Here, we're into the middle of the 'fire season' . . . there isn't a whole 
lot left to burn. The drought has really taken a toll on this entire area. 
Each day I watch all the big cottonwood trees. I have 7 big Chinese Elm 
trees out front of the house that are probably 45 feet tall . . . they're 
looking borderline. My neighbors have about a 1/4 mile of cottonwoods, half 
of which don't have any leaves. Fortunately I took time in the spring to 
really clear out years of old, dry wood from almost a 1,000 feet of ditch. 
Boy am I relieved to have that away from the house. I usually plant a 
garden of heirloom pumpkins, winter squashes and gourds . . . I'm known for 
them in northern New Mexico. People come to the Santa Fe Farmer's Market in 
the fall watching for my truck. This year I had seed from Spain and Kenya 
for pumpkins, but they're safely tucked away in envelopes for another year 
when we actually have water. Usually this place is a riot of color about 
now and yellow with dandelions . . . there aren't any, at all. Dry . . . 
nothing. I'm actually really grateful to have the goal of the CAPA show in 
December, because it seems to ameliorate the environmental problems a 
little bit here for me. So right now, packing to go get some more material 
for painting is just what I need.