Pinon-Juniper Forest and Thanksgiving

Image  "The Pinon Pine Tree"
2016 ©, Santa Fe, NM, C. Sullivan
"New Mexico's State Tree is the handsome Pinon Pine
which grows widely in the Southwest's mountain foothills."

For many years, beginning with my very first trip to the Eastern Sierras, I have been enamored with the Pinon Pine tree. During our many trips in November we would pay $5 to cut a Pinon in the Toiyabe National Forest for our Yule Tree. The fragrance is wonderfully earthy and long lasting.

Now that we have relocated and are putting down roots in the high desert, I have purchased a live, locally grown Pinon Pine (Pinus edulis) for this year's Yule Tree from Payne's Nursery just a few short blocks from where we are temporarily staying in Santa Fe. The young tree is a mere 4' tall but beautifully shaped. It will remain in the ground until early December then be lifted, root ball and all, up from the soil and placed in a large tree pot. Rather than covering the root ball with "potting soil," earthworm castings and mushroom compost will be mixed to cover the roots. Both of these "amendments" will support the tree's immune system thus providing for a long life. "The Pinon can live to 500 years and its dry-environment survival kit includes 20 foot long taproots." This year's Yule Tree will remain outdoors so as to not unnecessarily tax its well BEing. The plan is to plant it in the ground this Winter season barring frozen soil. This native tree will eventually be surrounded, for a long life, with a community of native Juniper (hopefully One-seed), native grasses and native flowers.

These pictures were taken at the "dog park" in November, 2017. It is not Wintery yet, no freezing nighttime temperatures and unseasonably warm in the daytime and dry. 

Only one light skiff of snow on the mountain tops
since we arrived the day before Halloween.

However, the plants are aware that this is the dry cycle and are entering their dormancy.

Shasta running towards her new found friend, Lilly, a Portuguese Waterdog.
The Pinon Pine and One-seed or Singleseed Juniper (Junipers monosperma)
abound on either side of the path.

Shasta off to investigate smells amidst the Pinon - Juniper desert forest.

Most of our out of doors time presently is spent each morning in the Frank Ortiz Dog Park. Shasta continues her energetic and exuberant exploration of humans, dogs and the terrain always finding a familiar dog friend . . . or a new fast dog friend.

Thanksgiving is a momentous day for us, especially in 2017, since we met at a friends gathering in Santa Rosa, California. I had recently moved to Santa Rosa and was a long time friend of the hostess; Dwight, exiting a 25 year marriage, was a friend and business associate of another in attendance. Each invited one of us because we would each otherwise be spending the holiday alone. So 30 years later we both are blessed with one another's love and companionship, and have much to be grateful for as we embark on the next chapter of our lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Creator, open our hearts

to peace and healing between all people.

Creator, open our hearts

to provide and protect all children

of the earth.

Creator, open our hearts

to respect for the earth, and all the

gifts of the earth.

Creator, open our hearts

to end exclusion, violence

and fear among all.

Thank-you for the gifts

of this day and every day.

Mi'Kmaq prayer

As we each express our gratitude, may we also