Been keeping busy with the details of establishing residency and getting ready for my summer volunteer work at Yellowstone.

I have my NM driver’s license, but a glitch with the van title is drawing out the license plate/registration process. I have the title, but my “title number is not in the national database”, which means some investigative work by officials at DMV in the state capital, Sante Fe. In the meantime, I have established with a local doctor, submitted my blood for a routine check-up and yielded to annual screenings. I had the oil changed in the van and will take it for a wash and wax next week. I rented a storage room at the ranch here and offloaded heavy stuff I don’t need to drag around all summer. A local gal groomed Tango (and cut his hair to the nub again), and his annual checkup/shots are forthcoming.

My travel plans:

• Leave NM between April 21-25, depends on when the van paperwork gets ironed out
• Dally in northern NM for a few days if I leave closer to the 21st
• Visit friends in Central Colorado
• Arrive at Gardiner, MT  May 5

The final task: summer work clothes. I wore out my field clothes during the Conservation Camper job in Florida, so I have been shopping for replacements. My choices for far:

Daily Forest Service uniform

Sunday Dress

New winter coat

The hat selection this year is amazing!

Finally, fashion-forward hiking boots

Bear Claw necklace

And of course, a little something for my future grand baby!

Tango’s stylist recommends this look for his new job title: CEO, Grizzly Bear Canine Patrol