Hike on December 25 with Daddy-O and Dawgs: Said hello to Kokopelli, as usual. Orion had never been on this trail and so I showed him some of the ancient art left behind, still living in the stone people - there are many pictures along my trail. I think they were added yesterday, maybe today. Did I tell you I saw a person standing on the mesa top above the lava flow? I did... but, then it flew away, had wings, etc. .... it wasn't a person, but a large bird. I couldn't see what kind of bird, though, it circled briefly and then out of sight in a flash. A dear friend called to say he cried. I was glad for him. Another dear friend spent hours painting me a watercolor picture, looks like an old European artist painted it. It was beautifully framed and under glass. I think the "style in which it was painted", the original old artist is worth in the millions at auction. To me, her style, and this piece, is priceless beyond words of awe.... awe to know that I am worthy of her and her talents and thoughtfulness. You must know that she works about 120 hours a week, not kidding... so, for her to have time to paint me a beautiful picture, cook and clean for her husband, visit her mother daily, and take care of her many animals.... is... humility and gratitude and all sorts of words that will never express this 40 year old friendship born in a canyon in the middle of nowhere where she and I were the only canyonites living amonst the ancient ones. Really - middle of nowhere. I still have canyonitis!