Now, don’t get me wrong. I already know he supervises my office, keeps track of my snack schedule, reminds me when it’s time to play, and serves as my full-time emotional support specialist. Those are all very important responsibilities. But recently, he apparently decided to become a television researcher as well. This week, as we […]
Bear’s Television Research Project Read More »
Every evening, something remarkable happens that most of us never see. The porch lights go dark. The televisions grow quiet. Cars disappear from the streets. We lock our doors, climb into bed, and believe the day has ended. But for another community, the day is just beginning. Over the past year, our wildlife camera has
While We Sleep, the night visitors arrive Read More »
Author’s note: Because none of the existing images of Nelson Mandela on iStock.com, which I subscribe to for their photos, convey the message I wanted, this image was a custom creation for this article using ChatGPT (AI assistance). While looking through my calendar of special days for July 2026, searching for inspiration for my next
Discovering Nelson Mandela International Day Read More »
Every once in a while, a photograph transports us back to a special place. This image takes me back to our home in Arnold, California, where wildlife was part of everyday life. Our house sat between two converging game trails. Before our home was built, bears, deer, foxes, raccoons, and countless other animals traveled these
Bears of Arnold: Sharing the Sierra with Our Wild Neighbors Read More »
Yesterday morning, I witnessed something I wish I could erase from my memory. I know I never will. A mother opossum was crossing the street in front of my home with her babies riding on her back. Opossums are not fast animals. A mother carrying babies moves even more slowly. Somewhere before I stepped out
The Five Little Lives That Changed My Morning Read More »
Every week, a very important meeting is held in our backyard. No humans are invited. Mom thinks she’s in charge because she opens the gate and fills the water bowls, but once Summer arrives, Summer and Bear take over managing the Playgroup. They have rules: Rule Number One: Every yellow rubber ball belongs to whoever gets
The Rules of Playgroup Read More »
Friday, July 10, is National Kitten Day, a day founded by pet and family lifestyle expert, author, and animal care advocate Colleen Paige to celebrate the joy kittens bring into our lives and to encourage the adoption of those still searching for loving homes. It is hard not to smile at the sight of a
National Kitten Day Read More »
Today, July 8, is National Chocolate with Almonds Day. I have to admit that when I first looked at today’s calendar of unusual holidays, I smiled. Lately, the news has felt especially heavy. It seems that every day brings another political disagreement, another natural disaster, another reminder that our world can be a difficult place.
National Chocolate with Almonds Day: A Sweet Reminder That Joy Matters Too Read More »
As Americans celebrate another Independence Day, many of us find ourselves with mixed emotions. We love our country. We cherish the freedoms generations before us fought to protect. We are grateful for the opportunities America has provided. Yet many of us look around and wonder whether we are becoming strangers to one another. Some people
Asking America to Live Up to its Own Ideals Read More »
For many of us, the Fourth of July is a celebration filled with family gatherings, barbecues, patriotic music, and spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky. The colors are beautiful. The excitement is contagious. It is easy to understand why so many people look forward to this holiday every year. But while we are admiring
When Celebration Becomes Fear Read More »
