November 25, 2010

White Dog barked in the still dark morning to alert us that Puff had gone outside and needed to come in. (Our newest girl goes out the dog door without problem but still waits to be invited back inside...but at least now comes in when called). Steve got up and lifted the flap and announced, "It is snowing!" White Dog was out in a flash and came in minutes later to stand on the bed with cold wet feet and to shake snow on us...just to confirm the accuracy of Steve's statement. It was just a smattering of white but it was enough to send poor shaved-to skin-Nuka into shudders when the former Florida girl went out to take care of business.

A quick consult between Steve and I shifted the day's plans from hiking in the mountains to visiting the Bosque del Apache, the winter home for thousands of sand hill cranes, snow geese, ducks. It is the largest winter refuge for Whooping Cranes and is home to several Bald Eagles. There are lovely paths, viewing areas, and lots of open spaces. We gathered the White Dog Army and presented our plan. In an instant WD, TOWD, and AWD were prancing impatiently at the door ready to roll. SAWD cowered in her crate and we understood that she was not yet ready for a car ride with everyone or wearing a leash or exploring the unknown. We left Puff a treat and an open crate door (in hopes she might be more actively curious if no one was home), gathered the humans, and loaded into the car.

The photos and video show our Thanksgiving celebration. It was a wonderful afternoon of family togetherness. White Dog at one point took over the task of "walking" her sister, AWD, so Steve could film more easily. We communed with nature, we turned our faces into the sunshine and laughed. We breathed in the joy of being alive. We were grateful, so very grateful, for how rich and full our lives were. At the end, we shared a car picnic of simple snacks. We drove home as darkness crept over the mountains turning our home truly into a Land of Enchantment. We were tired but happy and filled with such contentment. We hope your day was as fantastic.