It’s been awhile, but not because nothing has been happening. It’s definitely winter here in the canyon, but the weather has been all over the map: -18 and snowy to 50 degrees and muddy. Recently, it’s been more on the muddy, warm side of things. At one point we had over a foot of the white stuff, but it’s dwindled to nearly nothing. It didn’t freeze last night, which means the County Road is a 4″ mud zone best avoided. Luckily, we are well prepared for this and have food to last weeks, if needed! (Not likely).
In the meantime, Alan and I have settled into a wonderful routine of winter relaxation and work. I am teaching 6 classes this semester, which is too many, but they are going ok so far. It does take a fair amount of my time. One of us takes the pups for a long hike every morning, recently hiking down in the arroyo, up into the woods, and on the ridge above our place, as the snow is easier to traverse than the mud with microspikes. Lots of elk, coyotes and even a fox keep Zane VERY excited. Clair is more sedate, and would rather just chase a stick. Or sleep on the couch.
In the house, we are plugging away at 2 long-planned remodel jobs in the kitchen and bathroom. We truly only “work” a few hours a day at most (hence our slow pace). We’re making good headway with both, although the kitchen is a much longer project. There’s at least a good start with a new counter and sink. I’ve rediscovered my pleasure in creative tile work.
The bathroom is about done, other than a little trim work. Our table saw bit the dust recently, so we have to wait for parts before finishing.
There’s a wonderful boulder behind the house I call Beard Rock, Alan calls Cube Rock. (In the summer, the bushes truly resemble an unruly beard.) We have thought about building a platform behind it and putting a teepee on it since we moved in. Maybe this summer!
We got out last week for an enjoyable stop at the Chama Chili Ski Classic: where a bunch of XC Skiers and Snowshoers braved high winds under a blue sky near Cumbres Pass. Some were really fast! It was fun, but too cold for the pups, so we headed back down and took a hike closer to home.
The birds have been out in force this winter. I do feed them when it is cold and snowy, and they’ve told all their friends and relatives. These are Evening Grosbeaks, I counted well over 50. When they leave, an equal number of LGBs and LBBs move in and grab what the bigger ones leave.
That reminds me: a couple weeks ago, Alan and I watched a bunch of birds foraging at a recently killed elk: 4 Bald Eagles, a couple of vultures, many little birds and a few ravens. 2 of the eagles and ravens were on guard duty, facing away from the kill, searching for larger predators. As Alan and I watched, a coyote came trotting out of the woods and headed their way, hoping, no doubt, to grab a quick meal. One of the ravens gave the warning, and the 2 eagles flew up and toward the coyote, diving, snapping at him, driving him away. A raven followed, cawing wildly in support. Coyote was unable to get any closer, and the birds harried him across the meadow down into an arroyo, where he probably lay low, waiting for the big birds to fill up and go take a nap. The sentinels returned to the feed, this time taking their turn at the meat, while 2 other eagles and ravens replaced them as guards.
I don’t believe that “survival” is about competition, or at least not unless under extreme stress. Survival of the “fittest” has more to do with cooperation and collaboration. There was no doubt that all those birds were helping each other: the eagles grabbing chunks of fresh kill and acting as protection, the vultures and ravens grabbing bits of offal and assisting as needed, the little birds nabbing bugs and bits off the fur which make the meat tastier and safer for the others. They were looking out for each other. Later, satiated, they will go digest….no babies to feed this time of year….and coyote will be able to come get his share. I’ll bet he’s ok with that.
Overall, this has been a fun and fully enjoyable winter so far, even with the less-than-perfect weather. I find joy every day in small actions: painting a small landscape, placing a tile, walking the pups through untracked snow, sharing hot cocoa with Alan, watching our favorite shows on Netflix. It’s the little things that give the greatest pleasure.
Alan and I wish you the same joy! 😀
4Fords Journal 