Susan M. Ballard shares a small ranch in Pearce, Cochise County, Arizona with her husband, Brian. She is a member of the Cochise County Historical Society, the Old Pearce Preservation Association, the Society of Southwestern Authors and the Western Writers of America. Her work, both fiction and non-fiction, has been published in Chronicle of the Old West, Ghost Town Trail News, Out West, Voice in the Desert, War Journal and Wild West. Susan is a regular contributor to The Tombstone Times.

Joseph's Coat Roses over archway leading into courtyard.	Young Nokota stallions Lakita's Moon (a grullo overo paint) and Black Powder Smoke (a blue roan) giving Scarlett, our bull terrier, a suspicious look and for good cause.	Ramada out on the range. Constructed by Brian and Susan of hand-made adobe bricks. Roof is agave stalks.
Miniature donkeys, Hunky and Spunky, with husband, Brian. The kiss.	A snowed-in courtyard, 1/22/07. Just to let those in doubt know we do indeed get the white stuff here in Southeastern Arizona!	Sunrise over the Chiricahua Mountains. Photo taken from the living room.
Local fauna - javelina. Photo taken in back yard near pond.	Local fauna - Gila Monster. Photo taken near the horse corral.	More local fauna - a baby Regal Horned Toad. Aw!
As a result of the wetter than normal monsoon season the ramada is awash in Arizona Caltrop.		Adventurous baby ducklings take a dip in the dog bowl. Let's hope the dog doesn't mind.