I have traveled far this Holiday season in search of delights for young & old. From sights to sounds to gifts to strange things in between we continue our journey into 2008. The AC is all shut down & the gloves have come out. The lights are slowly filling the trees and facades of our neighborhood homes. My ½ cord of firewood is shrinking. The Superblitz is on, snow can be seen on our mountain, and parking is now a challenge. Well, Martini Mike will be here to continue guiding you about.

I finally mustered the courage to leave the Nob Hill/UNM/Ridgecrest area. As stated in The Doors song “The Changeling”…” I live uptown. I live downtown. I live all around “ relates to our friends, posse, Team Martini. So, we sucked it up & recently visited Factory on 5^th for their First Friday Art show. It was great! We met some great artists and bought some great art. I’ll be back.

That same night I was surprised to hear of Old Town’s 10^th Annual Holiday Stroll on the news. We missed the shopping but caught the lights late that night! Where have I been? Under a rock? I will attempt to browse some afternoon soon.

This Friday we got bundled up Eskimo style & visited the River of Lights at our Botanical Gardens. Evidently they no longer have good food in carts. They also discontinued selling alcoholic beverages, such as a nice warm Irish coffee, last year. The lights were great though! There were carolers, bands, and lights. Lots of lights.

We followed this up with a trip back to Old Town for a bite at La Hacienda. It’s haunted… really. Don’t go to the bathroom alone. Muahahahaha. Blue Corn Enchiladas, red, beef, with an egg on top. Mmmm. More lights! A trip to our favorite haunted chapel. Several stores appeared to be open late. Nightcap at home.

Now in between I have found a few interesting gift items around town. Martini items at Linens N Things, lots of inexpensive booze at Kelly Liquors, and movie theater gift certificates. I hope my in-laws don't read this! For the man who has everything I picked myself up some “Santa Pants” from Sears at Coronado Center. They came with a matching hat. The Coronado Center Barnes & Noble is a popular destination of mine as well. Parking is horrible.

Beeps in Nob Hill has a lot of reasonably priced interesting items. Oh, may I be so bold as to mention...and sexy girls. I can not reveal what I have purchased at this time. I will also be back in Natural Sound this week as I continue my hunt for some Flying Burrito Brothers.

Here’s a great gift giving idea for that grinch… a kitty or puppy! Our latest came from the city shelter last Christmas. I think she has Britney Spears eyes. It's a little hard to shave now, but we love her.

You can also visit the Animal Humane Society for that animal in need of a home. Well, be sure to check back in after I journey outside our great city to surrounding locales in the coming week. Santa Fe, Cerrillos, Madrid, Bernalillo, Tijeras, and wherever else the wind takes Team Martini. Is that a reindeer I hear? Gotta run… my Posole’s getting cold!