Fall is an exciting time of year for nature lovers. The leaves change color, the air gets crisper, and animals start to prepare for winter. The black bears in Arnold and throughout the Sierras are extra busy this time of the year. You might wonder why? It is because of hyperphagia. This photo and the …
There’s nothing like adding a new dog to the family to create chaos and bring joy all at once. If you’re considering welcoming a new pup into your home, there are some things you should keep in mind to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. I’ll discuss how to introduce a …
Welcoming a New Dog into the Home: Tips to Make the Transition Smooth for All Read More »
The mechanical almond harvester was busy this past weekend, which reminded me that I haven’t kept you informed as promised on the status of the Almond Orchard behind our house in Tracy. Earlier this year, I wrote about the role bees play in the cultivation of almonds. Unfortunately, after the bees left, I did not …
The human-dog bond is a special one that has been around for thousands of years. Dogs have always supported us, whether going through tough times or needing someone to lean on. They are loyal companions who bring joy into our lives and make us laugh. Jim and I have benefited so much from having these …
There is no doubt that puppyhood is a challenging time. But with patience and plenty of love, the rewards are limitless. I’m currently in the thick of it as I am raising a 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy, and I want to share some of puppy life’s challenges and rewards. So if you’re considering getting a …
The Challenges and Rewards of Living with a Puppy Read More »
I am an American who has deeply admired Queen Elizabeth II for being a stable force in the world, her dedication to duty, England, and her people. Queen Elizabeth was a graceful, kind, and noble queen whose passing saddens me! Queen Elizabeth II will have many tributes, but as a fellow animal lover, I want …
This October, it will be two years since my back injury. After all the weekly chiropractic adjustments and therapy, I have progressed from being unable to walk to walking with a cane and finally no longer need the cane. Combining the recovery with the COVID quarantine and becoming a home cook, I need a personal …
This was Teddy and Bear’s first meeting. Bear is Teddy’s nephew. Bear and I are leaving Argus Golden Retrievers. There’s just something about puppies that brings me happiness. Maybe it’s their big, soulful eyes or how they wag their tails in excitement. Or perhaps it’s because they are always eager to please. Whatever it is, …
Recently Jim and I became aware of a mystery animal in our backyard in Tracy. At first, we were concerned that the animal might be a skunk. We are entirely comfortable with skunks in Arnold, but Tracy? We live next to a large active Almond Orchard and have had a skunk in the backyard. So …
In a recent blog post, Forest Therapy: Find Peace and Creativity in Nature, I said the following. “There is something about being in the forest surrounded by quiet trees that helps me to feel grounded and peaceful. I’ve noticed that whenever I am in the tall pines, I think much more clearly, and I find that …
