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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
Opossums — Super Cool, Super Heros, Super Neighbors
Opossums (uh-possums) have gotten a bad rap and it’s all because of their looks. They are neither cuddly cute enough nor frighteningly creepy enough to generate the right emoji responses. So you won’t see any “aw” inspired glam shots of … 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...
Simple Cheesecake With Only 5 Carbs
Cheesecake – A Little History
Cheese making can be traced back as far as 2,000 B.C. and cheesecake is believed to have originated in ancient Greece. The Romans introduced cheesecake to the rest of Europe. Centuries later, cheesecake appeared in … Read more...
Book Review: THE MURMUR OF BEES by Sofía Segovia
THE MURMUR OF BEES by Sofía Segovia was among a handful offered as a free e-book by Amazon Crossing, as part of World Book Day in March. Otherwise, it likely would not have been on my radar.
Translated from Spanish, … Read more...
For The Joy of Animals: Happy Water Dance
On a hot day — some dance to make it rain. While others dance to celebrate what the fountain gods deliver…… Read more...
A Popular Italian Dish — Fish in Crazy Water
Have you ever heard of the Italian dish called Acqua Pazza or Fish in Crazy Water?
While the dish originated from fishermen of the Neapolitan area, who sautéed the catch of the day in seawater together with tomatoes and extra … Read more...
Words: “To Be Everywhere At Once Is To Be Nowhere Forever”
In our rush to be and do everything, we rush past so much that maybe small in the moment but huge in a life time.… Read more...
Insulin Resistance, Carbohydrate Intolerance, And Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
With 52% of US adults having type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, who among us hasn’t seen friends or family (or self?) struggling with the disease? And how many of us still don’t fully grasp the disease and how insulin resistance … Read more...
It’s Spring — Plant Something Edible!
Spring is nature’s time for growth and renewal. So, what better time for us to recognize and understand the many facets of natures’ life cycles. And what better way for us to participate and observe than to plant something edible!… Read more...
Book Review: CORRAG by Susan Fletcher
Heartbreaking, breathtaking, hopeful… of Jacobites and the fierce loyalty to kings ... and the Glencoe Massacre Read More...
Book Review: THE GLOVEMAKER by Ann Weisgarber
Pitch-perfect writing ...quite a tale about members of the Mormon community in rugged 1888 Utah. Read More...
Are We More Food Naive Than Food Savvy?
A bit of food for an “April Fools” thought…
Most of us would consider ourselves to be something of a foodie — we take great pleasure in our food and eating. We know where to get the best buffalo wings, … Read more...
For The Joy Of Animals: Mouse Maid
Apparently, Cinderella isn't the only one with a mouse helper. So Handy and compact -- may be having a mouse maid will become the next little thing...
Perspectives: Family Dairy Farm
Abe Voelker shares an in-depth and well documented insider's perspective on family farming, Dairy farm & the systemic changes brought by big agra and CAFOs -- a long read with much food for thought and well worth the time!
Growing Designer Snowflakes
There is something magical and compelling in the delicate artistry of snowflakes. It’s as if nature decided to show off one of its finest creations in a study of contrasts and contradictions. After all, how can snowflakes fall at a … Read more...