June 22, 2018 and June 23, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
We had breakfast with Jessica and the kids on our balcony and Jessica then headed to Las Vegas to spend quality time with Grandma Joannie. It was sad saying goodbye, but we will see them in Cleveland in a few weeks. We are having a party for Jonathan and Dana on August 5th, and Jessica and the children will be coming in for the event. As for us, we had a full day of driving to Santa Fe, New Mexico. In fact, it was the longest drive time we’ve had clocking in at about 9 hours.
Our visit to Santa Fe was primarily focused on a surprise birthday party for my cousin Tracy. Now that the event is successfully concluded, I can write how I had to deceive my cousin. Originally, we were going to see Tracy and her husband Bruce at their home in Durango, Colorado on June 24. Shortly after hearing from Tracy approving our timing, I received a call from Bruce saying he was planning a birthday party for Tracy in Santa Fe and asked that I tactfully change my visit time. He invited us to the party and said it would really be special if we showed up at their Santa Fe condo the same time as Tracy’s sister Jodi and brother-in-law, Dave. They were flying in from Cleveland.
So, I told my cousin we couldn’t be in Durango until June 26th. I then coordinated meeting with Jodi and Dave so we could knock on Tracy’s door jointly. Bruce thought this would be enough of a surprise for Tracy that she wouldn’t suspect that another surprise was coming her way on Saturday night. When we knocked on their door Tracy couldn’t believe her eyes. She is extremely close to her sister, and Jodi and Dave’s appearance (as well as ours) clearly made her very happy. She didn’t have a clue on the surprise visit. We also met Tracy and Bruce’s supper sweet puppy, Walter.
Tracy and Bruce’s condo is adorable, beautifully decorated and very cozy. It is located on the edge of a park called Fort Marcy on top of hill overlooking the main square of Santa Fe. It was quite a walk down (and then up) the hill, but it was doable. Bruce treated us all to a Mexican dinner at The Shed. He had also arranged for Jodi, Dave, Dan and myself to stay at a condo in their complex. It was a lot of fun being roommates with them. The condo was lovely and very comfortable. I think we all slept well that night.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
So far, so good. Tracy did not suspect a thing. She was so surprised at our appearance at her door that she really was not anticipating any other surprises. However, Bruce had to keep her out of town so she wouldn’t see any of their 25 friends who were driving in from Durango for the party that evening. As a result, we left early in the morning for a hike at Pecos National Historic Park. We first stopped at Trader Joe’s for picnic and breakfast food and drinks.
Pecos Pueblo was located on a trade route between the people of the Rio Grande Valley to the West and the Plains Indians to the East. It grew into one of the largest and most powerful pueblos and was home to some 2,000 people. Starting in 1541 Spain was determined to colonize the land, convert the tribes to Catholicism, and destroy the Pueblo culture. In 1680 several of the pueblos united and actually succeeded in driving the Spanish out, but in 1692 the Spanish returned. This time, however, they were not quite as oppressive as in the past. The site we were visiting had the ruins of the pueblo village, as well as the churches built by the Spanish. Lots of history took place in this area including a Civil War battle.
Even with our early start, it was very hot outside, we had a quick picnic and then headed back to our condos. While the others napped, relaxed or read, Dan and I did a laundry. Not too sexy an activity, but a much needed one.
At 4:00 pm we re-grouped. Again, we walked down the hill into town and had drinks on the rooftop of the Drury Hotel. It was then time to head to the restaurant, Sazon. When we entered, the Chef Fernando Olea greeted us and directed us to a table for six. He then offered to do something better and led us to a backroom where Tracy was greeted by 25 of her closest friends cheering SURPRISE!!! It was an extremely touching moment. She was totally surprised , happy and seemed to be just amazed at the moment.
Dinner was fantastic. The chef gave everyone a blessing by pouring a bit of mescal on the floor (in the shape of a cross) and led us in a toast for health and happiness with Silver Mescal. He also wished us, bon appetite. We enjoyed appetizers (that included yellowfin tuna tartar, avocado, cucumber and spicy Tacuba sauce); soup (cream of poblano soup with lump blue crab, amaretto foam and dusted with chocolate); salad; an entre choice of beef tenderloin with Mole Poblano, sea bass or vegetarian dish; and dessert of Guanabana and Mamey ice cream with Silver Mezcal. If you ask me what Tacuba sauce is or what is Guanabana and Mamey ice cream, I have no idea. I would have to google it. What I can say was that everything was delicious. In addition, the service was impeccable and something Dan and I had never experienced. More than 8 servers hovered over us placing dishes and removing them in unison. It was a WOW evening on all levels.
BY THE WAY WITH WENDY & DAN 