Albuquerque, NM

Today, I went to one of my favorite small restaurants, THE BISTRO. It is tucked away of Camino de la Marquez. It serves only lunch. There is always a delightful art show, and it always packed. As I approached the entrance, an elder lady managed her way up some hefty and awkward stairs. I congratualted her successful aascension. I explained that I had a bum knee, and sometimes getting up those stairs were a challenge to me. Once inside, they invited me to join them. The strategy worked perfectly, as we were immediately seated in a table for three. The elders had just attended a classical concert that had been sponsored by the Santa Fe Opera. The singers and musicians will be travelling around the state with the performance. They expalined that I must visit the Monte de Christo Church some time because it is so beautiful. I gave in to breaking my new food plan and had the quiche which I loved.

Santa Fe’s hospitality can be refreshing, even for three women who have been here for years. Recently I keep meeting new people, and people who I haven’t seen for a long time. It’s easy to feel welcomed and at home. I went in one store today to get “Christmas ideas”. One staff person, after welcoming me into the store (Parts Unknown) remebered my name, even after six months since I had been there! By the way for some very fine quality clothing, shoes, or leather jackets and bags, go into Parts Unknown on San Francisco St, just off the plaza and ask for Paula or Susan. They will really help you find just the right gift. PS they have some significant sales right now too.
I could have shopped and shopped, but I had work to do. I was hungry again, and so stopped by Whole Foods. This health food store is where many people go “to be seen”. I try to go in cognito, as I work for the “competition”, but I first ran into a friend who refers to herself as a feral nun, who smiled and said. “I was just thinking of you…”…later I met another lady who is one of my regulars at my store.