flowers are blooming... (insert sound effect of phonograph needle skipping across record here). Oh wait, this is spring in New Mexico!

There’s a famous quotation by Mark Twain, which I have heard attributed to New England, where he lived, and the midwest, where he lived; but in truth, it could probably apply to almost anywhere. It goes like this: “Don't like the weather? Wait a minute!”

Well, that’s certainly true of Northern New Mexico in the springtime, and while this year we already have trees in flower and we did have about six weeks of warm weather, we also had a snowstorm today... it was a downright blizzard outside. It was enough snow to stick. And enough for the dogs to enjoy their version of snow cones one more time.

Every spring we have some amount of warm weather, enough to lull me into believing that last snow storm won’t happen. I remember a few weeks ago remarking to someone that I was really confused this year because spring was acting like spring! That got a good laugh of course, because it is so true.

I have received emails from visitors to Taos Unlimited telling me they will be visiting in early May and asking if it is hot enough for shorts and T-shirts yet! I always get a chuckle out of that. I know they’re not expecting the answer I have no choice but to give them... “could be... and you’d better bring a warm coat and hat as well.” I always advise three seasons of clothing for early May visitors. Not really what they want to hear, but I imagine they thank me once they get here.

The great thing about a May snowstorm is that it can’t possibly last. The snow is usually gone in a day, and it almost seems like it might have been a dream. And we all know that 90 degree weather is most certainly just around the corner! ~Aimee

Taos Dogs, Joaquin & Gisela

2011-04-29T12:59:00.012-06:00

My special (and extra sweet) family members are my two dogs, Joaquin and Gisela. Joaquin is a vizsla mix and Gisela is a miniature dachshund. They bring such joy into my life on a daily basis for they are always there with love and affection. And the fun we have! They are simply wonderful. ~Jean

A little about the two breeds. The vizsla is a medium size golden-red/brown pointer. They are one of the most gentle breeds, always seeking harmony within a family group. They are also known for their power in running and a subservient need to groom the ones they love. The name derives from the 1940s from a town in Hungary. The miniature dachshund is a short legged, long-bodied breed, often referred to as the “wiener dog.” The origin of the name dates back to the 19th century, from the German word “badger dog,” since these small, feisty dogs were used to burrow for badgers. Dachshunds are full of love and extremely enthusiastic about life. ~Jean

Day Trips: High Road to Taos, Part 1 in a Series

2011-04-27T19:34:00.023-06:00

Chimayo
The High Road to Taos brings the traveler up 284 North from Santa Fe, through Pojoaque (Po-wa-kay) to Nambe. There, it leaves the highway to travel through the distinct and stunning landscape of the ‘badlands’ between Nambe and the tiny but historically significant village of Chimayo. A stop at this traditional Spanish town is a must, for it holds many mysteries and delights for the visitor. Built of plazas and placitas, Chimayo is home to the oldest surviving fortified plaza in the Southwest.

Chimayo is also home to the “Lourdes of America.” El Santuario de Chimayo is known for the healing powers of the earth, small amounts of which are taken away by the more than 300,000 who visit this shrine each year. The Santuario also attracts thousands of pilgrims who walk dozens, and sometimes hundreds of miles each Easter week to give thanks and ask for blessings.

Chimayo’s history and attraction for the faithful are only the beginning of what this little village has to offer. Stop in at one of its numerous restaurants to enjoy the famous heirloom Chimayo chile, a mild, but extremely flavorful variety of chile which was so prized for medicinal as well as cooking purposes, it was once used as a currency.

Then a look through the many galleries featuring traditional arts of the region is in order. You will find tin-smithing, painting and wood carving. But Chimayo’s best known artists are the Ortega and Trujillo families, who have been practicing traditional Spanish weaving in Chimayo for generations. Their art would ultimately become so revered, that it is now known as the Chimayo style of weaving. You will find blankets, clothing, purses, pillows, furniture mats, seat covers, couch throws, wall hangings, and one-of-a-kind tapestries.

Set as it is in its beautiful high desert landscape, and built of traditional adobe architecture, Chimayo offers the visitor a wealth of fascinating history, as well as exceptional dining and shopping.

Read more about the historic Spanish settlement of Chimayo

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Empanada

2011-04-25T12:39:00.000-06:00

An empanada is a stuffed bread or pastry. The name comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” meaning to wrap or coat in bread. An empanada is made by folding a dough or bread patty around the stuffing. These delightful treats are either savory or sweet: the first being filled with meat, cheese or spinach; the later with pumpkin, yam, sweet potato, and cream, as well as a wide variety of fruit fillings. ~Jean

For more Taos A to Z, visit Taos Unlimited

Good Friday and Easter: The Miracle of El Santuario de Chimayo

2011-04-22T12:13:00.017-06:00

Built on the site of a miracle, the Santuario de Chimayo is believed to be imbued with healing powers, and in fact, there is a long history of miraculous healings at el Santuario de Chimayo.

This beautiful mission style adobe chapel is the most visited church in New Mexico, despite its remote location in the tiny village of Chimayo, 30 miles north of Santa Fe. A small shrine was originally built at the site, but news of the miracles of healing spread so rapidly, that the larger mission style chapel had to be built almost immediately after finishing the original structure. The chapel which currently stands was finished in 1816.

A little well of holy dirt, “el Pocito,” is located in a small room next to the sanctuary. Dirt can be collected in a baggie, or can be purchased in small containers from one of the little shops nearby. Beyond this room is a testament to the miracles of el Pocito and the Santuario, a small sacristy completely filled with the crutches, handmade rosaries, before-and-after photographs, and gifts left behind by those who have been healed.

Following World War II, nearly 2,000 New Mexican soldiers who had served in the Philippines made a pilgrimage to el Santuario de Chimayo to give thanks to Santo Niño de Atocha. A manifestation of Jesus as the Holy Child, Santo Niño has a long history of ministering to the imprisoned. During the long siege of Corregidor and the Bataan Death March which followed, many New Mexican soldiers, some suffering internment in Japanese prison camps, prayed to the Santo Niño de Atocha. Many of these soldiers believed that they were spared as a result of his intervention.

This began the annual Holy Week tradition of walking to el Santuario de Chimayo in honor of the Santo Niño de Atocha. In 1956, the Shrine of Santa Niño de Atocha was built just a short walk from el Santuario de Chimayo, and the tradition of the Easter pilgrimage has continued to flourish. The pilgrimage has now grown to encompass tens of thousands of individuals of all faiths and all walks of life.

And so every year during Holy Week, in the darkness before Good Friday, the faithful line the highways north of Santa Fe carrying crosses and candles. By Easter Sunday tens of thousands of worshipers pass through the doors of el Santuario, taking away with them a bit of the sacred dirt. They come from Santa Fe and Albuquerque and many other destinations, to walk 10, 20, 30, or even 100 miles or more to reach Chimayo. ~Aimee

Learn more about the Miracle of El Santuario de Chimayo

Recipe of the Month: Buttermilk Scones with Dark Chocolate Chunks and Pine Nuts

2011-04-20T12:45:00.000-06:00

Pine Nuts, known as Piñon in New Mexico, is a nut which is harvested from the cones produced by the “State Tree” of the same name. These small, nearly conical shaped nuts are prized for their subtle piney and buttery flavor. Pine nuts from New Mexico trees have a richer butter flavor than those in neighboring states, but can be hard to come by, as New Mexico weather does not always cooperate to produce a harvest.

Ingredients:

2 cups unbleached flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup dark chocolate chunks
1/3 cup pine nuts, roasted on a baking sheet at 200 degrees until JUST golden

Cooking Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425°.

In a medium size bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, sugar and salt.

Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Mix in the chocolate chunks and pine nuts evenly.

Add the buttermilk and stir just enough to moisten the dough, leaving small pockets of crumbled flour and butter unmixed. (DO NOT overmix. This, and a very hot oven, is the secret to great quick breads, scones and biscuits.)

Knead the dough 4 to 5 times and pat into a circle about 1-1/2 inches thick. Place the scones on a lightly floured baking sheet.

Bake for about 15 minutes until golden in color.

Cool a few minutes on a wire rack, otherwise the scones will crumble when you cut them. Serve with butter or whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Have delicious pine nuts and dried fruit from Root Family Farms delivered right to your door!

The Museums of Taos, New Mexico: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 2

2011-04-18T12:25:00.007-06:00

This is the second in a series of blog entries about the museums in Taos, New Mexico, and the surrounding area.

Millicent Rogers Museum

Art patron, stunning beauty, talented designer, and heir to the Standard Oil fortune, Millicent Rogers (1902-1953) settled in Taos in 1947. Her distinguished, once-private art collection of more than 5,000 pieces (including turquoise and silver jewelry, hand-woven baskets and textiles, and traditional San Ildefonso Pueblo pottery) remains one of the most important in the country.

Rogers, a fashion icon in her day, was one of the first Americans to appreciate the silver and turquoise artistry of the Native American jewelry makers. Fifteen galleries feature both permanent and temporary exhibitions of the traditional and comtemporary arts of the Native American and Hispanic cultures of the Southwest.

To read about the other museums in Taos, New Mexico, visit the Museums section on Taos Unlimited

New Mexico’s Wild and Scenic Rivers: Part 1, The Rio Grande

2011-04-15T17:11:00.021-06:00

National Wild and Scenic River status is a designation made by Congress for the purpose of protecting naturally flowing rivers from development which would substantially change their wild or scenic nature.

Selected rivers in the United States are preserved under this designation for possessing “outstandingly remarkable” scenic, recreational, geologic, historic, or other similar values. Rivers, or sections of rivers, so designated are preserved in their free-flowing condition and are not dammed or otherwise impeded.

New Mexico has four designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, which include the Rio Grande, The Rio Chama, the east fork of the Jemez River, and the Pecos. These rivers flow through some of the most breathtaking landscapes New Mexico has to offer.

The Rio Grande and Red River were among the original eight rivers designated by Congress as Wild and Scenic in 1968. The Rio Grande flows out of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in Colorado, winding its way 1,900 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. In Northern New Mexico, the Rio Grande travels through an 800-foot deep canyon of steep volcanic walls (the Rio Grande Rift) better known as the Rio Grande Gorge. Much of the gorge cuts through a wild and remote area of Northern New Mexico. The potential of continued volcanic activity in the gorge is evidenced by the number of hot springs that surface next to the river throughout the canyon.

Recreation opportunities on the Rio Grande in New Mexico include biking, camping, fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting and kayaking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. Observant hikers along the banks of the Rio Grande will come upon petroglyphs (ancient Indian rock art) and fossilized dinosaur tracks.

Find out more about New Mexico’s Wild & Scenic Rivers

Blast from the Past: TV Western Star, Paul Brinegar

2011-04-13T18:41:00.021-06:00

I just finished watching the last episode of the third season of the classic Western, Rawhide. I have spent the last few months watching the first four seasons of the this show while having my daily lunch break, and by gosh, what a great series it was!

Following the Sedalia Trail, Gil Favor (Eric Fleming) leads a band of cowpokes driving their herd to market. The outfit crosses paths with good guys and bad guys along the way in this 1950s Western series that features a memorable theme sung by Frankie Laine. The supporting cast includes a young Clint Eastwood (who gained fame for his portrayal of ramrod, Rowdy Yates), Sheb Wooley (as trail scout, Pete Nolan), and Paul Brinegar (as the grizzled Mountain-Man-turned-drive-cook, Wishbone).

Although he was portraying a 65-year-old man in the series, Brinegar was only 41 at the time the show was first filmed. When his hair started turning gray at the age of 32, he began to appreciate his receding hairline and craggy, lined face as profitable attributes in the acting business. The popular role of Wishbone (from Rawhide) followed Brinegar during his career, and was loosely carried over into the 1968-1970 CBS Western series, Lancer, in which he played the character of ranch handyman, Jelly Hoskins.

With acting credits far too numerous to list here, among them he appeared in 226 episodes of Rawhide, 51 episodes of Lancer, 38 episodes of Wyatt Earp, and 13 episodes of Matt Houston. More... ~Jean

Read the entire feature on Paul Brinegar at Taos Unlimited in our newest entertainment section, My Baby Loves the Western Movies

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Tumbleweed

2011-04-11T12:26:00.033-06:00

The above-ground part of a plant that has died, separates from the root and tumbles away in the wind, tumbleweeds are an icon of the Old West. Usually, the tumbleweed is the entire plant apart from the roots, but in a few species it is a flower cluster. As the tumbleweed is blown around, it disperses its seed. This is most common in desert areas. ~Aimee

If you live in New Mexico and really love the land and the overall environment that is so special to this place, then you will have a fondness for the humble tumbleweed. To me, these dead, sometimes sprigly remnants of sagebrush plants almost sum up the rugged, rustic style that is so honest and true about the Southwest. We love it when tumbleweeds sometimes make their way across our front yard as we just sit and watch. One summer day, my cousin and I saw a spectacular demonstration of nature as it is in New Mexico: a giant whirlwind (or “dust devil”) blew over the right side of our property and within it, swirling high in the air, were about two dozen tumbleweeds. It was fascinating and somewhat breathtaking in its display. Seeing this made me stop and have a little silent moment and inward word of respect to nature and its boundless expressions of something that is so truly larger than myself. ~Jean

A Bit of Tumbleweed Movie Trivia: In the film "Connagher," Katherine Ross is a widow living in the Old West, who is so lonely, she attaches notes and bits of poetry to tumbleweeds. Many of them are found and collected by Sam Elliott, an acquaintance of hers. Unbeknownst to them both, they fall in love with each other through their interaction, as well as through the notes. ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Spring Cleanup in Northern New Mexico

2011-04-08T12:30:00.000-06:00

April is usually the time of year that you really begin to see signs of spring weather in Northern New Mexico. Even though we can still get snow before the month is out and sometimes the temperatures can remain quite chilly even into May, April is the month where people start to come outside and get into the annual cleanup of their properties.

The raking and removal of dead grasses, prepping open pastures for acequia watering in the months ahead, and general “spring cleaning” around homes and out buildings now becomes a common sight in and around Taos.

Roof repairs and other home improvements can be seen happening now... and don’t forget that it's time for traditional spring cleaning inside our homes, as well. The appearance of rakes, plows, brooms, hoses, and hammers all signal that spring is definitely on the way. ~Jean

Whitewater Rafting in Northern New Mexico

2011-04-06T14:27:00.002-06:00

When the spring snowmelt fills the rivers and streams of Northern New Mexico, it’s time to get out the river gear and go rafting. Whitewater rafting is perhaps the greatest adventure park ride ever invented: nature’s combination of a roller coaster and a water ride, and all without the crowds and concrete!

From its humble beginnings only 30 years ago, whitewater rafting has become the centerpiece of complete vacations that include a world of fun activities, both on the river and off. The key ingredient is still the tremendous thrill of the whitewater rafting experience, but many adventurous vacationers combine rafting with trail riding or llama trekking, camping, rock climbing and of course, fishing. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of Northern New Mexico from the vantage point of its rivers and wilderness areas.

For a unique perspective of Northern New Mexico, its rivers offer stunning scenery on nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, with whitewater experiences from the mild to the wild. Raft the Rio Grande or the Rio Chama. Or take on the Taos Box for some challenging whitewater. Trips are available to suit everyone from small children to expert whitewater rafters. Whatever your choice, your whitewater rafting trip will make your New Mexico vacation an experience to remember!

More about rafting in Northern New Mexico

Book your New Mexico whitewater rafting trip!

Vintage Western Cast Iron Toys: Part 2 in a Series

2011-04-04T12:40:00.003-06:00

The Vintage Western toys featured in our Western Funhouse photo albums are from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and (in some cases) beyond. During the early- to mid-20th century, several generations of America kids loved playing with these amazing creations. We've corralled some fine examples of these toys from days gone by for your viewing pleasure. Perhaps they will bring back some fond memories or simply entertain you with their good old-fashioned style.

So have some fun looking through our collection of Vintage Western Toys in the Western Funhouse section of the Taos Unlimited website. We’ll continue now with the cast iron toys.

Taos Unlimited's Vintage Western Cast Iron Toys Photo Album

April, the Windy Month

2011-04-01T13:19:00.000-06:00

I first came to New Mexico 20 years ago to attend the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. At that time, the studios were in old quonset huts surrounding a huge dirt parking lot. It wasn’t long before I came to think of March as the month of ubiquitous mud so deep, it sometimes sucked the boots right off you. But fortunately, it was followed by April, the blessedly dry (but very windy) month. By the end of April, the parking lot was dry, with dirt so hard, it was difficult to believe it had ever been a mud pack.

Of course, I now live in Taos, which sits on an expansive plain surrounded by mountains. It’s colder here, and the climate in many ways is a little different, and because of the huge flatlands, it is quite often very, very windy. But April still seems to be the windiest time of all.

Last year, April was so windy that the local newspaper featured a photo of tumbleweeds stacked up about six feet all along a coyote fence, and I saw so many myself, that I began to feel like I was in a Western movie. There is one in particular which is perfectly suited: Conagher, in which Katherine Ross plays a widow whose loneliness prompts her to write down her thoughts and tie them to tumbleweeds, to make their way through the world. Many miles away, Sam Elliot finds several of them, and of course, you know the ending!

Last April’s brisk winds and huge tumbleweed “harvest” prompted me to write this haiku:

spring winds blowing hard
weeds-a-tumble cross the yard
ahh...New Mexico!

One of the most beloved results of all the wind here is the bumper crop of whimsical kinetic sculptures which dot the landscape. One gallery in town has a front yard full of them, and another devotes an entire field in front of Taos Mountain to the art form. I always look for them when I drive into Taos. The unique landscape of wind sculptures, grazing cattle, and the sacred mountain as a backdrop is such a wonderful reminder of one aspect of the goodness which is Taos, New Mexico. ~Aimee

A New Mexico Cat

2011-03-30T19:20:00.034-06:00

Sadie Lovebug is so named because she is a lover, not a fighter, unless of course there is a feather toy at hand!

Sadie is a tortoise shell kitty, which is a cross between a Siamese and a tiger cat. She has a beautiful coat which in places resembles that of a wild animal rather than a house dweller. She most definitely has the Siamese trait of being a talker, though she is starting to quiet down a bit at age 12. She is a cat with many hobbies, including bird watching, arranging any papers, fabrics or other art supplies I might have on my work table, and watching television while cuddling late at night.

Sadie is also a supervisor. She keeps watch on my work all day from her perch on a trunk by my desk. She also keeps an eye on any sewing or needlework of any kind that I might need to do, and she is the Executive Chef in our kitchen. She makes sure everything is prepared just so.

On the other hand, she does of course have a pet peeve or two, the most notable being the camera flash. She patiently sits for me while I take pictures of her, but it’s clear she doesn’t understand why I would want to torture her in that way. This results in a slightly sad look on her face in just about every photo I have ever taken of her. The only other thing which appears to make her unhappy is when I am too busy for her to get enough cuddle time at night. But that I can certainly agree with!

Sadie has one little habit which I find unique. When she sleeps on her side, she tends to curl her tail around one of her legs, like a furry ankle bracelet. One of these days, I’ll have to get a photo of it. ~Aimee

View Sadie Lovebug's photo album on Taos Unlimited

Juniper Trees... and Allergies

2011-03-28T13:24:00.002-06:00

Juniper is a coniferous plant of the cypress family, with more than 50 varieties ranging all the way from the arctic to tropical Africa. This 25- to 50-foot tree is common in the Southwest, where it causes severe allergic reactions in much of the population during late winter and early spring when it is in flower. Juniper berries are actually a modified pine cone, with fleshy scales that merge together to form an outer skin over the seed, giving it a berry-like appearance. The berries start out green, ripening into a blue, purple or nearly black color in 10 to 18 months, depending on the variety. Single trees will typically contain berries at all stages of the ripening process.

While highly toxic, juniper berries are used for medicinal purposes, in cooking, and for other flavorings. Perhaps the best known use of these highly aromatic berries is the use of green berries in the flavoring of gin, which explains the particularly bad hangover that overindulgence in gin produces.

Juniper berries have diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and are used medicinally to treat a wide range of ailments, including asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, and to hasten childbirth. A folk tale reported in Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs mentions more esoteric uses for juniper: “The plant’s pungent aroma has long recommended it for driving away evil spirits and disease. Legend has it that juniper planted beside the front door will keep out witches; the only way for a witch to get past the plant was by correctly counting its needles.”

Several species of butterfly larvae feed exclusively on juniper, including the Juniper Carpet, Juniper Pug and Pine Beauty, though this is little comfort to those who suffer greatly from allergies! ~Aimee

Read about Trans-resveratrol (a potent source of antioxidants, which has recently been found to help reduce, or completely cure the symptoms of juniper allergies).

Visit the Taos Unlimited Plants & Wildlife section to read more about Juniper

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Alpaca

2011-03-25T12:32:00.001-06:00

The alpaca is a long-haired mammal related to the llama. Indigenous to the high Andean Plateau, alpacas played a central role in the Incan culture. Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing it any type of injury. Alpaca fiber is as soft as cashmere, and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. And as an extra bonus, alpaca fiber comes in more colors than any other fiber-producing animal (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends). This cashmere-like fleece, once reserved only for Incan royalty, is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world. First imported to the United States in 1984, alpacas are now being successfully raised as farm animals throughout the country. They are quite popular in Northern New Mexico, where they are also enjoyed and admired for their gentle nature. ~Aimee

Read more about Taos, Santa Fe, and Northern New Mexico on Taos A to Z

Recipe of the Month: Green Chile Stew

2011-03-23T13:29:00.002-06:00

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. olive oil
2 lbs. cubed pork stew meat
1-1/2 large yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chopped, roasted green chiles
1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14-1/2 ounces)
2 yellow squash, cut in 1-inch cubes
1 cup fresh steamed, or frozen corn kernels
1 can pinto beans, drained (16 ounces)
1 cup tomatillo salsa
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt, pepper, paprika and chile powder, and add to pot. Cook until well-browned on all sides.

Remove browned pork and set aside. Lower heat to medium, and stir in the onion, garlic and squash. Cook and stir until the onion is soft and clear.

Return the pork to the pot, and stir in the green chiles, corn, diced tomatoes with juice, tomatillo salsa, and chicken broth. Add oregano and ground clove.

Raise heat to medium-high, and quickly bring a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, spoon off 2 cups of the soup, making certain it contains NO pork pieces, and pour into a blender.

Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree until smooth, then pour back into the cooking pot.

This is a good way to thicken the stew and eliminate some of the chunkier pieces.

Continue to simmer at least 30 minutes to one hour more, stirring occasionally, until the pork is very tender.

Serve with rice, beans and corn tortillas.

Enjoy!

Buy authentic New Mexico Green and Red Chile, Chile Sauces, and Salsas

Yesterday was... The First Day of Spring

2011-03-21T12:22:00.002-06:00

Even though we do get the four seasons of the year in Northern New Mexico, they aren’t defined in a crystal clear fashion. Spring in Taos has seemed to become more and more muddled; the winter months have days with spring-like skies and temperatures, yet on the actual first day of Spring, we are usually stuck with leaf-less trees and brown ground...and it can still snow up to the end of April! But, all the natives know this and everything is still great. So...

Come visit us in Taos and the other Northern New Mexico towns and cities. It’s always a good time to be here! ~Jean

High Desert Plants & Wildlife: A Taos Unlimited Blog Series, Part 1

2011-03-18T12:58:00.002-06:00

Two types of cacti are most prevalent in Northern New Mexico: Prickly Pear and Cholla. We will begin with the Prickly Pear.

Prickly Pear cacti represent about a dozen species of the Opuntia genus (Family Cactaceae) in the North American deserts. All have flat, fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually modified branches or stems that serve several functions: water storage, photosynthesis and flower production.

The fruits of most Prickly Pear cactus are edible and sold in stores under the name "Tuna." Prickly Pear branches (the pads) are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They, too, are sold in stores under the name "Nopalito." Because of the glochids, great care is required when harvesting or preparing Prickly Pear cactus. Prickly Pear nectar is made with the juice and pulp of the fruits.

Most Prickly Pear cactus have yellow, red or purple flowers, even among the same species. They vary in height from less than a foot to 6 or 7 feet. Pads can vary in width, length, shape and color.

Prickly Pears are usually fast-growing, take little care, and many are very hardy. These beautiful cacti are famous for their distinct character and are standouts as specimens. Some Opuntias are miniatures that span only inches, and are essentially ground covers, while others are arborescent tree forms ranging up to 20 feet in height.

Like other cacti, most Prickly Pears have large spines (actually modified leaves) growing from tubercles (small, wart-like projections) on their stems. But members of the Opuntia genus are unique because of their clusters of fine, tiny, barbed spines called glochids. Found just above the cluster of regular spines, glochids are yellow or red in color and detach easily from the pads. Glochids are often difficult to see and more difficult to remove, once lodged in the skin.

There has been medical interest in the Prickly Pear plant. Some studies have shown that the pectin contained in the Prickly Pear pulp lowers levels of "bad" cholesterol while leaving "good" cholesterol levels unchanged. Another study found that the fibrous pectin in the fruit may lowers a diabetic’s need for insulin. Both fruits and pads of the Prickly Pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that help keep blood sugar stable. There are on going studies and at this point there are no proven results on humans.

Many types of Prickly Pear cactus can grow into dense, tangled structures. They are the most cold-tolerant of the cacti, extending into northern Canada.

Read more about Northern New Mexico Cactus on Taos Unlimited

Tomorrow is... St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-16T12:47:00.000-06:00

On the surface, it would appear that New Mexico has very little in common with Ireland. For one, the Emerald Isle is just that, an island. It's green and lush and surrounded by the ocean. It rains a LOT. While soda bread and cabbage and Colcannon are yummy, they are the antithesis of spicy... as unlike traditional New Mexican fare as could possibly be. The question which brings New Mexicans to the table is Red or Green (chile), while the question in Ireland is Green or Orange (Catholic or Protestant), and has had a very divisive effect on the populace for centuries.

Common knowledge has it that the Irish came to America because of a potato famine. And that is true, but it is only a part of the truth. Ireland was an early colony of Great Britain. And while the country was rich in seafood, produce and livestock, the British rulers confiscated it all to be exported to England, leaving the Irish with a few fish, potatoes and kelp. And so when the potato famine hit, Ireland's native population was decimated. Many made their way to England to work, and many braved the ocean crossing to come to America.

Irish immigrants in America soon became the backbone of society, filling the ranks of the fire department and constabulary in many U.S. cities, bringing with them a rich culture of stories and music, an easy laugh, and a willingness to do the hard jobs.

But in a very unusual way Ireland was always blessed. It is one of only four countries on earth which has no snakes. For that, the Irish everywhere honor St. Patrick, who, according to legend, drove the snakes into the sea sometime during the fifth century, banishing them from Ireland forever.

Here again on the surface, it would appear we New Mexicans have nothing in common with Ireland, for we certainly have our share of snakes. But we do have a little guy we revere, who does his best to keep the snake population down. And that’s our state bird, the roadrunner, whose diet consists largely of lizards and snakes.

So on March 17th this year, as New Mexicans sit down to their green chile (which I understand is great with corned beef!) or celebrate the day in their favorite tavern, let’s all remember to raise a glass to our little roadrunner, the closest thing we have to St. Patrick. ~Aimee

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at One of Taos’ Favorite Watering Holes

The Quiet Time of the Year

2011-03-14T16:56:00.001-06:00

Although winter has never been my favorite season, there is something to say about this phase of winter in Northern New Mexico: it’s quiet, especially in the rural areas just outside Taos.

Sometimes the days are crispy cold with a glorious clear blue sky, some days are almost spring-like in temperature, and sometimes we get one of those really gray days that makes you think it’ll never be anything but winter again.

Even on a gray day, when all the grass is taupe-y colored and dead looking, the peaceful quietness of it all makes up for any potential gloom that’s lurking around the corner (if too many of these monotone days come one after another). There’s a feeling of cozy safeness that comes with the “quiet.”

It’s nice to come outside, even if only briefly, and hear: quiet. Nobody’s out and about or making house repairs, and even the sound of children playing somewhere in the distance is missing from the aural landscape.

Taos’ rural areas really do go into hibernation, allowing us all to take it a little easier for awhile, so we’ll be ready for a more active spring and summer and the multitude of energetic sounds those seasons will bring. ~Jean

Upcoming Section on Taos Unlimited

2011-03-11T14:00:00.002-07:00

We’ve got some great upcoming features that we’ll be debuting this year on the Taos Unlimited website. It's definitely going to be an exciting year of expansion!

One feature that I am working on right now is “Movie Locations of the Great Southwest!” It’s a whole new feature in The Wild West section that will provide information about dozens of scenic areas in the Southwest where movies were filmed from the 1950s through the 2000s. I hope to launch this very large project sometime this summer. ~Jean

Taos A to Z Excerpt: Kiva Fireplace

2011-03-09T11:54:00.002-07:00

A dome or beehive shaped fireplace made of adobe bricks covered with plaster. The kiva fireplace has an arched opening, and is often built into the corner of a living room, bedroom, or kitchen. They are also found on some outdoor patios. This style of fireplace is commonly found in the authentic adobe-style homes in Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico. ~Aimee

Find a lot more Taos Style on Taos A to Z

Spring Break in the Taos, New Mexico Area

2011-03-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

With the ski season winding down, it's not common knowledge that March is the best snow fall month in New Mexico. And there are many great activities happening at Northern New Mexico's ski resort towns during February and March. For snow sports enthusiasts, it is the Spring Break destination of choice. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on Mardi Gras or the beach!

Those seeking world class skiing are sure to find their niche at Taos Ski Valley, and there is no better ski destination for families and those who want a more relaxed ski vacation experience than Red River or Angel Fire. Each of these resorts sponsors Spring Break related events, ending their seasons with the traditional Pond Skimming. So bring your suits, tubes and pool toys...and don't forget your skis or snowboards!

Read more about Spring Break Events in Northern New Mexico