Sunday, December 28, 2014

Pre-New Year Thrills for Author and Pets

By Cal Orey
Book signings follow home challenge
Update: 
As we edge near 2015 I'm feeling a mixed bag of emotions, perhaps like you, and other people around the world. Some of the hoops I must jump through are not so big but others are a bit intimidating. It's probably because of fear of the unknown can be a beast until we face it head-on. Overwhelmed? You could say that. I have those butterflies I get before being a guest on Coast to Coast or leaving early in the morning to catch an outbound flight. 
D-Day:  Today is the day. A tiny crevice on the bathroom floor has turned into a spooky sign of a "mystery leak" into the Twilight Zone. Now, if it were just me it would be a piece of cake. Unfortunately, I share my rustic home with two Type A and very sensitive dogs and one super laid back Siamese cat who likes his cozy space(s).  So instead of kenneling, moving 'em to the back house, crate on top of crate seems to be the best choice. 

Imagine: Workmen who you do not know coming into your dwelling and their goal is to tear up the room where you shower, dress, and do your private business. Worse, not sure what they'll find. However, I do sense the leak is linked to wall, thanks to the ice dam back in the day when we got sierra snow; and the recent downpour of rain didn't help. After all, this is a cabin built more than a half century ago. I think I'm better preserved. And the crawl space--will it be covered or will all the creepy crawlers come into the house tonight? Enter Stephen King novel...
So my goal is to make this ordeal as painless as possible. That probably won't happen. I've read dozens of articles on "Should we stay?" and "Should we go?"--both have pros and cons. Between you and me, I'd rather have a root canal. But I'm sure we will all survive despite the disruption that may take anywhere from two-five days or more if it turns into a monster movie.  I should remove everything in the bathroom but I just can't bear to begin the process. What if they find underground creatures lurking under the floor or in the wall? My college counselor told me most "what ifs" don't happen. But he isn't here now. So, it's me, the critters against the unknown.
Zen thought new book arrivals was novelty...
it hasn't even begun

Next Book Signing:  Once this home event is done and we all survive the chaos (we will, right?), it's onward to Reno for the Barnes and Noble book signing. I have been at this store countless times.  Signings are like a box of chocolates, as noted in the film Forrest Gump.  It's true, you never know what you're going to get.  It can be filled with interested people or feel like a ghost town and the author sits in a chair all alone wishing and waiting for a fan to pay a visit. Either way I'm up for sharing the Healing Power Series at this bookstore and in Seattle.


Not sure how BC can compare to Quebec
I am looking forward to the
Seattle book
reading/signing
Goodbye California. Early 2015 it's on the road again. Off to the Pacific Northwest. At last I printed out my flight, hotels, and other information. For some reason I cannot print out the perfect airline ticket so I have to get it at the airport. This time around, I vow to pack light, no baggage to check. It's too stressful to drag stuff around, worry about it getting lost, and then unable to decide what to wear or when to wear it. Read: I broke one of my bags because it was overstuffed.

One day at a time. Bathroom demolition. Book signing. Trip out of the country. We can do this.  It's a walk in the park, right? Talk to me at the end of January and I'll give you the scoop. Poor kitty. His litter box will be moved temporarily. He will be crated. Mantra: "This too shall pass." Hey, his name is Zen--he can do this. I wish I was pet-less during these challenges but then when it's all over there would be a huge void in this old house, especially when I begin to write my next book.  Who would I talk to?

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Healing Powers Series is Growing

By Cal Orey

I'm pleased to announce that 
Santa paid me a visit this year. 
The popular Healing Powers Series
is continuing good health/cheer.
Cheers!



I've been assigned to write the third edition of The Healing Powers of Vinegar. In fact, the mass market edition sold out and a large print run is back at press to be released next week. 
Early 2015 it's to Seattle to sign and discuss OLIVE OIL and the Healing Powers Series, then on up north to Canada for book research and bringing home stories to share in the upcoming two new books. Not to forget, my new second edition of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised and Updated will be available to all come December 30, 2014. It will be printed in mass market format come 2016.
Plus, a welcoming surprise Healing Powers Series book will follow. I've been waiting a decade to write about this special and close topic to me--and now my dream has at last come true. Thank you Santa!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Sierra Storm Hits Author in Surreal Way

By Cal Orey

As an author-intuitive I admit I didn't see this one coming. It's no secret California has been in a mega drought for a long time. So, when the weather guys began forecasting the monster oncoming storm, I chilled. Yesterday I was going to go to the grocery store and stock up on bottled water, nuts, dried fruit, and the usual stuff in case there was a power outage...
A tree also hit our Catholic Church St. Theresa--
my confirmation name

Well, I did predict the lights going out at Lake Tahoe. It happened minutes after my forecast on Facebook. However, I did not see that tree falling on my house. Imagine: You are e-mailing your editor, accepting two--not one--new book deals for the Healing Powers Series. On Cloud Zillion. Then, out of nowhere BAM! An earthquake? A second BAM! The house shook. The dogs barked. I ran out into the living room and was greeted by a tree staring at me through the window. Down tree.


Worse, when I went to open the front door to view the damage it wouldn't budge. I looked up above the tree and wires were here and there. Not a safe sight. I called the Fire Department. Drama followed.  Police, paramedics, and firefighters. I was fine, although my nerves were a bit frazzled. I've done blizzards, sandstorms, floods, and major earthquakes. This year I was rear-ended by an elderly woman driving on a suspended license, and two years ago, lost a dear canine companion to an acute neurological disease. But never have I experienced a tree falling on my house!
Not a good morning

So, one firefighter said that the impact of the tree caused the door to be jammed shut. With a bit of patience and knowledge, he fixed it. I could get in and out to see what I was facing. Throughout the day visits were made by tree guys (they cut the monster tree into stumps and fixed the minor structural damage on the roof), ATand T (they repaired the phone lines), and Liberty Utilities got the power back on before dusk. Another power outage could happen this time around--but I feel a bit more prepared. And I did endure a 3 day experience so it's not something unfamiliar. But with a waterbed, fish aquarium, coffee and tea lover who deals with an electric stove--it's not something I prefer.
The CA drought may be over

Large light covers in the dining room dropped and shattered. But these guys can be replaced. The neighbor's fence will need to be repaired. And tree mess? After the rain and snow, clean up time. It could have been much worse.  Still, I feel unbalanced like I did after the World Series Earthquake. I keep reliving the experience, no appetite, and in a daze about it happening so fast.  The funny thing is, I love trees. But today--not so much. It's a warm storm that's coming in as I hear the wind howling outdoors so there is no desire to make a fire. 

One more thing: A lot of folks said taking a BC Ferry to Victoria would be a piece of cake come this January. 
Now I realize Mother Nature can bring us unpleasant surprises. I will not book that boat ride, but I will not cancel my plans either. However, come January the weather reports will be taken very seriously before I pack my bags, leave my companion animals, and head for the Reno-Tahoe Airport bound Washington/Canada. So many flights were delayed today, flooding in B.C., and ferry boats cancelled bookings. Seattle may be a cake walk in the air--rain or not--but Canada? Time will tell as will weather forecasts.

UPDATE: While the wind howled last night, there was no new snow or rain in the morning. All is calm, the sun is peeking through the blinds. It's a mess outside--like a twister in NorCal--and viewing the surfers on Lake Tahoe's seven foot swells is The Day After Tomorrow sequel material. SoCal is now getting slammed with rain, flooding, mudslides, and fear. Upside:  We got some much needed precip. Downside: We need repeats, lots of 'em, to climb out of our West Coast drought.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Seattle-Vancouver Book Event(s)--Its Coffee and Tea Time

By Cal Orey
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin', it's early morn
The taxi's waiting, he's blowin' his horn

Already I'm so lonesome I could cry -- John Denver

I will read excerpts from
OLIVE OIL
lots of intimate stories

It's December, chilly, rainy, pre-winter at Lake Tahoe.. I like this time of year because it's not too crowded with tourists. Black ice is less than more. True, we did get snow but not at Lake level. The drought continues in the Golden State. But ponding on streets, like where I live, exists from the recent rain. Weather forecasts and more Earth changes fascinate me and my 2015 Forecasts are due next week for Oracle 20/20 Magazine. But my mind is on a lot of other things this month...
I did notice the 717 was smaller than 757

The new OLIVE OIL book-
Healing Powers Series
 at both book events
Here Come the Book Events and Travel. In January it will be full of novelty...I have a book event/signing at Barnes and Noble in Reno on the 3rd. Hopefully, that weekend will not be the time we get our storm of the year and the 50 mile drive will be easy. But then, the following week comes the next book signing in Seattle-Bellevue. And air travel is haunting me. True, the 6000 mile round trip from Reno to Quebec was basically a piece of cake--with little "rough air"--I may not get so lucky this time around. 

After all, the PNW is known for its rain and it could pour. Or not. I discovered I'm taking an Airbus320 which is okay...but I was a bit surprised looking at the itinerary and seeing that it's a 737 Boeing not a 757 Boeing that will take me from Salt Lake City to Seattle. That's it. There is no larger aircraft going to Washington to Reno. At least it's not a tiny regional plane like I endured back in 2006. Trying to put the flight out of mind and focus on Seattle...the Space Needle, hotel, book signing, and Pike's Place to the train that'll take me to Canada. 
Coffee and a vegetarian dish
will get me up high -- hopefully
no earthquakes will hit




Coffee is BIG in both Seattle and BC
Hello Coffee and Tea. Of course, coffee will keep me energized and feeling warm and fuzzy... 
Pre-Quebec brought out the kid in me during fall
I am a devout tea drinker and this part of my journey (research cometh) excites me as does revisiting the Vancouver Aquarium. I may or may not go on to Victoria. There might be enough in the big city to keep me smiling. And that brings me to missing my fur kids, once again.

Canada is a 2nd home to me
But, but, but last time around the dog duo was well taken care of. There got extra walks, brushing, ear cleaning, toys, and pampering. My sibling bonded with kitty. All was safe. All is good. One more month and once again I will head north and go across the Canadian border (via train this time). Bliss awaits.

Soon, it will be time to finalize the hotels I will book for BC--Seattle is done. A lot of modes of traveling--shuttle bus, cabs, airplanes, and a train... Still can't decide on the BC Ferry. True, a January jaunt to Victoria does seem romantic and adventurous but I've got to be 
realistic--a strong storm could be in the works and that just won't work for this California one...I'd be tripping on rogue waves to tsunami(s) due to the overdue Cascadia Subduction Zone making its move when I arrive. I think I'll pass and take my water fix via the rain, fishes, swimming (hotel), coffee and tea.

Friday, November 28, 2014

How to Blast Belly Fat The Day After Turkey Day Diet

Former Diet and Nutrition writer for Woman's World
Pounds Off article cover story every week
Blast Belly Fat the Day After Turkey Day
By Cal Orey

This is Thanksgiving and I’m feeling it, sort of.  It’s a national holiday in America known for religious celebrations and a classic meal including a turkey. This day goes back to harvest time celebrated by the Pilgrims centuries ago on the last Thursday in November.
Instead of following tradition, I’m breaking away and doing my own thing in the kitchen for my mind, body, and spirit.

I’ve included turkey-for you--since I’m a vegetarian (a sometimes vegan).  So, it’s special leftovers that I’m dishing up for Callie’s cabin. Nope, there will be no Cranberry-Orange Cupcakes, no pumpkin pie, forget hens and cheesecake didn’t make it to the party either. But I do have some good-for-you dishes that’ll fill you up, not out.
Get a move to burn calories.
still fit in size 4 skinny jeans

Diet Tips with Coffee, Vinegar and Honey

Boost your calorie-burning power by:
* Drink a large cup of coffee in the a.m.
* Have an orange
* Before lunch try a Tbs. of apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp. honey with a cup of herbal tea
* Savor the turkey leftover lunch
* Drink a a cup of tea with vinegar before 
dinner: turkey, salad, fresh fruit
* Do not eat after 7 p.m.
* Drink fresh water and herbal tea throughout the day


Several years ago on the South Shore, rather than dine out, I went to work in the kitchen. I created delicious Mediterranean-style appetizers with, a honey-glazed pricey all natural big bird, two types of stuffing, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, cookies, and two pies. After the feast for me, family, and friends—I laid down on the couch and played possum. Some folks stared at me and darted: “Are you okay?” Others laughed.  My sibling pointed at me and shook his head, “You don’t look so good.” I mumbled, “I ate the whole thing.” But I survived.

In retrospect, I realize that my fave time of Thanksgiving dinner is the day after. As a kid I anticipated hitting the fridge during the meal for a yummy turkey sandwich on white bread. The stuffing has always been my love throughout the years. So, that’s what I’ve got on the table for you but I’ve given it a European touch. Blame it on my recent trip to the French province Quebec, a place where homemade baguettes and gourmet coffee make every day feel like Thanksgiving.
Fresh veggies, fruit, herbal tea and small portions to lose lbs

Turkey-Cheese Baguette

·        1 sourdough baguette
·        Mayonnaise with olive oil
·        4 thick slices roasted deli turkey
·        4 slices cheese, gouda or Swiss
·        2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
·        ½ cup baby spinach, raw
·        Ground pepper and sea salt to taste

Stuffing is high is salt so moderation is key, not
deprivation...Eggnog gelato shake--savor half!
Slice in half one fresh baguette. Spread with mayo. Layer turkey and cheese and top with cheese. Add tomatoes and spinach. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Cut in diagonal pieces.  Serves 2-3.


Apple-Walnut Dressing

·        1/3-1/2 cup European style butter
·        ¼ cup onion, yellow, roughly chopped
·        ½ cup celery, diced
·        ½ cup apples, Fuji, chopped
·        ½ cup walnuts, chopped
·        ¾ cup water
·        8 ounces pre-seasoned dressing (store-bought box)

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté vegetables. Remove from stove. Add dressing and stir in water. Spread into a square or round casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake 40-50 minutes. Take off foil for extra brown crunch. Serves approximately 6.

These familiar foods gleaned from a Thanksgiving real meal are easy to make and aren’t too far off from Turkey Day tradition. Plating the sandwiches with a small dish of dressing (it’s high in sodium), and fresh fruit, such as purple grapes, is perfect. Also, for a special treat serve flavored coffee (such as pumpkin spice with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg) and a few gourmet dark chocolates.

During a time when friends and family are far away, I try to connect via telephone or Internet and show my interest. Plus, as an intuitive, I will be working the networks for those sensitive souls who need a bit of chicken soup-type comfort to lessen the ups and downs during the holiday season. So, I’m doing my part and won’t have a muffin top come the New Year!

Motto: Thanksgiving at Lake Tahoe is a time for good food, but also a time for gratitude of our blessings.

 Cal Orey, M.A.  is an author and journalist. Her website is www.calorey.com .  Diet recipes in the Healing Powers Series.







Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Home Sweet Home Vinegar Cures

HOME SWEET HOME
VINEGAR CURES
Nature opened the first drugstore.
--D.C. Jarvis, M.D.

Available at amazon, barnes and noble
Walmart, and most bookstores

Chances are, apple cider, red wine, rice, and other vinegar—your everyday household products—even more extraordinary healing powers that you might not know about. The next time you need a natural remedy for a minor ailment, check this list first to see if a cure is as close as your kitchen cabinet or pantry.
Lose lbs., lower blood pressure
and more!

Here are several common health ailments, from A to Z, and provide common at-home vinegar folk remedies. Some treatments can be used inside and others outside the body. Keep in mind, these are based on anecdotal evidence. There are no double-blind studies to back up their effectiveness and make it conclusive. Still, read on, and you’ll see why it’s an amazing remedy that you want to have in your home.

Pair with honey for a double punch


1 Tame Arthritis: Folk medicine holds that apple cider vinegar can help fight ache and pains. While no scientific studies prove this to be true, conventional doctors frown at the thought of vinegar as an anti-arthritis remedy, testimony gives nutrient-rich apple cider vinegar kudos for providing relief for the debilitating disease.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use:  The popular cure is simple. Take 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of water several times daily.
Why You’ll Like It: If it works for you, you will be happy because it’s natural, which means there will be no ill side effects from pain medications. Plus, it’s low-cost and easy to use.

2 Soothe Burns: Ever burn yourself on the stovetop, iron, or fireplace? Ouch!  Any burn that affects your body should be attended to ASAP. The reason: You’ll want to keep inflammation and swelling at a minimum.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: Apply apple cider vinegar, straight out of the bottle, to a burn on the surface of the body. Better yet, apply ice cold vinegar right away for fast relief.
Why You’ll Like It:  Vinegar contains both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate smarting and soreness and prevents blisters.

3 Steady Dizziness:  Feeling dizzy can be attributed to many causes, from prescription meds to hormonal changes. The fact remains, dizziness is not fun, and if you have ever felt this unsettling feeling, you might be willing to try vinegar to help keep your grounded.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: DC Jarvis, Folk Medicine: A New England Almanac of Natural Care from a Noted Vermont Country Doctor notes that Vermont folk medicine is successful in treating dizziness, which he claims is due to “an alkaline reaction of the urine.” He recommends the apple cider treatment, with the timing and dosage similar to those used for other ailments. Take a tablespoon or two a few times per day as needed.
Why You’ll Like It:  If you have felt lightheaded or like your world is spinning, you’ll love this apple cider treatment, which will keep your feet and head steady without pesky side effects.

4 Embrace An Energizer:  Feeling tired, run-down, a lack of drive? You’re hardly alone. According to Edward Conley, D.O., in Grand Blanc, Michigan, an estimated 80 percent of adults complain of fatigue at one time or another. It is believed by many health gurus that vinegar can help you to feel more alert and physically energized.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: Take 1 tablespoon of the potassium-rich energizer three times a day, preferably in 1 cup of water each time.
Why You’ll Like It: While caffeinated sodas can give you an instant boost, they can leave you feeling like you’re on a roller coaster with their ups and downs. Vinegar beats fatigue and leaves you energized without ill effects. 8 Put Insomnia To Bed: Your eyes are wide open. The fear of not getting a good night’s sleep tonight haunts you like a spooky Stephen King nightmare. The neon numbers on the clock (2:00 A.M.) are a glowing reminder of the sleepless zombie you’ll be tomorrow morning. You toss, you turn. Now it’s 3:20 A.M. Still not asleep. Whether you’ve had too much caffeine, didn’t say not to your nightcap, or didn’t solve your problems during the daytime, it’s time to try an old secret for sweet dreams.

5  Put Insomnia To Bed: Your eyes are wide open. The fear of not getting a good night’s sleep tonight haunts you like a spooky Stephen King nightmare. The neon numbers on the clock (2:00 A.M.) are a glowing reminder of the sleepless zombie you’ll be tomorrow morning. You toss, you turn. Now it’s 3:20 A.M. Still not asleep. Whether you’ve had too much caffeine, didn’t say not to your nightcap, or didn’t solve your problems during the daytime, it’s time to try an old secret for sweet dreams.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use:  Dr. Jarvis recommends making a mixture of 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of honey, and keeping it on the night table to a wide-mouthed bottle or jar along with a teaspoon.
Why You’ll Like It: The Vermont folk medicine doctor touts honey as the ideal remedy for getting shut-eye. Vinegar and honey are worth a try and may beat being sleep-deprived, which can wreak havoc on your health.

6 Blast Low Libido:  A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains enhances good health, which result in better sexual energy. Some aficionados claim apple cider vinegar is also a love potion due to its antioxidants boosting the libido. Eating a nutrient-dense low-fat, high fiber diet can help men and women stave off obesity, heart disease, and the need to use medications, all of which can put a damper on sex drive.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use:  Try 1 or 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of spring water three times a day.
Why You’ll Like It: Vinegar beats those little blue pills (for men) which have potential side effects that can make any man or woman lose that loving feeling.

7 Lose Muscle Cramps:  Ever wake up in the middle of the night and cringe at that sharp, painful muscle cramp? They can strike the feet, legs, and even the stomach. What to do?
What Vinegar Remedy to Use:  Doctors Patricia and Paul Bragg recommend taking 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of distilled water three times per day.
Why You’ll Like It:  It may work, claim the Braggs, by allowing the precipitated acid crystals in your circulatory system to enter into a solution and pass out the body.

8 Rub Out Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac:  These three plants contain a poisonous sap that causes dermatitis—a pesky skin disorder. Symptoms include severe itching of the skin and oozing sores. While most cases of poisoning go away in 7-10 days, you can find relief without going to the drugstore.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: Neal Schultz, M.D., a dermatologist in New York, recommends two vinegar solutions: mix equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol and apply to rash. Be sure to wash—thoroughly—plus everything that came in contact with the plant. Or mix equal parts buttermilk, vinegar, and salt and apply.s supposed to do for your health? Evidently, one way to find out is to let vinegar tell you what’s up.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: Drop your vitamin into ½ cup of vinegar. Stir the solution a few times during the course of 20 minutes. If the vitamin separates into tiny pieces, it’s good. If not, it may be time to look for a different brand.
Why You’ll Like It:  When trying this do-it-yourself system, it may work, so you can get a thumbs-up or down for your choice of brand and take care of you and your body.

9 Stop Swimmer’s Ear: A common ailment that I remember getting as a teenage competitive simmer. You can develop this ailment by swimming and showering as well.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use:  To protect against ear infections from swimming pools, a popular folk remedy is to try is using a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part rubbing alcohol.
Why You’ll Like It:  Vinegar is a good preventive strategy that can help keep pesky swimmer’s ear at bay, while you splash in the pool or indulge in long showers.

10 Rate Your Vitamin Supplement:  Ever wonder if your multivitamin is doing what it iinclude medications that you, your family, and your pet are taking, you also want to have a first-aid kit and handbook.
What Remedy to Use: Pour apple cider vinegar into a large plastic container (or two), and store it with your emergency supplies.

Why You’ll Like It:  It is the medicine of the twenty-first century. Rather than trying to remember if you have every type of ailment remedy, you will be covered whether you cut yourself, get a bruise, come down with a sore throat, or run into anything health-wise that will irk you during a disaster.


Surprising Vinegar facts you didn’t know…

·        * Red wine vinegar contains flavonoids (and perhaps heart-healthy resveratrol), which can help prevent high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
·        * Balsamic vinegar is high in antioxidant polyphenols, fat-free, high in potassium, tasty, and paired with olive oil is the dressing of the 21st century.
·       *  Fruit-flavored vinegars have a wide variety of health benefits. Persimmon vinegar, rich in vitamins A and C, is “hot” in Korea and good for the body. Shanxi  vinegar, made from barley and peas, is a nutritional powerhouse and appreciated in China.
·        * Amino-rich rice vinegar can help fight aches, congestion, and irregularity.
·       *  Herbal vinegar including chamomile, fennel, rosemary, and thyme also have therapeutic effects for your body, mind, and spirit. 

- 
— Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and journalist. Her books include "The Healing Powers" series (Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, and Coffee) published by Kensington. (All books were featured by Literary Guild, Book of the Month, One Spirit and Good Cook Book clubs.) Her website is www.calorey.com

Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Vinegar, Revised and Updated (Kensington), translated in 20 languages, 27th printing


Sunday, November 23, 2014

A Tribute to My Aussie, Happy Birthday

By Cal Orey
A pre-Valentine's Day gift waiting for me

My fur child and I bonded quickly
TODAY I LOVE MY DOG(S): I am dedicating a photo diary of my Australian Shepherd, Skyler "Skye"...  (See his mother/father/my words two years ago.) 
In Red Bluff, CA before pick-up in SAC
my native Californian pup 


He will be two-years-old on December 1. Recently, I discovered he was born early in the morning which is good news. My boy is a Fire Sign (Sag) and his Rising Sign is Libra, like me, and very compatible with my Aries cat Zen and Air Sign Gemini Brittany, Simon...


The only boy, I chose him in a heartbeat
Neutering a 10-month-old Aussie
is a challenge!
REMEMBERING BITTERSWEET NOVEMBER...Two years ago, November was a challenging month. I lost my six-year-old Brittany, Seth, to a neurological disorder. My family was grieving: Simon, his best canine pal, Zen, my sensitive kitty, my sibling, and me. I was lost. I was hurt. I needed a healing dog. I found another Britt--but the breeder gave the male to the sire's owner. Another dog, an English Setter, turned out to have some health issues. During the Christmas season my home was full a giant void. One morning, an ad caught my eye. Within days I was blessed with a male Aussie. I put my order in for the little guy who would win my heart and soul on Groundhog Day.
My herding dog makes me smile

Ah, fluffy puppy fur and paws
WELCOME GROUNDHOG DAY! Raising a pup is not easy when you aren't a puppy yourself.  (Memories in February 2013 with a new pup.) We're talking broken sleep, a few puddles of puppy pee, chewing anything and everything in sight. But in hindsight, I would do it all over again. 

HEALTHY AND HAPPY...Two years, so far his health is excellent. Although last week I took Skye to the vet for his left ear--scratching it was something that needed to be looked at. A minor yeast infection to be washed out and ear drops for one week. Reminds me of me: Ever since I moved to the mountains ear infections when it gets colder. 




As Skyler was growing, I was concerned about his weight. "How much will my Aussie weigh?" I asked everyone and anyone who had a clue. We missed on the blue eyes but amber with different colors in the light is awesome. "Will he weigh more than 40 pounds?" Indeed, Skye did grow bigger than Simon and once the size of my cat at 12 lbs. Today, my two other fur kids aren't bothered by Skye's weight and strength despite him being the biggest out of the three.
2013 Fall at Lake Tahoe
Getting a blue merle wans't planned
Outdoor-loving Sag, no surprise! Go dog
LADY FATE PAID ME A VISIT... There are no coincidences... Years ago, I wrote an article on Aussies. I never dreamed I'd go to a herding breed. I fell into it and I am glad I did. Australian Shepherds have a similar temperament to Brittanys--Type A and upbeat. Nothing to complain about here.


Snow dog but not off leash due to bully dogs


A great day with my boys
WE ALL GET ALONG IN 2014...As a proud owner of an Aussie, Brittany, and Siamese mix, I'm pleased to say everyone gets along. It took two days for the cat to warm up to Skye...and quite a while for Simon to come around. After all, he was in love with his Britt sidekick. But both the new pup and Simon are growing closer, day by day, and they do play, sleep with us, and Skyler is just what the doctor ordered! He's keeping my 11-year-old Brittany acting like a young two-year-old.

The bottom line: "There is a dog god"... And again, I've been blessed with warmhearted canine who has won my heart but I will never forget the dogs' pawprints (one Maltese, two Labs, and two Brittanys) on my soul in Dog Heaven.