Peg and I spent more than half a century in the wonderful state of Indiana before heeding the sirens’, or perhaps coyotes’, irresistible call to head west. We still have a lot of family, countless friends and cherished memories of Lincoln’s boyhood state. Somehow, we have been blessed to remain in frequent contact with many of the bright and interesting Hoosiers who still help enrich our lives today even though we now live on the Osage Nation in Oklahoma where I was born and graduated from high school.
This past week we headed even further west to the Land of Enchantment, Santa Fe, New Mexico. It truly is enchanting with vistas that only that greatest artist, Mother Nature, can fully capture. However, in Santa Fe the only thing more impressive than the countless painters and sculptors was the world-class cuisine. Of note is the sticker-shock of both art and food, but worth it.
New Mexico has a history of human habitation going back thousands of years and as other places Osage County, Oklahoma and Posey County, Indiana for instance have a history of exploitation going back hundreds of years. But Peg and I were too enchanted by the benefits we received now to concern ourselves with the cultural nuances of past sins.
Our hotel was adjacent to a glorious Catholic church, The Chapel of Loretto, built in 1873 and still in service. For only $5 each we were able to experience why the nuns who founded the church sacrificed so much to preserve it.
Only one block south of our abode, The Inn at Loretto, was the remarkable round statehouse for the state of New Mexico. It was open to the public for free and was filled with exquisite art contributed by citizens.
Then one block north of our hotel was the Territorial Museum where for $12 each Peg and I spent four hours following history from the indigenous Pueblos, through the Spanish Conquistadors, General Lew Wallace of Ben Hur fame and the Lincoln County War involving Sheriff Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.
Next, we visited the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum that was three blocks from The Inn at Loretto. The price of admission was once again only $33 for Peg and me but bought us a simply incredible opportunity to see her art up close. And while those of you who know great art would surely see things I just don’t get; I have to say I was truly impressed by O’Keeffe’s painting of a white flower that sold at auction for $44 million dollars.
While Peg and I were besotted with the plethora of great art and food for which we owe our friend, Betty Stoabs of Osage County, a huge thank you for her guidance. The highlight of our trip was the too few hours we spent with two of our friends who also grew up in Osage County and now reside in Santa Fe.
Kay Hamilton, whose father was the famous sculptor Jim Hamilton, and Kay’s husband, Willie Grant, took the time to dine with us at the Luminaria Restaurant. Peg had often heard me speak about both of my childhood friends but had not met them. Once they all met it was Brigadoon and the once upon a time was our school years. We went to a small grade school then a small high school so we all knew who was good at what, such as Kay’s artistic talent and Willie’s exceptional wit; both remain vibrant. They well fit the Santa Fe mystique.
So, Gentle Reader, if you are looking to immerse yourself in art, history and fine food, Peg and I heartily recommend Santa Fe. We also advise, bring your camera and your credit card. Oh, and by the way, you are cautioned that Santa Fe is at an elevation of 7,200 feet that tends to restrict one’s breathing and tire one’s legs. Copious amounts of water is a good choice of beverage
