Click on image to enlarge calendar photo for February 2009.

Click on image to enlarge calendar dates for February 2009.

GUESS WHO IS VISITING IN SANTA FE?

Elliott is pensive as he eyes his new surroundings.....

We are so happy that he is here in Santa Fe..........

Sisi is so happy that he is here in Santa Fe..............

Great-Grandma is so happy that he is here in Santa Fe...........

Elliott's parents are happy to be in Santa Fe too...

The family that plays together, stays together..............

It's a pleasure to see you, precious Baby Boy!

Inauguration Day!

It's January 20, 2009--Inauguration Day for Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.......

We are thrilled to witness this historic occasion that we have worked for and hoped for for so long.....

Giano arrives to witness history alongside his family.....

We hold hands in anticipation of the Presidential Oath......

Meanwhile in Washington, a record crowd of over 3 million gathers on the National Mall.....(Photos courtesy of Frannie)

Among the millions are our own three beautiful daughters....

Baby Binks is braced against the cold.............

From their spot just behind the Washington Monument, they cannot see the Capitol, but they can see everything quite well on giant screen monitors....

Celebration in Santa Fe as the oath is taken!.....................................

The crowd hears a memorable Inauguration Speech..............

We watch the continuing Inauguration Day Activities in the comfort of our living room...........

The girls celebrate in Washington as the crowd disperses and they start the arduous trek back to New York via a states-long traffic jam.............

But for this shinning moment, they have partied like Barack stars!..............

A parting shot of the White House on this historic day................

While back home in Santa Fe we continue a day-long viewing of history.........

HAIL TO THE CHIEF!!

TRAIN RIDE TO ALBUQUERQUE

Despite my utter annoyance at the State of New Mexico for asking us residents of Santa Fe County to pay more taxes to support the maintenance of a train that was neither needed nor requested by the taxpayers, I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth when free rides were offered for the first few months........

Folks are gathering for the early morning train to Albuquerque.......

Here come the Montoyas.........

They are also are not ones to refuse a free ride.....

What was that old tune?--"Throw Mama From The Train a Kiss Goodbye"......

I was not quick enough to snap a photo of our beloved old homestead on Santa Rosa Drive.....

Nor was I quick enough to snap a photo of Bob Keesing sitting naked in his hot tub--his own personal protest against the powers-who-be for ruining the tranquility of his backyard with their elevated track.......This is on the outskirts of Santa Fe......

The AP assigned a photographer to record the trip.....

The Albuquerque Depot.....

An "Alvaradoesque" complex on the site of the old Alvarado Hotel.....

The lobby. We de-trained and crossed the street to partake of a late breakfast and a movie.....

After the movie, it was across the street again to wait for the next train back to Santa Fe.....

Walking down the arcade.....

The shadows fall quite early in mid-winter......

A modern dome in the station.....

HAIL, HAIL, THE GANG'S ALL HERE!.........

She's still a fierce beauty.....

So is she........

Homeward bound.........

There is just a few more weeks for free trips, so if you're interested, the time is NOW!

BABY BINKS IS 25 TODAY!

Happy Birthday to our beautiful Bianca Luz! We hope this day is as special for you as you have always been for us! We love you!

AWARD'S PRESENTATION

Sylvia Ann Chavez accepts her award for being declared the winner of the first Caption Competition for CieloAzulHappenings Blog before an adoring throng at the Waldorf Astoria on Saturday. Ms Chavez will retain the title of Captionist Laureate until such time as she is unseated in this ever escalating sweepstakes. Stay tuned for future announcements on this site.....

BREAKING NEWS!!! BREAKING NEWS!!!
Sylvia Ann Chavez has been declared the winner of the first Caption Contest on this blog!! Stay tuned on Monday to see the award presentation!
If you would like to read her winning caption, just scroll down to the last photo (of Artie) under the
A WINTER'S RESPITE AT TIA SOPHIA'S heading and click on the "Comments" link.
Congratulations to Ms Chavez on her wry and comical caption.

Giano's Birthday

That happy day has come once more......

And Giano has several presents to open.....

The Cleaver family has honored him with a Mexican Mask of a panther.....

Everybody loves Giano on his birthday!--and every day!......

Speaking of panthers.........."Hey. when is MY birthday?"