New pictures from the Cottonwood Inn

Here is a picture of the Cottonwood from the Arroyo Seco River, which runs through the end of the new property.
Mr. Joshua and Squanto in front pond.

Picture of new barn as viewed looking east. This was taken about 3 days ago. The windows and doors are now largely in, and it is now a menacing black block of tar paper. Yes, the barn is build from 2X12s.... Locals are calling it the Taj Mahal.
Okay, we just had our first big snow of the year here, about 6-8 inches at the base and 12 up top on the mountain. It looks pretty cloudy this morning, and the forecast is for a bit more snow today. What are you waiting for? Come ski Taos!!
The snow was a first for a lot of the new critters who were all born last spring. Schmoo, Sparky, Snarky, Sid, Nancy, Squanto and Mr. Joshua were all a bit surprised about the situation. All of them seemed to like it, and the dogs managed to find plenty of snow AND dirt. They are only rarely white these days. Here are some pictures of December 12, 2010 at the Cottonwood.

The above is a picture of the neighbor's horse and Sparky. Sparky is in love with these horses, and they seem to enjoy the dogs, too. The picture below is the mighty Arroyo Seco River. I know people from other parts of the country will laugh at our river, but it's the only one we have....

Barny Sharp Talons, who are you?

Yes, it's been driving me nuts. I keep thinking-- "The Chicken Bar, who mentioned the Chicken Bar??" Well, I've got "innkeeperitis, and can't remember anything (beyond this morning's breakfast, and even that is touch-and-go....)

So, put me out of my misery.

Other than THAT, we've had a GREAT late summer/fall. The rejuvenation project next door (the new 3 acres) continues apace. Today the pergola for the casita went up. We have decided to call the little house "Casa Cordova" after the gentleman who lived there alone for so many years. We think he would really like our efforts to shore-up the house and husband the land.

Speaking of husbands... Brantly went out last week and bought over 25 trees, mainly fruit trees. We have planted them all in a double row along our western fence line. They are a mixed bunch, and we are hoping to eventually harvest apples, peaches, cherries, and apricots. In addition to those trees, friends of ours-- MaryAnn and Kaseem, brought over 3 poplars and an "antique" apple tree from the Hacienda Martinez. We're very excited about the apple and have decided to baby it along in the back yard for the first year.

The dogs continue to grow at an alarming rate. We think they are about 40 lbs each, as Brantly just about gave himself a hernia loading them into the Scion today, to take them to their monthly vet visit. Schmoo has turned out to be a superb guard dog. He sleeps most of the day (drooling) and wakes at dusk to keep vigil over the snoozing birds. Sparky mainly just watches Schmoo, wondering why he is doing what he is doing. And the geese, of course, torture and bother the dogs at every opportunity.

Many thanks to our fabulous guests this month-- especially Ann Marie Trapp, who brought me (after much begging and nagging) one of her wonderful water colours. The photo does NOT do this beautiful painting justice. Also much appreciated were the new additions to my "Hen Library," provided by Flora MacDonald and Peter Kelley, and Sally and Jim Blagg. It's true, a chicken fanatic can NEVER HAVE TOO MANY CHICKEN-RELATED ITEMS!!!!!!!


It's finally cooling down here, and a great time to visit before the winter snows. I can't think of a more lovely place to be than Taos at this time of year!