Saturday, December 27, 2008

Christmas R & R Retreat...

This holiday season we did something completely different for Christmas... With such a busy year behind us, the idea of getting away to a quiet and beautiful destination was sounding more and more appealing. So, we decided to take a spontaneous road-trip down south to one of northern New Mexico's hot spots, Ojo Caliente.. or "hot eye." It's a rustic resort with several hot mineral pools and perfect for warming those bones on a chilly winter's day. There's something about that hot mineral water bubbling up from the earth that's both therapeutic and healing.... After 3 days of soaking and taking it easy for a change, I feel much more relaxed... I highly recommend spending the holidays in this way :) Here are a few pics from our journey and retreat.....

~ Johanna


* A breathtaking view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains (I believe...) overlooking Fort Garland, Colorado....


* As JP tipped his bottle of Berry Izze and took a sip, the sun captured the hue of the ruby red liquid and caught my eye!...


* We were blessed with blue skies both to and from our destination.....


* JP leans against the adobe style fort-like flats we stayed in for a few nights....


* I roast chocolate-filled marshmallows over an aromatic pinon log fire in the courtyard area....


* JP sits in the hottest nook of the iron pool, Ojo Caliente's oldest soaking pool on the premises...


* Me again at the fire with rustic adobe buildings surrounding the scene...


* Me showing off the latest winter hot spring fashions....


* The journey back home is just as beautiful with the distant mountains over Taos freshly blanketed in pristine snow....


* Stopped along the way, JP throws a snowball right at me! Luckily I ducked just in time!...


* And this time he chases after me on the open road.... The chocolates and coffee we enjoyed earlier were obviously kicking in!...
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11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful time out Jennifer, wish I could try one of those natural soaking pools, I hear they're magical.

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Hi Johanna ~ You guys looked like you really enjoyed your R&R getaway. GREAT pictures too!

Happy New Year!

Chris :-)

Cassie said...

That looks like a lot of fun! The scenery is beautiful as well! Chocolate filled marshmallows? I've never heard of this, but I am going to be keeping my eyes open for them!

Johanna Parker said...

Ya, the chocolate-filled marshmallow concept was a little invention of mine..... Just break some yummy bar chocolate into smaller pieces and poke them into the center of a marshmallow, pierce it with your roasting fork and warm the whole thing up over the fire!....

Gooey-goodness!.....

~ Johanna

Anonymous said...

Wow! You two must know about every hotspring location in the country! Lol
Looks like great fun.
Happy New Year,
Mira

Halloween Fanatic said...

Resolutions??? Check it out...

http://twinklestricksandtreats.blogspot.com/2008/12/resolutions-anyone-patience-brewster.html

Carolee said...

What a PERFECT way to spend Christmas!! (I say this as someone who's always a total wreck by the time the holidays arrive, lol!) Going to have to try the getaway idea - sounds like HEAVEN!

Happy New Year!
~ Carolee

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Hi Johanna!

You are the best and thanks for ALL your support & friendship in 2008!

Hoping 2009 will be a great year for BOTH of us!!!

Happy New Years!!!

XOXO
Chris

AwtemNymf said...

You 2 looks like you're having a GRAND time!
Happy New Years!
~A~

Chicken Lips said...

I'm so envious! That trip looked like it was a wonderful adventure. Hope it recharged your creative batteries. Best wishes for a happy and creative new year.

Anonymous said...

I love the picture of the mountains overlooking Fort Garland. I'm actually re-doing the Friends of Ft. Garland Museum website and wondered if I could use it, I will credit your name. Thank you