CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2013....

 

 Well, one of the lights of our life, Miss Chiara, is home for Christmas, so we are planning something fun for today.....

 So as last night's full moon sets in the west, we are planning something exciting for the hours before we pick up Miss Bianca late tonight in Albuquerque......

After many years of wanting this experience, we are attending the "River of Light" exhibit at the Albuquerque Botanical Garden......

Where we are greeted by the abundance of fantastical light displays set up among the plantings.  There is also interesting music and many of the displays are animated, so it a feast for the senses....

 Here we meet up with Albuquerque's "super couple".....

 And their darling son, Benicio.....

 Enjoy the displays.....

 

 

 The fabulous African section....

 

 

And my VERY favorite!

 

 Time for a break in this inviting "casa"

 With homey lace curtains, poinsettias....

 And a chance for the gang to warm up and get some warm snacks and even a beer before continuing on....

 

Long time friends get to "catch up".....

 

 All refreshed, we're off again to see the sights.....

 Like the huge indoor greenhouse...

 O FAIR NEW MEXICO

 WE LOVE, WE LOVE YOU SO.....

 Buddies.....

 

Two WILD and crazy girls......

 

 View across the pond.....

 We all live in a YELLOW SUBMARINE.....

All these guys are animated....

 

 

These girls are too.... 

 

 I couldn't quite catch it, but the anteater's tongue lights up and catches a lighted up fly.....

 

And so, after a night of delightful spectacle--A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!.....

(Psychedelic Cadillac!)

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS....

 

Wishing you the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years!!

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR...

 

 As the December sun rises over Santa Fe.....

 We at Cielo Azul are all ready for the wonderful, magical season of the holidays.....

 So as the full moon sets in the early hours of morning....

 The Chinese room is ready and waiting for the girls...

 Mommie is full of anticipation.....

 But first, it's time to bundle up to meet some special folks....

 Like Patsy and Milt...

 At Del Charro Grill....

For our retired teacher's luncheon......

 Next day, there's still lots to prepare....

 But, "What ME worry?".....

 Because somebody wonderful is coming in on the train....

 And I can hardly wait....

 There she is!--it's Kiki!..............

 While Miss Chiara is getting her bearings back home, it's off to another delightful lunch at Santa Fe's ultimate Christmas house.....

With Santa Fe's Hostess with the Mostest--Annabell1!......

 The guests delighted in her ample collection of unique nativities....

 And her elegantly appointed table....

 Each setting with a gift packet supplied by Linda.....

 We all took turns posing in the various holiday displays, and Linda chose the Snowman Room---this is just a portion of about 100 snowmen, many of them animated.....

 Annabelle didn't put up her village this year, but this candlelit mini-vllage greeted us through the dining room window as we arrived.....

 Louise poses in a hallway...

 That also included this beautiful modern nativity......

 Josina chose to pose before the gorgeous 12 ft Christmas Tree....

 And we all enjoyed the festive libations....

 Perhaps that's why I posed before the same tree....

 Annabelle's gorgeous centerpiece....

The fireplace is at least 14 feet high....

 Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow--we are happy with our prime rib,cauliflower, broccoli, salad and fresh buns......

 In this lovely dinning room.....

 Not to mention the Red Velvet cake and homemade ice cream that Adolfo made us......

 In true Annabelle style, no guest left without a homemade blanket made just for her......

 So, as Christmas approaches......

 Enjoy these festive days.....

Because it IS the most wonderful time of the year!!!