Weather has been changing. Getting warmer and more inviting. Time to get out and back into my semi-daily if not daily routine of running and walking.
This day, as usual, I donned my sleeveless tee, shorts and cushy running shoes.
A little stretching, then off up the road.
I ran as far as I could, stopping to walk usually about where the maintained road ends. On past the big red sign where the road turns into a little better than a wagon trail.
I pull the tee off and toss it to the waiting Chaparral bush on the edge of the trail. It's branches gently embrace, holding it off the ground until my return.
The air was still this day. The sound of my shoes grinding the sand as I walked.
Then, a rustle in the brush, not far away. To my astonishment, it was a rabbit. A jackrabbit. But, not JUST a jackrabbit. Not the ordinary tan and gray rabbit that is so familiar in this desert. No, this guy was red! A red jackrabbit!
As he nonchalantly moved from the brush, he paused. Squatting on his rear honches, nose in the air, his gaze finally coming to rest, directly at me! Our eyes seemed to lock!
My shutter finger now in a spastic twitch, he just sat there, as if to say, " Humph! No camera, huh dummy?". He then, just as casually continued on his way. Up and over the knoll, and out of sight.
I hate that! You know, the "once in a lifetime" shot. Boy, how many of those have I had?!
Trying to make up for lost shots, I carried my trusty Nikon point and shooter with me for a few days.
After some time, camera in hand, I decided to capture another "opportunity" I could share. Something I had seen every day. Something that sadly, may not be as mysterious as the red rabbit, but every bit as amazing. That would be the seemingly endless, so generous yet selflessly anonymous contribution of items that are being made to this desert, on an ongoing basis.
Here's a few "snapshots" I've gotten so far. Hope you like them.

How cool?!. A television set. A little weather and artillery damage, but hey, what a gift!



Here's a tire swing, of course. And a picnic table.



Now who couldn't use a nice camper shell for the truck?



Or some tires for the truck?



A refrigerator freezer, WITH doors!



A puzzle for the kids!



I've been looking for one of these La-Z- Boy sets.



Makes you want to lay down and take a little nap, doesn't it?






I'm sad to say, that the elusive red rabbit remains just that- elusive. But the story is true.
And as far as the rest of the story, well, I hope not to offend, but, this last image pretty well sums up my feelings about it all. What more needs to be said, but "thank you", to all that have donated. You know who you are.