Warmth! Clear skies! And a longing to go to the top of Carson Pass and see if Forestdale Road is clear of snow so we can drive in to our house … and it is still too deep!
We are sitting by a snow bank next to Red Lake and eating lunch when a car lurches down the road, the door flies open, and a guy jumps out and places a round, black, object on the snow and starts flinging snow on top of it. We saunter down to see what is happening and a friendly, young man grins at us and says “Look! Two rainbow trout, two cutthroat trout, and three brown trout!”
Red Lake Trout
Wow! He continues heaping snow and says, “The ranger at the lake gave them to me. He caught a guy who was way over his limit so he gave him a ticket and gave me his fish. Then, before handing them to me, he asked to see my license and I couldn’t find it in my wallet. He said I have to mail him a copy in 7 days or he will give ME a ticket! I had to put them in this old hub cap and I’m trying to keep them cold so they won’t spoil. I told him I was only waiting for my wife to come and bring me a spare tire as I had a flat which was the only reason I was hanging out at the lake … geez, what a day! Now I have to keep them cold while I wait for my wife.”
He took a deep breath and sat next to his dog and the fish. We wished him luck and rolled on down the lovely road to Pardee Reservoir where we spotted a Tom turkey strutting his stuff and gobbling loudly.
Pardee Reservoir Tom Turkey
Mary P Williams 
So, you are back in CA now. I can see so much progress in your work during your at UTPA. It seems you now have a much surer grip on the artistic task– whatever challenge you are presented with, but without losing your own distinctive style.
Congratulations! On completing a challenging year of great growth in your artistic virtuosity.
What do you have planned for next year? Back to UTPA or are you done with the MFA, now?
Best Wishes,
Ann