rise early and look out the living room window and marvel at the beauty of Cone Mountain. Softly and almost tenderly,the sun rises in the east and brings a gray light to the recesses of the five canyons that face us on the northern slope of the mountain.

The two houses at the lower opening of the canyon directly opposite our home, one with a red roof and one with a green roof, emerge from the shadow to add a distinctive color contrast to the scene.

A small dusting of snow has covered the upper third of the mountain. For sure, this will not last. It will quickly melt away to form small rivulets down the slope and complete their journey in Pyramid Lake via the Truckee River.

Soon snows will come and Cone will be completely covered with snow, giving a total different view of the five canyons.

Such is the panorama of life in our part of Reno, Nevada. And too soon the possible lack of snow will leave dry grass and brush on the mountains slops, providing potential fodder for the deadly fires of summer.

We are blessed in so many ways and are given many opportunities to celebrate our humanity.

Y'all take care hear?