Christmas at the OBL

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The annual Michael Hearne Christmas Singalong at the OBL Restaurant in Taos is not to be missed. This year was the best ever, and I'm not just saying that because I'm newly re-smitten with Taos. Everyone in our big party said so, and we know a good time when we see one.

It's always a family event, with kids onstage singing with the band, and a visit from Santa, who we know is awfully busy this time of year. There are song books on all the tables, and the audience sings along between mouthfuls of great food (my veggie enchiladas were the best I've ever had there), and sips of make-sure-you-have-a-designated-driver margaritas. We had Santa hats and Elf hats and jingle bells, and sang our selves hoarse, laughing all the way.


Later in the evening, during the "regular music" set, especially festive-looking folks--Deborah and Thomas, in their Santa hats, among them--were pulled from the audience and brought on stage to sing the ever-popular Drift Away, which was written by Taos's own Mentor Williams, who is also the husband of country singer, Lynn Anderson. Mentor and Lynn weren't there, but I think they would have been pleased with last night's rendition.

(I tried all day, literally, to upload a video of that performance here, but nooooo... it just wouldn't load. This explains the very late blog posting for today. Technology... love it/hate it!)

On the way home, we pulled into the best decorated neighborhood in Taos. A lot of people put lights on their houses, but this little strip of mobile homes, tucked behind the liquor store, has a sense of spirit and fun and holiday pride that beats them all. These homes may be humble by some standards, but they sure know how to dress up and make a whole town happy.



I hope you're enjoying this holiday season as much as we are. If not, pick up a couple of Michael Hearne's CDs for a nice audio hit of Virtual Taos. I can recommend Taos Christmas Eve for this time of year (listen to the title song here), and any of the others are guaranteed to make you wanna put on your boots and do some two-steppin' around the living room.  In the song New Mexico Rain, he says, If I ain't happy here, I ain't happy nowhere... Amen to that, Michael. Thanks for singing us into Christmas!


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Comments

  1. Texan Zombie GoddessDecember 22, 2010 at 10:09 PM

    I wish people around here would decorate and feel the season! Looks like you live in one nice place! Michael sure said a mouthful with that line :).

    Penny \IiiI

    ReplyDelete
  2. andrea walkerDecember 22, 2010 at 10:20 PM

    Sigh...looks lovely! Wishing you the best of the season. Wish I could go to the Pueblo on Friday night!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 22, 2010 at 10:43 PM

    It's especially nice to see the kids involved. Great pics, Kim - both indoors and the outside night shots. Glad you had a good time. The town of Ceres, adjacent to Modesto, has Christmas Tree Lane. If you buy on that street, you agree to DECORATE. People come from miles around to drive one way down the four blocks with their lights off or walk past the very fun displays. Norine

    ReplyDelete
  4. KralalienDecember 23, 2010 at 1:32 AM

    Oh wow, that looks amazing! Love the last pictures with all the lights. It looks so festive and cozy!

    Hugs, Carolien

    ReplyDelete
  5. Zoe NelsonDecember 23, 2010 at 4:18 AM

    Looks like SO much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownDecember 23, 2010 at 4:30 AM

    What a fun time!

    ReplyDelete
  7. m.e.December 23, 2010 at 5:02 AM

    I love the go all out holiday spirit Taos seems to have! Thank you for sharing with us.
    I especially like the Xmas lights on those little homes !!! Here in Baltimore we have a group of "row homes" on 34th street that decorate in a similar no holes barred manner!
    The decor includes everything from plastic flamingos to rows of shiny hub caps ! And of course more lights than you can even imagine!!!!
    They're visible from outer space I'm sure !
    I say if you've got it flaunt it!
    That goes double for holiday spirit!!!
    m.e. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousDecember 23, 2010 at 6:06 AM

    Sounds like a great time! Sara in FL

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousDecember 23, 2010 at 6:49 AM

    Beautiful decorations! That does not look like a trailor...it looks like a Ginger Bread House! Awesome! Beth

    ReplyDelete
  10. windycindyDecember 23, 2010 at 9:13 AM

    I am so envious of where you live and your perspective on it! Amazing...
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  11. MoonRaeDecember 23, 2010 at 10:43 AM

    Looks like a great time was had by all!!Thank you so much for sharing all these lovely photos
    ~Sharon~

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousDecember 23, 2010 at 10:56 AM

    If one did not have the holiday spirit they will when they read all of your wonderful holiday events on Taos. Merry Christmas :-) Suzie

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousDecember 23, 2010 at 10:50 PM

    What a fun night ! The festive houses look like gingerbread homes, very fun too. It;s good to have fun this time of year! April

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dance! VashonDecember 24, 2010 at 7:35 AM

    Hope I can get to Taos some day.

    ReplyDelete

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