Let’s conjure up an image of arguably one of the most magical streets in Santa Fe.  Acequia Madre means “mother ditch” and if you’ve seen the film “Milagro Bean Field  War” you know the importance of the culture and livelihood of any neighborhood in New Mexico blessed by flowing waters.  Located in the Historic East Side the narrow street was meant for burros carrying firewood down from the mountains and to accommodate the horse-drawn carriages of inhabitants of adobe homes hidden along its alleyways, invisible to the world. If you explore any of its walking paths and listen to the murmur of the water you may feel that time seems to stop.  The Downtown Subscription is a coffeehouse and favorite meeting place for the locals.  As you step into the café you’ll breathe in that perfume of coffee and magic that strangely no one thought of bottling.  You can buy practically any periodical you can think of from around the world and, of course, The New York Times.  The Garcia Street Bookstore is just next door with its outdoor display of treasure for sale.

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Acequia Madre, SantaFe, New Mexico

Michael’s Bit of Real Estate

A smart home is a green home.  One of the most important trends in modern home design is incorporating environmentally friendly amenities.  Here’s a look at the green housing trends that will not only bring an older home to a new millennium, but also attract younger buyers when it’s time to sell.  Copper roofs tolerate inclement weather and will last 100 years and can be completely recycled. Low-emittance windows, doors and skylights block the sun’s UV rays and reduce energy consumption.  LED lighting contains no hazardous chemicals, uses 80 percent less energy and can last up to 20 years.  Green toilets conserve water (which can save you 30 to 50 percent on your annual water bill).  Induction cook top coils release their energy directly to the pot or pan and its contents so that less energy is diffused. Reclaimed wood and fast-growing plants such as bamboo and unused pre-cut wood find new life as gorgeous, affordable countertops.  Cork flooring is a great alternative to hardwood because it is extremely durable yet inexpensive.  To keep indoor air clean and cut down on landfill pollutants, use paints that don’t contain toxic, volatile organic components (VOCs).  The planet (and your wallet) will thank you.

My Business-To-Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business.  Let me introduce to you Walter Burke Catering.  Whenever the occasion has called for wonderful food, the only catering company I ever call is Walter Burke.  In my announcements of an Open House or Client Appreciation Party all it takes to ensure a memorable event is a mention his savory and enticing menu.  Walter offers contemporary cuisine, classic full service from casual to formal and delivery.  For your private jet, he’ll prepare meals for you, your passengers and crew and your feast will be ready for your flight from the Santa Fe Airport.  He also runs his full service restaurant on Museum Hill. Walter is a person I can put my name to.  He can be reached at 505.473.9600 and on his Website at www.walterburkecatering.com.  Let him know I referred you and he and his staff will take extra special care of you.

I hope to see you strolling along the Acequia Madre.

Continued success,

Michael Umphrey