I warned Maria that the donkeys might be ticked off that we left them for a week or so, they can be temperamental that way. It did not turn out that way, they were all over us, and especially Maria, when we went out to the pasture this morning.

In beautiful New Mexico, we fantasized a bit about moving there, wondering how that would work, we kept saying the donkeys would love it there, the climate is perfect for them, and they would enjoy the sage brush and meadow grass that grows there, they are, after all, desert animals.

That is, after all, desert country. The donkeys were not annoyed, they were all over the Maria, and this was a joyous reunion. Maria’s relationship with the donkeys is among the most beautiful and heartfelt connections between humans and animals that I have ever seen.

They just all put their heads together and cuddled. Makes it especially nice to be home. If we ever do move, the donkeys will have to go with us.