My friend, Lynda and I visit two horses and a donkey on most Thursdays. Lynda grew up on a ranch in Colorado. Rode her first horse at the age of 2. Was an Olympic quality horse woman by her teens.  But chose an academic career instead. But as she's gotten older her interest is mainly in hanging out with Smokey, Jed and Cleo the donkey, belonging to friends of hers. I, on the other hand grew up in an urban environment (Houston Texas) with little equine contact.

They are big animals and I had a fear of them most my life. Hanging out with these three characters has opened me to the wonder, intelligence and sweetness of these mammals. So for a year we've brought these equines apples and brushed them and laughed at their antics. Smokey we refer to jokingly as a 'lap horse'. And indeed if he could he'd climb into our laps and cuddle. Jed, on the other hand has been very standoffish until recently now allowing some brushing and love. Cleo is another story. If you quit brushing her before she's ready she'll untie you shoe, or in some way let you know she's not finished. what a fine threesome and how wonderful to open to the  wonder of equines.

Cleo

Smokey

Jed and Cleo being brushed by Lynda

A human caused wildfire burned 57 acres of my beloved trail, Bear Canyon Trail, in the Sandia Mountains here in Albuquerque. I walk my dogs on this wild trail every Sunday morning at dawn.

Started either by a careless smoker or more ominously an arson. heartbreaking. The desert is resilient. It will recover. Eventually. Scroll down to June 3rd to see the lushness pre-fire...

hearty thistle flower survives the fire

western NM, near Quemado

Native American ancient pottery shard

All struggle to survive in this beautiful high desert

A magical morning in the Sandia Mountains. Clouds spilling over the peaks, rain has brought vivid colors and textures to the desert. The sky salmon colored in the pre dawn light. My Sunday morning prayer. This mountain. This trail.