Hi Chris Well, thanks for the kind words! I do have to say, in an act of full disclosure, there are a few other kind souls who post here too, who have a much different view on pushing somewhat cold-sensitive / less hardy, or non-native plants and trees in Albuquerque. And I can, while respectfully disagreeing, see where they are coming from, and to be honest, they likely are (as is nearly everyone who posts here!) far more experienced and knowledgeable than a layman like myself. However, having said that, there are several others who post here (or just who live around Albuquerque Metro) who seem to share my enthusiasm for pushing items like palms and cacti, and more than not, at least in my experiences, these plants seem to do pretty darn well (given the proper care, attention, etc.). A very knowledgeable, great poster here who shares most of my viewpoints is cactus_dude. He knows a lot about items like palms and cacti growing around townif you see his posts, youll enjoy them too, like I have. I have learned a lot from them! If you get down to Albuquerque at some point from the Capitol City, offhand I could direct you to at LEAST 50 different locations where palms generally T. Fortuneis (Windmill Palm), Washingtonia Robusta and Filiferas (Mexican Fans and California Fans) are growing in yards or businesses and doing great! Robustas and Filiferas here WILL have their fronds die off and burn in the winters here it is just a fact of life if you want to grow them. However, this does not seem to hurt the trees in our climate permanently, as by March, they are very rapidly starting to sprout off new green fronds like crazy again. With Windmill Palms, they actually depend largely on where they are growing and how big they are. Many, many here (generally bigger and more established ones) actually have no frond damage or burning / browning through the winters at all. In fact, for example, I know of two that are northeast facing (pretty much the worst exposure for palms in our city you could have), freestanding (eg: no walls to protect them) in a yard in the Far Northeast Heights (well east of the "Banana Line" of Eubank west), that never suffer an iota of burning to their fronds in winter, as they have been there for decades and are really well established. Many will say as conventional wisdom "palms are impossible to grow around Albuquerque"however, just going for walks through neighborhoods would indicate that just simply isnt the case. There are just too many large palms around town (admittedly, you do have to look for them) that have been in their yards for a few years (or more) that show that they do actually grow here. You just have to realize, again, that their fronds will burn off for a few months. And, you this is my opinion have to give them some protection in winter. As for your question regarding any fruit the Washingtonias would produce, that is a great question, and one for which I have no answer. I know mine does not, but mine is still very young. The fronds grow like gangbusters in the spring, summer, and fall, but no fruit. I would guess but this is simply a guess that perhaps youd need to go to a warmer place like El Paso to see that from a Washingtonia. But truly, I have no knowledge there unfortunately. But as it relates to your situation in Santa Fe, I think you and I share a very similar attitude! I wouldnt try to grow a palm there, however, for within what is conventional (overly conservative?) plant wisdom in SF, I see no reason not to push up there with care and consideration plants that otherwise might be more suited to a high 6 or a low 7 climate zone! As you have observed, some folks would be amazed at what items are able to grow and do well in the very high desert climate of SF! I keep using Albuquerque examples (sorry), but conventional wisdom would state that there is no way a saguaro would ever make it through even one Albuquerque winter. However, folks on this forum directed me to a very tall saguaro in the South Valley of Albuquerque that has been there for years. So again, when it comes to pushingwhy not try it? You enjoy the rest of your winter tooin the Santa Fe / Albuquerque corridor the last few weeks, with temps in the 60s and even 70s, it sure feels like spring is here (knock on wood)! Let us know how things continue to go for you up there!

We have researched and researched and are thinking about ordering the Santa Fe Leather Sofa set from Bari. Have looked in 2 States trying to find one to personally look at but cannot find one on the floor anywhere. Has anyone order this particular set and were you pleased. How was the quality. I am not too keen on the pieced toghether seats but love the style of the set which we can't seem to find other than this LeatherTrend Bari. Thanks for any insight from anyone!

IdaClaire - I also worried about the weight of a down comforter until I finally bought one - well due to DH's allergies I bought an alternative down, but it is basically the same weight. The comforter itself is very lightweight and I was amazed at how cozy and warm my little nest became. It is significantly lighter than the matelasse coverlet that I use in the summer. I bought mine from the Company Store because you can order 'oversize' comforters and I like having the extra drop on the sides. You can order the weight (or warmth level) you want too. Since I'm in the north east I bought the medium warmth but they also sell lighter weight ones. But here's the tricky part - depending on what you use as a duvet cover you can make it significantly heavier. I made my own from king size Ralph Lauren sheets to match my bedding so they are still fairly light. However if you chose a heavier material you will notice it - especially when you remember that you're adding 2 more layers of fabric. I love the photos you posted - it reminds me of those times when my family drove cross country to New Mexico to visit our grandparents and cousins. 2 of my aunts had adobe homes and they truly enchanted me. Maire

Yes, Fori, rugs and a cat :-). Lynn, I love you home and think it is very inviting and cozy-looking. I'm looking for that look and feel. It is out there - maybe someone is going to move to be near their grandkids - a win-win for everyone :-D. Ida, you and Lynn are both right on with your perspectives. Some homes here are all about the view and others seem to be creating a cozy shelter from the elements with outdoor living areas to enjoy. There seems to be a contemporary trend in a lot of the new homes being built.