Where's the Love?

A discerning reader and family member said to me, re: blog, "Very well done. It's a little light on the love stuff." He was right - let the satire be sweetened with affection, appreciation and gratitude.

Here's what I love. I love all of Colorado west of the Front Range. I love every inch of that drive to Mancos. I love the San Luis Valley, Wolf Creek Pass, super-scary Red Mountain Pass, and pretty much all Colorado geography in general.

I love the Mancos Masonic Lodge people. All of 'em. The best people in Mancos. I love the former mayor Greg and his partner Dean. I love my girls Cathy and Rhonda and Gail - thanks for befriending me while we walked our dogs on the football field. I love Sharon, with her kind heart and BIG wisdom.

I love my former landlord Tim, the handsomest man in the Four Corners, and my dear pal Johnny, the other handsomest man in the Four Corners. I love the former town manager Tom and his partner Oliver. I love Bill and Judy Countess, owners of the Mud Creek Hogan Trading Post, who never denied me therapy when most needed and gave me smokin' hot deals on gorgeous native jewelry. I love the town marshall, Brian, the Bakery, and Nate Funmaker, hat-maker to the stars and all-around handsome nice-guy. I love all the Columbine owners. I love Yellow Fish graphic design. I love the Mancos Times readers, especially the ones that loved me.

I love my former boss, Suzy, and everybody at the Cortez Journal.

I loved being at my home in Mancos at night and going outside and seeing the Milky Way looking like a river of stars. I loved hearing the mountain lions and coyotes. I loved seeing the five-point buck in my driveway.  I loved the smell of pinion and juniper after a rainstorm and in the morning. I loved the smell of juniper and pinion burning in my wood stove at night. I loved the psychadelic sunsets over Ute Mounatin and Mesa Verde. I love Rance and his house down in Weber Canyon - thanks for letting me pick pot sherds on your land, Rance.

I loved the three hour drive from Mancos to Taos. I loved the two hour drive from Mancos to Moab. I loved seeing Shiprock when I went to the southwest side of Cortez. I loved the hikes up to Mt. Hesperus, where the aspens are so big you could not wrap your arms all they way around them.

I love the Mancos River Restoration Project. Go, Felicity.

This list will surely grow - check back from time to time. And thanks, Cuz, for the reminder about what matters. I love you too. xop