Santa Fe - A day in the City

Really fun day today.  We went into town, after much consternation.  The usual-  moving a city of folks, all in the same direction can be hard, and sometimes impossible.  It was a bit after noon, when a contingent finally got in the car and headed into the city.  We parked somewhere, not too far from the center of it all.  It's quite the tourist town, and there are some impressive artists and creative people here.  We hiked around, finally going by the big church, and then over by the museum, where native American Indians exhibit their jewelry and other art.

I am totally torn about the way current Americans treat the natives.  Even today, where we suggest we have some level of equity for Indians, and even help them.   Seeing these talented artisans, and displaying their impressive creations on the ground.  For me, selfishly, I love the display.  I love seeing the artist with the pieces they make.  I love talking to them, understanding what went into their creations.  Understanding them, even slightly makes all the difference in the world to me.  It's so impressive.   At the same time, what's up with this stage for their wares?  Anyways, it's difficult for me at times.  Then, I realize all the injustices in the world, and what?  I want to show these people how much I appreciate what they add to this world.

So,  after some shopping, we ended up at the Ore House.  A local point of reference, and tourist hot spot.  We got a table on the balcony overlooking the plaza center.  As it turns out, exactly in the corner where the musician, who played a flaminco guitar would be playing.  The Ore House does margaritas, so, well, yes we did, partake in what turned out to be our good fortune.  The giggle for the day.  Mom shared her appreciation for how fortunate she is, we are.  Coincidentally, she took another sip on her margarita, which I found unbearably humorous, and started uncontrollably laughing, and joking about good fortune.  The joke took on a life of it's own, and is now part of our vocab.  Can I get some more good fortune?

Jib Jab
I love my sister in law, Sarah.  My daughter's namesake, sort of.  I think we just knew.  Anyways, Sarah and I decided, while at the Oar House, you know what?  I think we would have so much fun cooking tonight, instead of going out to the fancy, where ever we were planning on going.  So, we started conspiring...  The ideas were flying... two that I was captivated with, mole and the other idea I had, which I probably saw somewhere else, but for the life of me, I don't remember when or where.  The idea was to make a chocolate hot sauce with chili powder.  Something with a little Southwest kick.

Jib Jab extreme
We ended up going out to the local co-op, which turns out to be 100% all organic.  Yes,  a whole grocery store.  Actually, it was pretty impressive, and we got maybe most or half of our shopping there, and finished at Whole Foods.  Both stops were nothing but fun, with my bud, Sarah.  Then,
on getting home, we both cook similar too.  We just start going, and improvising is all part of it.  It's not comprimise, its opportunity to make it better.  And we did.  Chicken mole.  Salmon tapas,
Aspargas grilled.  Califlower broiled.  Delicious margaritas.  So good.  Pictures coming.  The whole meal was a constant sampling of whatever was ready.  The finishing touch was making the chocolate sauce.  My bro in law, Louis signed up to do this sauce I had in mind.  He was awesome, and went with it, adding butter and what else?  I had him add sour cream, and plenty of cayenne.  I am telling you, it was so good.  So good.   So, I kept going, finishing off the tequila with a nice dessert drink of tequila over ice, triple sec, a little sip, lime, all over the rim, and finally, tangerine juice.  A splash.  Not too much, as Dan says.  Otherwise, it would ruin it.

Can't wait for tomorrow.  We are going to Puye Cliff Dwellings.  I hope the Georgia O'Keeffe museum too.