“When you are sorrowful look again in your Heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight” ~ Kahlil Gibran ~

We are taking roots in Lost Lake, CO. In, around? Which one is right? Missed Sunrise again, sleep last night was not so good after unusually waking up from a very bad dream called a nightmare. Spirit was lost while I was with my Father who has passed away now some 20 years ago. Cell phones were not working, (was there cell phones 20 years ago?), there was a force disabling me to send out search parties as at the same time his family was only laughing and halting any hope to find him. Two different eras mixed and one of those when suddenly waking up truly happy of this false mental reality. Disturbing. Coffee as always and utilizing some shade turning on the new Goal0 battery and inverter, laptop, going through some photos, this Journal is now totally published with solar power giving me so much more freedom only needing a connection to upload it all while "Old Faithful’s" load becomes heavier and heavier.

Technology is getting the best of me yet facilitating it all. Deeper and deeper into taken steps as even having access to this Journal through my smart phone with the ability replying to comments, adding updates to existing entries, posting even a new entry however keeping that aspect when on the laptop for a better handle on photos. There will even be the ability to subscribe to the comments, I think such conversations will be beneficial. How far can all this technology go? So amazing. So spoiled including reading books and writing always the complete content of this Journal on my phone which truly is not a phone anymore.

As the Sun warming us up what will it be today? A hike I think around the big lake and Dollar lake. Perfect temperatures, perfect everything it has been, very few of my friends the mosquitoes, nothing compared to Grassy Lake and around the Glacier. Must be the older generation as Eucalyptus Lemon spray which we both smell like is taking care of it. Even our strolling through Crested Butte yesterday was of a pleasant one about 20 miles away. Friendly town, booming a bit through this summer month unlike throughout their rough winter. Dog Friendly yet unfriendly while wanting to sit on a patio for a cup of coffee. "Dogs are not allowed on patios because of a City ordinance" I was being told. "Not this one" is now my reply always, "he is a Service Dog…". Sometimes with then a smile, sometimes not, we are then allowed. Strange enough as I keep his tag and laminated documentation  in my wallet, I am never asked to show proof.

Turns out no hike today. A full rest day for Spirit and I. We shall walk to the Lake at Sunset later, it is one of those much needed time as we will move on tomorrow, thinking about Lake City. Peaches for Breakfast from the Farmers Market yesterday, a cup of plain white Basmati rice (from Trader Joes, the best rice I have ever tasted, the “yellow label”), later topped with a diced real tomato, avocado, a can of low sodium tuna (also from T.Joes), a bit of unfiltered Olive Oil and 18 (now 19!) year old Balsamic Vinegar (both from TasteofOlive.com), what luxury…. I forget a couple grinds of "Himalayan Pink Salt Crystals ", from again T.Joes, harvested in Pakistan, bottled in South Africa and sold in the U.S. (I am truly reading the label). A spoonful of Chocolate Peanut Butter (which I try so hard not to buy…) with a banana and "et voila", no refrigeration needed. I think I will join Spirit now under his tree for a nap. No Ritz Carlton needed either, this is the Master Suite, all amenities included.

Brainless day today it turned out to be. A big welcome for such moments in such a space. I am calmly with Spirit sitting by the Lake, waiting maybe for the clouds to turn colors and starring at this mountain which part of it crumbled this morning. A humbling experience. While reading I thought a low jet was making it’s presence when the loudness of it made me stand up and run toward a clearing where the noise was coming from mixed with bursts of dust I could see through the trees. The mountain side was rolling and what a sight it was, outstanding notes of a thunder Mother Nature played. A first for me, present throughout this change of scenery. Ran back to the camera in time to capture the final blow as so slowly silence again came back.

"I have had a great deal of interest in my photography over the years, for which I am grateful. Their sales are of much importance funding this Journal. Yes, please feel free to purchase one or two… or a few. I have been adding some photos lately, there will be more as I sift through about 100,000 of them.

Take a look. “Smugmug” stands for quality. Thank you”

Be well, always.

Ara & Spirit