Much of my life has been spent in the great outdoors. Whenever I'm not at the keyboard, I'm outside enjoying Mother Nature. The ratio of indoor to outdoor time differs greatly from my childhood days, but nonetheless I carry the mountain and prairie spirit with me and with that, a keen appreciation for the great outdoors.
   

Several winters ago, during one of my winter visits home, my brother had constructed an ice-fishing hut, complete with a hot toddy dispenser! I had always thought ice fishing to be one of the crazier winter activities to do in life, not to mention freezing cold, but I was assured that 1) I would not freeze while in the hut and 2) I would catch something. My brother was right on both accounts!

   

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies was a favorite passtime for me when I lived in that area.

   
 

Cycling around the islands of Prince Edward Island and Manhattan has also been a part of my life.

 
 

Having recently moved to New Mexico allows me the opportunity to explore the 5th largest state of the United States.  Just north of the State Capitol, Santa Fe, near the infamous town of Los Alamos, is the Bandelier National Monument.  Nestled in the shadows of the Jemez Mountains, this photo was taken from one of the ancient pueblo caves, about 60 feet above the ruins of these ancient homes.  Reportedly up to 700 people lived in this community in the 1400's.  Their descendants are located in and around Santa Fe to this day and still supply the southwest with their beautiful pottery, rugs and jewelry.

 

photo taken by Maxine Thevenot, June 8, 2006.