Sent by Marie
Thank you, Sweetheart. 💖
Because life goes on, the music told her, even when you think it can't. Yes, there is fear. There is real cruelty. Not knowing what the fuck. Those things are there. But listen because there is this too -- this beauty. The human adventure is worth it, after all. (From: The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
Just for the record....from USA Today. (Link is same as one below)
https://www.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-updates-almost-200-000-125719114.html
Excerpt below from article (above link) by:
Michael James and Rachel Aretakis, USA TODAY, USA TODAY
Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 6.7 million cases and 199,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Globally, there have been more than 30.6 million cases and 954,000 fatalities. New case records were set in Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Record numbers of deaths were reported in Puerto Rico, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Friday.
Uniquely choreographed
It's an easy run from Albuquerque, just over 50 miles.
I'm not sure how big the wilderness is, but the "area" is extensive. It's bounded on a couple of sides by Pueblo Lands, but there are many roads leading to remote places.
The topography is varied. There are striking outcrops, ridges that run for a mile or so, and some badlands with hoodoos. The main road is better than the one above, but even the good ones aren't really suitable for the low-slung.
This part, below, is only a few miles from highway 550. Across the valley is a cliff that provides a backstop for the shootists. Fortunately, this sideroad is designated NO SHOOTING, but the sound of the enthusiasts across the way impinges on the experience.
The campspot is hidden from the "main" road unless you walk up the driveway a bit. Not many come here though. Over the years I've seen an occasional hiker and one or two other vehicles, but usually I can count on having it to myself.
Directions and coordinates available -- with the promise of non-disclosure.
It was in the cards aisle. "Excuse me!" she said. I leaped up and apologized. "I could see you were concentrating." she added. Her sly smile gave her away and I swear the tip of her tail quivered the way Sophie, my cat's, used to b4 she was about to pounce.
When I thought about it, which wasn't all that often, I credited the feral posture with helping keep me limber.
Occasionally, when accompanying Ms. Cook on her cat-sit rounds I noticed the "steps" some folks have that enable them to squat over the receptacle.
But with the post-infarction lassitude, Mr. Stomach has expanded to even greater proportions and he now, when I assume the position, exerts uncomfortable pressure on my heart. I'm consoling myself by appreciating how the increased distance (slightly) lessens der schtink.
Youse tink I should included a TMI warnin' at duh begginin'?
It's the same every time. I plan to be in Albuq three days, a week at the most and it turns into more than a month.
I DID get to meet with a cardiologist and am scheduled for a phone appointment with another next month. I got my meds resupplied and, most wonderful of all, got to spend quality time with Ms. Cook.
And today we, that's the royale we, Phoebe & I, escaped -- to the Ojito Wilderness. Cosmic as it gets, having traveled highway 550 from Farmington to Albuquerque NUMEROUS times, this time I saw a small road that leads into the Ojito. And it needs 4WD so there's not a lot of traffic.
Free Again
Michelle and I have a trip to Colorado planned for the 1st week of October so I only have a couple of weeks...not enough time to wander far. And that window in Utah will be opening soon; the Fall one, that is. This year it's The Swell. Or Goblin Valley. Or maybe Grand Staircase-Escalante.
The nice thing about this stage is knowing it can change in a split second; planning is just indulging the whimsy.
