Saying good-bye to one of the great loves of your life is gut wrenching. Some may think that is an extreme statement, but I am content with this. I knew from the moment that my cousin Kimmy said her dog Cheyenne was pregnant with puppies that I wanted Kioko, my Dog Daughter. And I was so so lucky to enjoy her as part of my life for so many years. It was a day at the beach when Kimmy offhandedly…
Ninety One Hundred Up at this elevation something catches in your throat The scent of pine, of campfires, long in your memories The golden hour, shining, on the green rolling summits, rocky peaks, and the aspens glow, with their small yellow-green of rebirth. Deep breath… catch. Seeking oxygen. Fighting back tears. Tears of seventeen years gone by and you just smiled at me and made me remember. Hiking sticks and walks to the ranger led campfires of my youth Junior…