January | 2023 | The View From Here

Looking Back

Another one bites the dust. Not me. Not yet — but I am ending the year under Covid restrictions. I tested positive on December 23rd so that was that.

So, as a result, I have a little time on my hands and want to do a year-end recap. That is very “in” this time of year.

New Mexico’s Light — visitors often will comment on the seemingly different quality of light in New Mexico and the far horizons. That has captured artists and writers for years.

The Sandia’s Inner Fire

Volcano 3

Sunrise 2

Sumrise

Volcano 2

Jemez 2

Jemez colors 2

Perea

Jemez colors

Jemez colors 3

Perea 2

Cabezon

Ojito 3

Goblins

Sandia Sunset

Winter’s ight

Ojito 4

Jemez Horizon

Rio Salida – Distant rain

Skywatcher Goblin

Balloon Fiesta — This was the 50th anniversary of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. I first experienced it in 1980 when it was more primitive than today. I mostly watch it from my front porch now.

Balloon 3

Balloon 1

Balloon 4

Fiesta at 50

Ascension 2

Ascension

The trek east — I took a long road trip to St. Louis in April for a family wedding. St. Louis is my hometown, but I left in 1976 so this time I took a look at the place as a tourist would. I saw a few new things and some old favorited. I like the place even more now. The Missouri Botanical Garden (Shaw’s Garden) is a must-see at every trip. I had never visited the huge Basilica of St. Louis. I found the impressive International Photography Hall of Fame for the first time.

Ead’s Bridge

Climatron – Shaw’s Garden

Shaw’s Library

Tennessee Williams

St. Louis

Arch

Basiloca

Basilica 2

Hall of fame

Wolf Hotel, Ellendale

Caddie paint

Caddie Ranch

Bugs 2

Shaw’s Garden

Gorgoyle

Bridges

Community Bath – Hotel Castaneda

Las Vegas — What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. We found an immersive exhibit of National Geographic Magazine photographs that was impressive.

Vegas 2

Vegas 1

NGM – photo exhibit

NGM- photo exhibit

NGM – photo exhibit

John Legend

Vincent — The touring Vincent Van Gogh immersive exhibit came to town for an extended stay. The experience was moving and inspirational. I engoyed the images and how they were projected and presented but watching the people interact with the images was very interesting.

Awe

Viewing Vincent

He’s painting us

Vincent

Nature — We experienced a couple horrific wildfires this year — the two largest fires in state history. The burn scars will heal over time. The wildlife had to adjust their habitat and territory. There were a lot of animals on the move looking for new homes.