I love capers

I really do. They are so salty. And I love salty food. I had capers on my pizza tonight and it was delicious!

Anyway, so we are still in Taos. The van is getting new ball bearings and things like that today. The mechanic is very busy, so they have not been able to get our van in and out like we were hoping. That is a good and bad thing- they are popular and do good work, therefor well thought of in this town, but we are ready to move on!

It was actually good to be sedentary today, Sorrel was like a furnace last night with a fever, and ended up puking twice this morning. He and I spent the morning laying in bed, he napped and we watched "Babe", still one of my favorite movies. Parula and James went and did some errands around town, groceries, new cell phone case to protect James's replacement phone, that kinda stuff. Sorrel seemed to have a burst of energy after two pieces of plain toast, some crackers and a small amount of ginger ale. He asked to go outside for a while, so we got in the car and drove up the road to a trail we have gone on once already. He rode on James's back in the ergo the whole way, but I think it was good for him to get some fresh air. Parula is learning how to walk up mountains, this being her second time on a fairly steep trail. The trails we've been on in Maine are more likely to have roots sticking out as a tripping hazard than steep grades with loose rocks, like the ones we have been encountering here. With the hike up, there is always a nice view to be seen on the way there, and lots of cacti and familiar plants! I have been realizing how much I really have missed the southwest as we walk along in the mountains here- so many great plants, birds, and  astounding sky scapes, I really do love it!

Although we are not going anywhere yet, James and I are trying to solidify in our minds our next step. We encountered a really nice couple staying at the "lodge" that we are at this morning. They are from Santa Rosa, CA and had lots of great things to say about the California coast, enough to convince us that it should be our next place of exploration. We may just skip over AZ and the rest of NM, I am really yearning to be back next to the ocean, and James is as well. I think I have been taking for granted living right on the coast in Maine, and if we are to move from there, I am feeling that we should be relocating to a place that is also on the coast, but with MORE SUN! We shall see what happens....

One thing that has been really sweet on this trip is that the kids and the dogs have been bonding so beautifully. Parula has taken a huge responsibility off of James and I by consistently throwing sticks for Pia. As we have said many times, Pia would still try to fetch a ball or stick even if she had all of her legs cut off- this is how determined she is. Parula is always eager and willing to help Pia get the fetching going, and they both seem to have a great time. Pia also rests her head on Parula's leg in the car, and often Parula will stroke her ears while doing so. Sorrel has been cuddling with River quite a bit as well, giving her hugs and telling her how much he loves her. It is so sweet.

Hopefully next time I write I will have something to say about travels and not that we are still in Taos. I am feeling ready to move on and see some new things. I do like this town, I am just feeling anxious to feel the sand in my toes and hear waves crashing and visit with old friends!