Our escape to Casa Blanca



Three Days in Casa Blanca
In an age when everybody seems to be converting extra real estate to Air B&B, my sister is not. Her casita Casa Blanca fills up through word of mouth. It's tucked away in the tiny village of Jemez Springs, NM, where her husband, Roger, is the volunteer mayor and she is the resident artist.

We spent three magical days on the property, enjoying the river that irrigates the gardens, wandering the stone paths, and soaking in the natural hot springs next door.

Day 1: The Casita


Behind a blue door and down a 
stone corridor lies a private oasis for travelers.
It was created by Roger and Linda Sweet. Linda
is my sister. Roger is her spouse.


Roger was raised by a nature lover, with a deep appreciation for music, art, and the Indians of the southwest. 

Roger inherited his dad's love of land and penchant for collecting beautiful objects, which grace the rooms of Casa Blanca like intimate displays in a private museum.

Roger inherited more than his father's philosophy.  He received many of his father's physical artifacts, which are on display if you look closely at any room.




The living room is classic southwest design and decor


The kitchen is modest in size but fully stocked with cookware


The music room is stocked with games and knickknacks


The afternoon sunshine dapples the bed and invites guests to relax


Day 2: Dinner with the family in the big house


What's more fun than a barrel of monkeys? A wheelbarrow filled with Grandpa & Sage

Casa Blanca is for guests. My sister and her husband live in a bigger house next door. We shared delicious vegan dinners several nights with our extended family:  Baby Sage, Grandpa Roger, Mama Juliette, Daddy Adam & the Olendorfs. 

Donna and Linda - two of the three Vozar sisters

Grandpa gave Sage a ride in the wagon that belonged to his son Adam

Juliette watches more wheelbarrow fun.



Day 3: How to have fun 

Take a soothing mineral bath at the municipal tubs (Thank you Mayor Sweet!)

Enjoy the Giggling Springs outdoor pools


Spend quality time with your sister

Relax in a hammock

Explore local sights: Gilman's Tunnel

Take a selfie to prove it happened!





Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 15, 2022 at 7:11 PM

    Great job, Donna! Your next gig should be as Travel Writer. Thank you guys for visiting. May is the best month at Casa Blanca. It was so fun to see you guys and to hang out together. I loved every minute. Keep on truckin' and happy trails! Love, Linda

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 16, 2022 at 4:11 AM

    Holy moly! It's so beautiful. It looks like you had perfect weather and a wonderful visit. These pictures are giving me FOMO!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 17, 2022 at 8:56 AM

      Holy Moly -thanks for the comment. Who are you?

      Delete
  3. AnonymousMay 16, 2022 at 7:25 AM

    As the mother of the two Vozar sisters in the beautiful photos in this blog, I am delighted to see them enjoying each other as well as having such fun with Don, Roger, Adam, Juliette and of course the latest addition to my family, my great-grandson, Sage. I am SO happy for all of you and am with you in spirit.
    Much love to all,
    Lea

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMay 17, 2022 at 4:02 AM

    After so many family reunions it is easy to imagine these good vibes. I love seeing everyone's smiling faces and watching you go on the local adventures.
    Stony

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 17, 2022 at 6:56 AM

      All made possible thanks to our wonderful cat sitter. Thanks for minding Garfunkel. Give her a kiss from her human folks.

      Delete
  5. Kristy OlendorfMay 17, 2022 at 6:45 PM

    What an enchanting place, what beautiful faces! Tell Linda I'm booking a New Mexican adventure soon!

    ReplyDelete

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