Guaranteed Cure for the Blues

Just last September, both Karen over at Gem of the Ocean and I were blogging about devastating fires that swept through Southern California. Today my daughter and I decided to grab the two hounds and take a hike in a regional park - Peters Canyon - that was very near the burn area but fortunately came through unscathed.

It was a good day to hike, given the Gospel reading today. The story of the road to Emmaeus is one of my favorites and so often when I experience something that I feel makes me conscious of Christ's presence, I think to myself, was not my heart on fire? Emmaeus - the ultimate road trip. In honor, then, a day's journey along a trail, heading through ridges of sage brush and forests of eucalyptus and oak, with wind and sun on the face, as if He was lovingly stroking it and reminding me, you will know Me in the breaking of the bread.

At the end of the hike - after about some two hours - the satisfaction of exercise and a drive home with a tired, but happy, child and a twin chorus of canine snores coming from the far back of the car. I had only thought of bringing Dante, but Kate insisted we also bring Josie and once again, the puppy proved her mettle. Katie is the type of girl who thinks tent-camping is fun and scaling a fish she caught herself to be enjoyment, so when I suggested a hike today, she was game immediately. She getting too old for the Indian Princess program, so she has begun Girl Scouts at St. Joseph. I just hope they realize she would want to complete badegs in things like fishing, target shooting,a nd taxidermy.

I don't photograph well, but I wanted this picture to print and place on my desk. I am happiest when I am with my family, among whom I count the four-legged members as well. Little girls, I notice, tend to fall in love with horses, or cats, or dogs. I fall in that last category - there are few times in my life I have been without a dog and they have always held a special place in my heart.