Local Services

Happy Cat Hotel and Spa

Taking care of kitties when you're traveling Article and Photography by Richard Lakin Martha Plummer, the owner of Happy Cat Hotel and Spa, was looking for a new career.  She was a sales rep for a veterinary pharmaceutical company that required a great deal of travel, and she was finding it difficult to provide care for an aging mom and a special needs sister. She tells us, “I spent nights out of town, and something would happen with my mom or sister, and I'd have to quickly come home. I...

Life + Culture

Adopt a pet

The animal shelters are full Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Autumn Oglesby and Carlie Klepach Thinking of adopting a pet? We’ll give you some information that will help you to make a decision and, hopefully, you can provide a rescue animal it’s forever home. We talked to Tiffany Chamblee, the Engagement and Outreach Manager of Bernalillo County Animal Care Services. She told us, “All shelters nationwide are bursting at the seams. We’re waiving fees, which include spaying or...

Health + Wellness

Eyes of NM and Eye Think Vision Therapy

Helping kids enjoy reading Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Courtesy of Eyes of NM It’s hard to get kids to enjoy reading or even learning in general if they’re having trouble with their vision. Moreover, if their vision problems are never properly diagnosed, it could affect their comprehension well into adulthood. Dr. Tiffany Garcia Martinez has two vision clinics: Eyes of NM, a family optometry practice, and Eye Think Vision Therapy, which specializes in diagnosing vision problems...

Arts + Culture

A classical experience for kids

the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Jennifer Castillo and Howard George Cellist Yo-Yo Ma said, “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children’s education.” Fortunately, these benefits are available to kids in Albuquerque through the music programs at the...

Arts + Culture

Autumn Oglesby

Our photographer shares images for our Kids and Pets issue Article and Photography by Autumn Oglesby This month, we wanted to introduce you to our photographer, Autumn Oglesby. We asked her to tell us about her background, artistic philosophy, and influences. -editor Hello, my name is Autumn Oglesby. I’m a traveler, mother, sister, yogini, energy worker, and freelance photographer—capturing the essence of emotion and connection in the Albuquerque area since 2002. Raised close to the...

Travel

Jemez Springs

A scenic day drive Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Autumn Oglesby and Richard Lakin This month we continue our series on New Mexico day drives by exploring Jemez Springs (pronounced HEE-mez locally). About an hour's drive from Albuquerque, it offers hot springs, mountain forests with hiking trails, alpine meadows, a river with trout, and a rich history. The Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway travels along Route 4, following the Jemez River, and provides some great views of the Red...

Travel

Explore New Mexico!

Tour guides are a growth industry in the state Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Roberto E. Rosales and Richard Lakin Outdoor recreation opportunities are one reason people move to New Mexico. It has things to see and do that rival any other Western state: horseback riding, camping, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, 4-wheeling, skiing, and cultural/ historic excursions. However, it’s more than just a pastime for New Mexicans. It’s also an economic development issue. Karina Armijo, the...

Sports + Recreation

Fishing in New Mexico

In the desert but plenty of fish Article by Alexandria Gonzalez | Photography by Alexandria Gonzalez and Wheeler Brunschmid Did you know that even as a landlocked desert state, New Mexico provides sportsmen and women some of the best fishing waters in the southwest? New Mexico’s unique climate gives anglers the opportunity to fish year-round at many of the state’s lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. The Department of Game and Fish ensures outstanding recreational angling opportunities for the...

Travel

All World Travel

Personalized adventures Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by courtesy All Word Travel All World Travel is a full-service travel agency that has been in business in Albuquerque for 45 years. Owner Alfred Volden says, “It’s all about customer service. I think we are in the wish-fulfillment business. We are able to assist our clients in achieving their travel goals. There are travel opportunities for virtually everything imaginable you might want to do.” Volden and his team have sold...

Food + Beverage

Doug Lanham of Jinja Bar & Bistro

Owner Doug Lanham owns three outstanding Asian restaurants to New Mexico Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Victoria Gonzales and Richard Lakin Doug Lanham, the founding partner of Jinja Bar & Bistro, has put a lot of thought into the food, ambience, and service of his three Asian restaurants (one in Santa Fe, two in Albuquerque). He told us, “We wanted to provide a memorable sensory experience that our guests can have, and we really worked on our layout. We worked on the acoustics, the...