Weak White Woman

A quick blog here cause I have to go out in the super chilly air and walk a dog, Zeus, who I am pet sitting for a week and a half. The house I am staying at is a really old adobe in an old neighborhood of Ranchos. The lanes are narrow and icy, all the homes are old, quirky and charming. But wow has it been cold. This morning it was only 11 degrees and that was at 9:00! I had left my gloves somewhere and felt like my hands could get frostbitten in minutes. So poor old Zeus only got a short one then.
This has been a very Christmasy week. My party was fun, lots of people came. I made way too much food, but then I am always worried there won't be enough (the Polish mother in me). Didn't have to cook for the rest of the week! Christmas Day I went to the Pueblo and got to see the Deer Dance from a rooftop, just like hundreds of people have done for hundreds of years. It was snowing softly and it's always a thrill to see the deer dancers appear. I was huddled in four layers of thick clothing but most of the dancers were bare-armed. But they never complain or drop out. Me, I stayed for an hour then went to the Montoya's for some posole. Weak white woman!

Dare to Follow Your Heart

"To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself." Kierkegaard

Aqui in Taos

I am totally enjoying the snow and winter landscapes aqui in Taos! It has snowed off and on now for about three days. Got to admit that I did get stuck in the stuff once, and that was just getting out of my own driveway. A gutsy neighbor actually pushed me out of a rut. Driving wasn't too bad, but then I never went over 25 miles an hour. Maybe it's time to buy those snow tires. Everything seems so still and beautiful when covered by snow. I was thinking of getting out my cross country skiis but the wind was too chilly. Brrrrr. I'll go eat some chile instead. Red or green??
I've mostly been staying home when I haven't had to work, no pet sits this week, but I did go to a great party for a friend's dad-he turned 75. Lots of people there, I think they were all related! And the food!! Big pots of steaming chile, posole, beans. Those Spanish girls really know how to cook. And the homemade yeast rolls reminded me of my Polish grandma's bread. I felt lucky to be a part of that big family celebration, and hear them all sing songs to him in Spanish. Bueno!!
Now I might venture outside. Check my mail at the PO, then maybe find a Christmas tree lot. I'm planning a little party for Sunday evening and I need to get on to the decorating, not to mention the cooking. Lots to do.

Australia

Just saw that new movie "Australia". Then I read a review about it that got it right, full of schmaltz but also full of heart. It's worth it just to watch Brandon Walters, a young Aboriginal boy who really is the star of this film. Along with the amazing outback scenery which resembles our SW here. Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman provide the love story. I think he's really good but N is a bit too wooden or something, and I can't stand her silly hair-do's! And there are a couple animal scenes they could have left out, but then I'm a very sensitive animal lover.

Whiteout!

Wow, a few inches of snow outside my door this morning !!! It's beautiful. I don't have to go to work until 4 pm so I will stay home and enjoy it. Have already taken Cadbury for a short walk, he doesn't seem to mind it at all, or even notice it. But I think I will get him some snow booties for his little delicate paws. I've got to go get my neighbor to take a picture of us to include with our Christmas cards!