Because Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the illnesses it creates Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) are new to humans, there are many unanswered questions even among the medical/health professionals as to its spread and impact within … Read more...
Book Review: AMERICA WAS HARD TO FIND by Kathleen Alcott
How timely was AMERICA WAS HARD TO FIND? It was published on May 14, 2019 and the 50TH anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission was July 20, 1969. One of the main characters is a fictitious NASA astronaut who took … Read more...
Book Review: AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins
I am SO fortunate to have gotten my hands on AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins in advance of publication (thanks to my book angel). It was THE way to wind down the reading year: to be totally absorbed in a … Read more...
Christmas Sugar Cookie Cutouts
I have been making this Christmas Sugar Cookie Cutout recipe since 1986. It is an heirloom recipe brought from Europe and published in The Holidays by cookbook author, John Hadamuscin. The cookie dough is perfect for cutting with traditionally shaped … Read more...
Book Review: THE WILDLANDS by Abby Geni
Timely. Terrifying. Heartbreaking. Yes, THE WILDLANDS by Abby Geni with its examination of human impact on the natural world is timely. The wildlife and environmental realities it highlights are terrifying. And the characters – a family of orphans – suffer … Read more...
Fall Squashes — Nutrient-Packed And Versatile
The fall season brings a variety of squashes to the market that we don’t see at other times of the year. Pumpkins may get a lot of attention, but there are many other versatile, brightly colored, and nutrient-packed squash varieties … Read more...
Book Review: THE WOLF IN THE WHALE by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Novels featuring Gods and Goddesses and mythology aren’t generally my go-to. But THE WOLF IN THE WHALE by Jordanna Max Brodsky, admittedly, attracted me based on the native Inuit character, Omat. I have been long fascinated by North American … Read more...
Using Meyer Lemons For Lemon Curd
Meyer Lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. The Meyer lemon has smooth golden skin the color of a fresh egg yolk. It also has a thin edible rind, a high volume of juice and none … Read more...
Book Review: THE BOOK OF SPECULATION by Erika Swyler
THE BOOK OF SPECULATION by Erika Swyler has been on my shelf for far too many years, and it seems to have spoken to me at just the right time. It may not be my typical go-to genre, but it … Read more...
Words: “Never Alone Or Weary Of Life”
Earth sustains us not only in body, but in spirit:
… Read more...“Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations and concerns of their personal
Cooking With Fresh Herbs
Preparation and storage are key when cooking with fresh herbs.
Preparation
Wash herbs when you are ready to use them. Shake off moisture or spin dry in a salad spinner. Pat off any remaining moisture with clean paper towels.
For … Read more...
For The Joy of Animals: Bison Calf Reunion
As a nature lover, watching wildlife in action can be enthralling, relaxing, educational, compelling, exhilarating, and magical… right up to the point you realize that life or death may be playing out before your eyes. In that moment you face … Read more...
Spanish Quinoa
We took rice out of our diet about 8-years ago. I’ll have some about once a year and always go back to quinoa. Here’s the lowdown of rice verses quinoa via a quick Google search.
… Read more...“quinoa has far fewer calories
Happy Labor Day’s 125th Anniversary
As a national holiday, Labor Day turns 125 years old in the US this year.
There was already a legal holiday in September commemorating Labor day in 23 states when President Grover Cleveland signed the national Labor Day legislation into … Read more...
Book Review: DISAPPEARING EARTH by Julia Phillips
When I read the jacket copy for DISAPPEARING EARTH by Julia Phillips, I assumed it was a “who done it,” as the description talked about an ongoing police investigation. I don’t generally gravitate toward missing persons/abduction-type stories; but this … Read more...
xkcd Comic: An Apple A Day
Could the tipping point in our health care come from an unexpected source…… Read more...
Flaxseed – The Secret Ingredient
Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant and there is evidence that it is a great way to incorporate dietary fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Unlike sunflower seeds or pepitas, flaxseed doesn’t make for the … Read more...
Video Escape: Banff National Park Alberta Canada
Banff National Park is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and is Canada’s first national park. It’s destiny was set with the discovery of a natural hot springs by railway workers in 1883. The highest peak, Mount Forbes is … Read more...
Review: THE BULLET JOURNAL METHOD by Ryder Carroll
THE BULLET JOURNAL METHOD: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future
by Ryder Carroll is a handy book about not only how to bullet journal, but how to set and meet goals that lead to a more fulfilling … Read more...
Veggie Wedgy Burgers
Veggie Wedgy Burgers are quick, easy and healthy summer staple for barbecue season. Use a lettuce wedge or wrap for a healthier alternative to a bun! They also taste great when served with a mix of grilled, roasted or stir … Read more...
Lost & Found News: A Horror of Ticks (Part 1)
A “horror of ticks” may not be the “correct” collective noun for ticks (and who knows what is?), but it does seem appropriate given the recent surge in horror tales of tick in the news. Long the bane of outdoor … Read more...
Music: Brad Paisley’s TICKS
It’s tick season — time for Brad Paisley’s TICKS song.
He claims it was about “having fun and the Country culture of courting.” Well, romance is in the eye of the beholder. Still, it is hard to imagine … Read more...
Book Review: THE OVERSTORY by Richard Powers
Mind blown. When books connect on a personal level, they can transcend beyond words on the page. That was THE OVERSTORY for me. I couldn’t help but think Richard Powers wrote this book for me.
It was an immediate connection … Read more...
Alternative Baking — Low Carb Blueberry Pie
Are you trying to eat fewer carbohydrates?
I am, but every once in a while I crave a crusty piece of bread or a special dessert. I have learned that there are some low carb flours that can be substituted … Read more...
Words: “The Practical Value of Psychology…”
… Read more...
“The practical value of psychology… It is well recognized that the teacher must understand the working of the mind in order best to impart his information in that way that will enable the student to grasp it most readily. It