—By Nancy King— My birthday had come and gone when I moved to Santa Fe in 2001, but the following year, a former student asked what I’d like to do for my birthday. I didn’t hesitate. “I’d like to celebrate being 66 by hiking somewhere beautiful.” “Great,” he responded enthusiastically….

—By Ruth Jackson— Spot, the Wonder Dog, had been laid to rest. A marble headstone, “Spot, the Wonder Dog 2000-2016,” was erected in the back yard. My husband, DJ, and I made a pact that day. No more dogs. It just hurts too much when they are gone. All the…