On Sept. 21, the first day of autumn, my friend Doug and I took a day trip to Lake City over Spring Creek and Slumgullion passes. We wanted to enjoy the spectacular fall colors in these mountains.

      It was a glorious day with warm temperatures and blue skies, laced with just the right amount of clouds. It was the perfect day for a 380-mile round trip drive to Gunnison and back to Pagosa Springs.

      Words just cannot do justice, and neither can printouts from the camera. You have to be there to experience the "real thing."

      And part of that experience is sharing the beauty and wonder and richness of God's Earth with someone special who also appreciates it. I am so grateful for my life right now on Planet Earth.

       Even though things seem to go wrong at times... our economy is teetering on the edge... our politicians continue to lie to us... we are constantly bombarded with confusion and propaganda, especially as election time approaches...

      Yet here we are, cosmic citizens on a beautiful world. Is it no wonder the ETs consider Terra a "gem"?

      Even though it costs so much to print an extra two pages in color, I just had to share these photos with you this month... in color! I've been fortunate to be able to get out this year and see several of Colorado's passes with the aspens and the oak brush turning.