It has been a while since I laid eyes on the ranch in late Spring, when the grass is greener and temperatures more modest.

Visiting with dear Boden cousins (mostly from Canada), we were fortunate to attend a calf branding (younger members were at first squimish, but as advised the process is mercifully quick) and I was invited on a morning bull “gather,” moving a dozen or so bulls through several pastures so they could more easily undergo fertility tests. My horse Munchie, trained by the head cowboy’s wife, was spirited and responsive.

On the way, we stayed at my mother’s property in Santa Fe. I am eternally grateful my adventurous mom lived and painted for three decades in the this enchanting town and state. [kindly hover over images for captions]