Perfect Autumn days

It's been too pretty lately to stay inside very much so I am only on the computer in the evenings for the most part. It is chilly early and late now but from mid morning until sundown it is just wonderful. I am reminded again why fall has always been my favorite season. Bright blue skies, golden flowers and leaves, just a fine time to be alive!!

In the distant past it was often time to get out and do a lot of riding and sometimes hunting. Yes, I did grow up with that tradition and have shot animals which may seem shocking and awful to some of my readers. However, we only killed those that we were going to use for meat and did not waste any of them, hides, meat and all. And like the Native Americans who hunted for their food long before my family did, I always thanked the animal's spirit for the sacrifice of its life to sustain me and mine and also the Great Spirit for the same boon. I do not miss the killing part now but I do miss the riding out and exploring to find where the game animals were "'hanging out" and the comradeship with my dad and others on these trips.

Were I to hunt now though, it would be only with a camera. Here is a shot of some deer taken about a year ago on a trip up in the Sacramento Mountains with some visiting friends from Arizona. And one of me on one of those very long ago expeditions up on Mingus Mountain which is part of the Black Hills Range along the western side of Arizona's Verde Valley.

Most frequently we rode mules since they were very sure footed and had good endurance for a long day's trek in the rough terrain. This mule was named Louie and I rode him a lot. Although my dear mare, Tina, who you have met in earlier posts, went a lot as well. There is a shot of me with her at about the same place, probably even on the same trip.  My dad took a lot of pictures which he used to illustrate the stories about hunting and outdoor adventures which he wrote. At the time all this did not seem so special but looking back I am so very thankful for these incredible experiences and for the fact that being born first, I got to the be the 'cowboy' and partner who went along  until my eight-year-younger brother was old enough to join in!

I think tomorrow I may take Red Hot Mama (that's my red pickup truck, you know) and maybe Ginger and go for a little drive up past Cloudcroft and take in some of the scenery a few miles away and several thousand feet higher than my home here in Alamogordo. If I do I will take my camera along and see if I can get a few special shots to share! It should be gorgeous up there about now, aspens turning etc.

In passing, I want to take a moment for fond remembrance of  Belle, my dear little Aussie companion. It's been a year now since she left us for the Rainbow Bridge and she came by to visit at lunch the other day. At first Charlie (my brother) felt a warm pressure against his leg for a minute and then a damp nose nudged my hand. She loved meals and little treats, which I always slipped to her of course, so she came at that particular time to let us know she is fine and waiting for us to join her. Yes, Baby Girl, we still love and miss you! Go in peace and I will see you again in time with the rest of the pack! You are all still so very dear.