VOCES DOES LA FONDA--JUNE 2014

DiCaprio wants to accompany us on a very special tour.....

The e-vite to our grand occasion......

A breakfast/tour of LaFonda to honor Maria for her birthday and to thank her for all she has done for our VOCES group.....

It is a great opportunity for all us "cyber buddies" to meet in person....

The Santa Fe room--scene of many Santa Fesano's cherished memories,--is all set up for our tours....

And Ed Pulsifer, Sales Manager of LaFonda ,is sharing his amazing knowledge about LaFonda's history with the group......

Adelina, the impetus behind this event....

Sandra, a history buff, enjoys all the interesting tid-bits about Santa Fe' favorite meeting place.....

Gia up on the newly remodeled BellTower....

Always famed for it's unique views, the Belltower now has a new kitchen and can offer food and libations from 11:00 a.m. to sundown......

One of Santa Fe's Living Treasures--the darling Miss Connie

And the equally darling and equally treasured, Miss Gracie....

Fireplace in one of the remodeled rooms...

Edie is enjoying the tour.....

Colcha embroiders on the curtains of the remodeled rooms....

Ricardo relaxing in the La Fonda spa....

"Sight unseen" for many Santa Fesanos for many years--the LaFonda pool....

Another beloved Native Son--Stephen....

An example of the large and varied art collection at LaFonda.....

It's always "lovely" to see the lovely Linda.......

 Our Kent, "The Patron of all Patrons" beneath a Lantz painting...

 Another Lantz painting in the Lumpkins ballroom...

 Kristi--all the way from Rahma...

 Some of the Ernest Martinez painted windows....

 All the way from Colorado, a Santa Fe native, our lovely Kathy.....

 A whimsical rabbit staircase in the ultra-exclusive Terrazas suites....

 Jim taking a short movie commemorating just "a moment in time......
Follow this link to share that precious "moment in time":  .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNuQhNRU-6E

 Allan and Gia posing in one of Santa Fe's favorite "posing spots"....

 Up close and personal....

 After a lovely Santa Fe plated breakfast, Maria is ready to cut into the desert....

 Her very special cake.....

 We hope all your wishes come true this year, Maria....

 Hope you enjoyed this little view of one of the gems of my hometown....

And of our wonderful little group dedicated to appreciating this lovely little spot, we call home....Santa Fe! (And LaFonda, or course!)

LATE SPRING MISCELLANY...

 In the late spring there are many joys to celebrate for the residents of Cielo Azul......

 Like morning walks to enjoy the vista of the hills of home.....

 Dwight's shot of his stomping grounds........

 I look forward to this view every year--the deep red walls, the lovely blossoms and the crisp lace curtains.....

 Happy hour for the robins at Cielo Azul....

 I get to enjoy these lovely flowers send by the little Bride Elect, because....

 Today is Mother's Day.....

 Even La Conquistadora is celebrating Mother's Day in her niche in the Cathedral....

 Along with mothers of all ages.....

 And mothers arrayed in a multitude of colors....

 Even St. Francis himself, can't help rejoicing in the wonders of springtime...

 Back home, our little newcomer is growing his hair out....

 And fitting right in with his doggie family....

 And is the darling of his human family as well....

 In Europe, Chiara is visiting the "eternal city"....

And Binks and the San Francisco gang wouldn't miss the Bay To Breakers race.....

 Memorial Day is always special to us, following the Jewish custom seen in SCHINDLER'S LIST, we bring stones that we have had at our home for some time, to absorb our energy and decorate them and add messages....

 My first stop is Rosario Cemetery.  Because we have a very hectic few days planned for the actual Memorial Day weekend, I am setting out alone on the Thursday preceding it.  Unfortunately, Dwight has to work....

 At Rosario, we commemorate Aunt Mary and Josie--and Uncle Frank who is buried nearby.....

 There is a semi-permanent grotto erected at Josephine's grave.....

 This is my Uncle Mike and Aunt Carolina's grave....

 And this is Uncle Chic and Aunt Sophie--if Dwight were with me, he would clean the grave, but unfortunately I won't have time on my singular pilgrimage....

 Can never forget our wonderful neighbors--the Salazars....

 All together, I will decorate forty graves today....

 At the National Cemetery, there is Daddy's grave and quite a few others--it is second only to Rosario in numbers of graves remembered.....

 This is the new area at Memorial Gardens Cemetery for cremains....

 It is beautifully appointed...

 And a peaceful place for reflection.....

 Nearby is the grave of one of the son of one of my favorite students....

 And Dwight's Baby Sister who lived only a day.....

 So, as we remember our loved ones who have passed from this earth....

 Let us also rejoice in the glorious days of springtime that we, the living, can enjoy and savor....

So, until I catch up on more photos from the sweetest time of year, my love to you, gentle readers, and here's hoping you find nothing but joy as the summer enfolds......