a month on the move

Hi all! It seems our blog entries have inadvertently slowed to once per month. I'm going to work on posting more frequently, but until then here's a run down on what we've been up to over the past month.

Brenda and I went on two big hikes while Rowan had his last week of day care in early July. Once Monsoon Season began, the powers that be determined the fire risk around Santa Fe was low enough to reopen the hiking trails. Our first big hike took Brenda and me up to the top of Atalaya Mountain, which overlooks Santa Fe.

Brenda at the top of Atalaya Mountain.

Our next hike took us to Tesuque Peak, which, at 12,040 feet, is one of the highest peaks near Santa Fe.

 Walking up the steep trail felt like walking up rocky stairs for ninety minutes, but the amazing views were worth the effort.

Brenda at the top of Tesuque Peak with Santa Fe Lake in the background.

In mid July we flew back to the midwest for two weeks, and after a short stay at our house in Minneapolis, we drove to Madison where Brenda made her debut with Madison Opera as a part of their annual Opera in the Park concert. We then visited Brenda's parents in Appleton, and they graciously agreed to look after Rowan for two days while Brenda and I stayed at our favorite B&B in Door County. It was his first time away from both of us at the same time, and by all accounts, he did great (and so did Oma and Opa!). After that we went back to Minneapolis for a few nights and then flew to Santa Fe. 

Fried cheese curds. A necessary part of any trip to Wisconsin.

 Rowan had a wonderful time with his grandparents.

 Breakfast on our balcony at the B&B.

 Al Johnson's. A necessary part of any trip to Door County.

 Happy vacationers.

Four days after getting back to Santa Fe, Brenda flew to Santa Barbara to sing at the Music Academy of the West's annual gala.

My parents have been in town visiting for the past week, which has been wonderful as always. We took Rowan on a hike on the Dorothy Stewart Trail, and my dad looked after him one evening while my mom and I went to L'Italiana in Algieri at the Santa Fe Opera.

Brenda has four more performances of Candide in the coming weeks, and other than that she'll probably continue to work on her repertoire for the upcoming season, which is actually not too far off. We fly to Philadelphia in less than three weeks for Brenda's next role, Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor. Until then, we'll enjoy as much of Santa Fe as we can (meaning I'll be eating tons of red and green chile).

Until next time, have a great week!