Almost four years ago, when we arrived in Pagosa, there was a herd of wild elk camped out in our backyard. The other night they returned for a farewell performance. Alex was on the road and when I woke up in the morning I thought that I could hear a baby crying. When I peeked out the window, there was the herd, spread out all around the house. They had bedded down in the field and were digging through the snow for the alfalfa that lay beneath it's powdery layers. They slept within a few feet of the house and oddly, there wasn't a bull in sight. Just many, many cows and their sweet and vocal children enjoying a brief vacation in our yard. They were already on the move when I slipped outside to photograph them. I kept our very excited dogs within until they were gone. It was beautiful and awe-inspiring and I'm sorry that Alex missed it. His road this week has been long and challenging. We chose a Budget truck because when we moved out here U-Haul was somewhat lacking in customer service. I'll just say that Budget makes U-Haul look like nirvana and leave it at that. Thankfully he'll be in New York soon, surrounded by loved ones as we hope all of you are on this holiday weekend. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate the holiday, and Happy Sunday to everyone else. Our very best wishes to you all on this lovely December evening.