The enchanted land is in the middle of another beautiful summer; different than last just to make the world a little more interesting and unexpected. The summer monsoon began early and is still the weather pattern but rain is sporadic and intermittent. Many days I watch it fall in many places but not on the ranch house. Other times the water falls from the clouds only to evaporate in the dry atmosphere before hitting the earth.

      

 

    The slight shift in the weather pattern that produced the early monsoon resulted in changes to the seasonal schedule of the local life forms. We all have to adapt, but never complain about the rain.  

 

 

 

  

   

 

    

     Another stray dog was hanging on the fringe of the ranch for a few days, hiding or running away at any approach. Chaco and Hook brought her to dinner a couple of evenings and she has lived here ever since. She responds to “Jo”, usually, and is learning the necessary survival skills from Hook. The last stray on the ranch, Souvie, is adapting well to family life in the New England hills. I have heard that only occasionally do her ranch-roots make themselves known.

    

 

    

 

     Due to various but unrelated circumstances, I have been given access to new areas in the region: places that have changed very little in the last few hundred years. They have only grown older, covering up the ancient evidence. Like most somewhat incredible places, they require much time and miles in exploration. Every trek is a new journey to an unknown destination, unseen sights in all the canyons. Just may be that the ancient people believed this land to be enchanted. Just may be for the same reasons we still hold to that belief.

 

 

                

    We still dance in the morning sunlight, just a little different than previous times. Jo is a very active participant and maybe Louie watches from the other side. The dancers sometimes run across the sand of his grave: maybe he enjoys the company. After we dance, we rest and consider the day.

 

                     

 

                                 

 A post card from a distant place

      

     Long time, long ways gone. Weather is beautiful, the land is enchanted…what I mean is ‘wish you were here’.