Up in the early hours of the morning to make it to Espanola by 6:30 am. to work as a volunteer at the BARACK OBAMA--CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN rally.....

This is our team--Gabe from Taos was especially energetic, he will turn eighteen just in time to vote!

This is the front of the line, checking in and going through the metal detectors. The end of the line was almost a mile away winding through the streets of the valley.....

The crowd gathers......

At the very last moment, we volunteers were released to find a spot to watch Barack Obama's speech.....

This young woman was one of the grassroots organizers from Las Vegas. She made one of the introductions on the stage, but then came on down and joined the crowd--she wanted the full impact of the crowd enthusiasm!

It's Baaaaarack!

As he spoke, a woman translated into sign language for the hearing impaired.....

He inspired this crowd just as he has inspired and given hope to an entire beleaguered nation!

Barack Obama under the blue New Mexico sky--he said that this scenery was as beautiful as any he had ever seen......

We were standing behind the speaker, but he repeatedly turned around and spoke directly to us!

Barack Obama addresses one of the largest crowds ever assembled in Northern New Mexico (estimated at 10,000). The mayor of Espanola thanked him for doubling the size of the town.

It was a magnificent speech and an inspirational Day!

Diana's fifteen minutes of fame, a two second appearance on NBC National News.......perhaps I should get a publicist and record a Country/Western album like Joe the Plumber!

IT'S NOVEMBER!

Click on image to enlarge Calendar dates for November2008.

Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for November 2008.

A pinch and a punch for the first of the month from Sisi who has a birthday this month!

THE OPENING OF THE SANTA FE RAILYARD DISTRICT AND PARK

We started our tour at the new home for the Santa Fe Farmer's Market....

This long covered area suns along the Farmer's Market and provides shaded stalls for vendors. At the far end is the Railyard Plaza......

Everyone along side the railroad tracks is waiting for something......

There it is!--the Railrunner Commuter Train.......

Closer it comes......

And closer still........

Then, from the old station, comes the Santa Fe (NPSF) train....

And closer it comes.....

Until they meed nose to nose...

The crowd surges to see...

A locomotive kiss!

It took Dwight's breath away!

The mayor waves to the crowd....

As does another Santa Fe character.....

This is a beautiful day for the celebration--THE NEW MEXICAN estimated 14,000 folks visited the Railyard for this opening.....

The Acequia Madre runs through Railyard Park....

As does this little Acequita devised to water some future test gardens in the park. We met up with Mrs. Rael and Maria here......

Dwight enjoys one of the sodded areas of the park....

We are serenaded by marching bagpipes.....

Maria is a neighbor in the Railyard Neighborhood....

The cutest lady in Santa Fe is enjoying the day.....

This is the view from one of the bridges over the Acequia Madre......

There was a bird show in the children's area......

Hundreds of trees have been planted.....

And a fabulous climbing area had been erected for the kids....

With lots of big boulders.....

And climbing nets.....

This long arcade leads down to the Farmer's Market. It will eventually be covered with vines.....

Hey! It's Floyd!

This will be the rose garden with a sunken glass filled succulent garden.......

And family swings surrounding it.........................

This is part of an art installation along the tracks.....

Inside was a wonderful train exposition....

With mining camps......

And streaking trains....

And cute small towns........

In seasonal color.

Congratulations to the city of Santa Fe for a spectacular opening to a beautiful park and district!