May 27, 2011

White Dog gathered all of the members of WDA around us for a planning session. It has been a very long month in so many ways and yet May just seemed to gallop past us like a crazed racehorse. In a month where hardly anything seemed "normal," we needed to break out of our rut and head for the hills.

So we are. This weekend we will all pack into Pumpkin, load up groceries and head for the wilderness--the Gila National Wilderness, that is. We are returning to the delightful house protected by a stream to ford and hidden by a two-track ridge to breech where we stayed several weeks ago. Dragon and Sen-ge and their pawrents will join us as we hide away and recharge amidst the juniper, pine, and cow dogs. If we get ambitious or miss humanity we might check out the Blues Festival in town, or we may shun two-leggeds and walk through the pastures and mountains in our own company. The only certain plan is that we will relax and bask in the beauty of our adventure.

It will be interesting to see how YoYoMa does with a change of "homebase," whether just being with the pack will be enough or whether he will be anxious and lost. He seems to adapt well to environmental changes as long as we are together but has a harder time with unfamiliar noises...of course, with the exception of cattle lowing, we will be in a pretty quiet area. We are hoping he, too, can enjoy the weekend.

So WD, TOWD, AWD, SAWD and YAWD put together their packing list...and yes! by the grace of the Universe Steve was able to stop at Costco today for ducky jerky supplies. They reminded us to be sure to pack a brush for detangling burrs this time. They ok'd the switch to travel food (canned salmon, pumpkin and kibble) from their daily chicken veggies and rice (which needs refrigeration).

Puff and YoYoMa supervised me as I assembled kitchen stuff and dry goods...and finished up the sweet potato salad which will ride in the cooler for tomorrow's dinner. WD and Quinn followed on Steve's heels to arrange the van and to pack the suitcase. Nuka paced back and forth between both of us yipping out things we might have forgotten...olive oil?...car harnesses?...prebed treats?

They all know we are planning to leave when Gregg, Candace and pups arrive at 9:30 am but I am betting we will be quietly and persistently drawn back from sleep at the first glow of dawn.

We hope each of you and your families take time to relax, to remember, to recharge, and to rejoice. Have a wonderful holiday (for our US friends) and a grand weekend (for all).