We are back in Arizona for my mother's funeral. It was old age that finally took her. A good death. My sisters and I were always so fearful that she would die from a bear mauling, a javelina attack, asphyxiation from her fireplace, electrocution from her appliances with their frayed cords, a medication mishap, a car crash, though she was no longer allowed to drive (yes, my sister took her keys away years ago). That she died peacefully at her assisted living facility brought us comfort. She was cared for and out of pain.

My sister and I were driving to Hereford, just an hour and a half away, when we got the news. We didn't make it on time but you know, they slip out when no one is with them and that was the case with her. Both of us had seen her Sunday -- she died on a Wednesday -- and our other sister was with her that day. We represented. And between surgery, doctor's appointments, hospitalizations, and moving her into assisted living and now the funeral, I've been in Arizona four weeks this year. I haven't spent this much time here since I was a teenager.

The three of us took a walk on Keeling Road, the main road off the highway from where she lived. That was when we encountered Lola and her mom Claudia. Lola is an 11-week-old French Brittany -- cute as all get out and a tiny little thing full of exuberance and life. Her poppa is going to teach her to be a bird dog. That's what they're bred to do.

I just happened to have my Fujifilm X-T1 with me with my new 90mm lens attached. It isn't usually the camera I use for pet photography but I happened to have it with me. I asked Claudia if I could take Lola's photo and in a not-quite-ideal ssetting, I got a gorgeous image of her. I did change her purple collar to green so it would complement the setting but I love the purple on her little neck because it makes her easy to spot in the tall grass. Her coat blends in but with that vibrant collar, that little girl can be seen.

So I present to you Lola.

And my mother's obituary.