Santa Fe 2

          Had a very good day.  The sun was warm but the breeze cool.  I wore my straw hat today and was really glad for it as we walked a lot.  Evan spent some time in the pool in the early a.m. before we took off.  Nice slow start to our morning.
            We walked first to the Loretto chapel where we saw the 'miraculous staircase', built without supports.  Lots of tourists walking throughout the area.  After a turn through the gift shop we headed out to the San Miguel Mission built in the early days of the Santa Fe community.  The historic sign said it is the oldest church in continuous usage in the United States.  There was a bell inside which Evan got to ring.  The bell was cast in the 1300s in Spain and then eventually ended up in Santa Fe.  There were lots of milagros on the bell frame.  Milagros comes from the word miracle.  There were dozens of tiny figures -- an arm, a leg, an animal, a person -- each one a prayer for a miracle.
          Just across the street was the state capitol.  It is a lovely building, the entrance in the shape of a kiva.  There were many pieces of art work to look at.  Abby found an interactive display with seeds.  We took various samples and are going to hope we can grow something.  The seeds I am really interested in are hollyhock flower seeds.  Abby found one called a Marguerite, a flower with her mother's name.
                After lunch at "A Bite of Santa Fe", (the kids had huge burgers. I had a great root beer float), we headed back to the plaza.  For a bit we sat and just enjoyed some mariachi music.  Later Evan was back in the pool, Abby took a nap and I puttered around with my computer.
                 This evening the kids wanted something cheap and good to eat so we went to a Subway after getting lost and heading south until we reached the Santa Fe city limits and decided we were going the wrong way!!!
                 This is my fourth time in Santa Fe and although it is really expensive, I find there are always new corners to walk around and something to see.  With the kids it was a matter of seeing things through their eyes and I am pleased they seemed enthralled with all of it . I think the Cathedral of St. Francis was particularly breath-taking yesterday.  I find myself moved to tears when I am in these places of worship hundreds of years old.  Really something the love and dedication the congregations have to these places.
               Lots of the shops are upscale. Abby and I are talking about how fun it would be to hit the sales in this area.  Could probably get some really awesome clothing and jewelry.
                One of the sites at the state capitol was to see the house and senate meeting chambers for the state.  Impressive. New Mexico has a woman governor.
             Should I return sometime I will do more museums which isn't really the thing for kids this age which is fine.
                 Williams AZ will be a fun stop.  The motel has washing facilities and we are deciding we need some clean clothes. It is also on Route 66 which I think Evan will enjoy.  I like the retro stuff because it is my retro stuff.

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