Los Alamos…

We stayed near Los Alamos in New Mexico for three days.

The first morning I awoke with a crushing head-ache that I initially thought was brought on by the couple of glasses of wine I’d had the evening before.  As the hours passed I realized I was suffering from altitude sickness, which rendered me stunned and breathless.

Unable to stomach early morning coffee I drank pints of water while we went sight seeing.

My corner of the picnic blanket echoed with a rhythmic thumping in my temples reminding me that I was still very much alive.

Back at Jemez Springs I settled on the deck of my friends’  log cabin, Pen Point, and sipped my first cup of coffee, breathed shallowly and rested my eyes on their delightful wild bird corner

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and stared at a flurry of birds pecking the suet,

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and a Western Scrub Jay greedily attacking the seed.

Birds

After an hour my head-ache eased leaving my skin sensitive and my eyes heavy.  I felt much better after the caffeine and the birds’ display.

During the following days I grew used to the 8000 feet elevation and slowed down, especially when hiking uphill or practicing yoga.

I became conscious of each steady inhalation and thanked God for the oxygen rich ridge upon which I had alighted.

In the early mornings I walked to gather in the beauty of my surroundings.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the breath-taking views.

The Aspens, for which this area is named, cluster together in small groves.

Aspens

I learned that Aspen bark, like the Willow, has anti-inflammatory properties.

The markings on these trunks are signs of deer and elk activity,

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and lend each tree a distinctive look.

I noted that along the paths Aspen also bore other distinguishing features, this time etched by human hand.

The smooth, startlingly white bark proved too much of a temptation.

AspensGraffiti

Los Alamos stand tall and straight, drawing my gaze heavenward to the brilliant blue skies.

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They tremble in the wind living up to their Latin name, Populous Tremula.

They whisper in a gentle breeze, gently soughing at night, their moans lulling me to sleep.

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After a forest fire these majestic trees are the first to send up shoots.

Stands of these ethereal trees can re-generate in less than fifty years.

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“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?”  (Job 38:4)  God asks Job.

The very greatness of God is revealed in the enchantment of a New Mexican Indian summer and Job responds as I would,

“Indeed I am completely unworthy…” (Job 40:4)

And bow to His creation .

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