I am so very glad to see that you are out and about and Trip Reporting again. I know I really missed you as did others but I am sure the pressure of providing us with your own homegrown sense of humor and witticisms was at times daunting. You are a treasure. I am hoping that the depression dissipates soon. I know how hard it is, especially in the winter but you found some soul-saving vistas and special places. Depression runs in both sides of my family so it hits me, especially during the sodden dull sky winter of the PNW. But, visiting new areas, particularly the desert where the geology isn't covered in brambles and moss-sodden trees, relieves the sadness I sometimes feel
Pets are a big part of our lives also and when they pass they leave a big gaping aching hole that never quite closes. As proud buddies with 2 dogs: Toller a 2.5 year old chocolate Standard Poodle/German Short-hair cross and Blitzen, a 1 year old black Standard Poodle plus 4 cats: all Siamese crosses ages 4, 6, and 2 x 14 year olds: Castiel, Mindy, Salem and Aladdin, our house is full of our furry friends.
Hopefully, Durango will become your home soon. We are talking about a move to a less rainy cloud covered sky area but haven't really found "our" place yet. Maybe home is where you find yourself. And, being a 5th generation Puget Sounder, it is hard for me to leave my salt water habitat.
I have an idea. I feel that many members here are like a family, that we find a "home" on this forum, those of us with the wanderlust to seek new adventures and places with a history other than our own. Would you and others be open to meeting up near Durango for a get together? We plan to visit the Four Corners area some time in Mid May. No specific itinerary but we want to visit Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly areas. Maybe, if you know some special places that you can share with us nearby you will be able to call your new hometown home. Just a thought.
Again, welcome back and I hope you and your wife have a very wonderful Christmas.
