It’s already pre-holiday time! WOW!!! I’m still getting used to the change in the weather, let alone the fact that Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Day are just around the corner.
This year had some interesting moments. For one thing, I’ve seen more animals in my neighborhood than ever before. Maybe just because I really DO take a walk nearly every day now, ever since I had that crazy hip replacement over a year ago.
So I gotta walk, and that leads to all sorts of adventures. Like surprising a herd of elk about ½ mile down my dirt road just before dawn back in September. Have you ever come face to face with a bull elk protecting his harem ? I was probably 100 feet from him, but he looked a little too interested in me for my comfort. I decided to turn around.
Do elk ever attack humans? According to the internet, it does happen. So I made a good call when I decided not to finish my walk that particular morning.
On another day, on that same road, I came upon a healthy looking coyote skulking across the road into the woods. This was just a day or so after hearing an entire chorus of these wild canines. They have such an eerie yodel, but I have come to love their serenades.
And here’s what else I’ve been up to:
- I created a whole lot of new designs for The Magic Zoo! You’ll be hearing about them soon, I promise. We are still photographing them and writing about them. It won’t be long now!
- We put in a brand new wood stove, which actually keeps our house pretty warm. If you heat with wood, you’ll understand how thrilling this can be
- I traveled to Florida twice, Oklahoma once (for a veterinary conference, in which I was an exhibitor) and San Antonio once, for another vet conference
- I had a family reunion here in New Mexico with my sister and 2 brothers. Even better, we all loved it and plan to repeat it every year, if possible!
- My eldest grandchild turned 15. How is that possible?
- I attended the Albuquerque balloon festival this year. I did not go up in a balloon, although I was invited. It was enough of a thrill just to watch it all happen.
- Last Sunday, our little town of Mountainair had its OWN balloon festival! That’s me and my grandson being thrilled. Please note that the balloon behind us (unbeknownst to me) has a little tag on it that says “Magic Z”
- I learned how to make Keto key lime cheesecake.
Funny how when you run through the year’s activities how much crazy stuff comes up.
What was your biggest adventure this year so far? I’d love to hear about it!