A FOND FAREWELL TO 2008!!

Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for December 2008.

Click on photo to enlarge calendar dates for December 2008.

Some final shots from the back cover of the family calendar for 2008. Click on image to enlarge the view.

A MINI-ROAD TRIP

We're off to a close, but still out-of-town, destination where we are greeted by Angelo at his worksite.....

"Hey, don't forget about me! Aren't kitties allowed on road trips?"

Sorry, we're off to the old Depot in Lamy, New Mexico....

Where an old diner car has been remodeled into a cool restaurant......

Dwight and Louie met the usual garage salers there for a Saturday luncheon....

This is very close to Louie's roots in Galisteo....

Alice is happy to see the varied menu......

Artie is soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of the train....

Al is ready to eat!....

And Sisi feels like she is a character in MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS....

Dwight is lucky to have such a sweet wife to help him make his selections.....

Danny is a big fan of wilty flowers--more photogenic......

As always, Donna is a truly good sport.....

"This is fun!".......

The chef tries to escape after lunch.........

Oh, those crazy Chavezes!....

Danny is happy for all the photo ops in this autumnal afternoon light.....

Louie is used to many women vying for his attention....

"Goodbye, Uncle Lou!"........

Finally back home to our lonely kitty......

"Please don't ever leave me again just so that you can have some fun!"

"Okay, Baby!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!

Happy 24th Birthday, Dude. We hope you have a wonderful birthday and a wonderful year--We love you!!

A VISIT FROM OKLAHOMA COUSINS....

Being the true Oklahoman that he is, Winston is excited that some of his Oklahoma kin are visiting in Santa Fe........

Dwight --in his cool languorous pose--awaits his cousins in Sena Plaza......

We are meeting at the Cantina at Casa Sena and are going to enjoy an evening of great food, fantastic Broadway songs, and even more fantastic company.....

These are our cousins--Sarah and Wade--they are frequent visitors to Santa Fe and it is always a joy to see them again. Y'all come back now!!

A VETERAN'S DAY PARADE

It looks like just your ordinary traffic cop driving by our house.....

But Dwight wouldn't be out front with his coffee just for that...........

No, it's a Veteran's Day Parade!!

Passing right in front of our house!

The parade honored war veterans as well as all those who put their life in peril for the safety of the general public. These are the firemen..........

Who knew?

The firetruck--all gussied up!

Not all of the veterans were men. I bet these ladies had a lot of fun while in service!

Some of the older WWII vets could not march, but were honored just the same.........

As were the Blue Star Mothers.....

I don't know what this contraption is, but I feel safer just looking at it!

Police in formation.....

And the good old Santa Fe High Band is the final component, playing patriotic songs in an inspirational finale! This little example of some of the participants in the parade does not really depict that really a lot of folks were marching in the parade (200-300). Again, America thanks her Veterans for their service!!

"GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!"--IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!

From all of us at Cielo Azul--MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND WE WISH YOU PEACE AND HAPPINESS ON THIS SPECIAL DAY!!

A THANKSGIVING TO REMEMBER....

Once again it's time to reflect on all the blessings we have enjoyed this year.....

We do have something very special to be thankful for this year............

Our precious baby Winston!!!

And Giano too!

At Casa Chavez, Louie is showing off one of the country's best-looking turkeys......(It was brined!)

The turkey is the center of attention and the envy of all!!............

The Thanksgiving well wishes start arriving from loved ones so far away......

This is everybody's highlight of the day.....

And Grandma loves it most of all!!...........

An exhuberant Sisi seems to have had some holiday libation....(Perhaps, the turkey was not the only one to get brined.)

But fortunately she had enough senses about her to set a beautiful holiday table! (Maybe she set the table yesterday....)

Danny is first in line for the serving of the feast.....

Angelo's girlfriend Mazy politely lets the elders and starved go before her.....

Which mystifies Giancarlo......

This cowboy enjoys good grub.....

While some concentrate on liquid refreshment......

A lovely feast for eye and pallet.....

And a good time was had by all!!! Happy Thanksgiving and thank you to the Chavez family for a generous celebration!!!