TIME-TRAVELING TABBY--A Quick Peek of a New Novel (Book 2, Courage with Paws)

Sci-Fi-Fantasy Story

(Inspired By True Events)

By Cal Orey

The story revolves around a young orange tabby cat adopted by a seasoned scribe who takes "Gatsby" on a journey through time, visiting the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 21^st century, and eventually, into the future. The feline narrator tells the tale of his adventures, which are deeply connected to his owner’s past experiences and the stories she shares with him about her previous cats. As the cat listens to these tales, he feels a sense of obligation, inadequacy, and a strong desire to prove himself.

The Cat’s Journey and Sci-Fi Fantasy Elements

As Gatsby time travels with his owner, he develops a keen intuition that allows him to sense an imminent earthquake, which he warns his owner about by scratching at a closet door for two days before the BIG event changes his life. The act of courage and loyalty wins over his owner’s heart, and she begins to appreciate the great Sir Gatsby's wonderful listening skills and the special bond they share. The cat’s ability to sense the earthquake and his journey through time with his owner are the key sci-fi fantasy elements in the story, showcasing his uncanny powers and the unique connection he has with his owner. The cat’s experiences and the stories this owner tells him about her past cats create a rich and immersive narrative that explores the themes of time travel, intuition, and the human-animal bond.

Conclusion and Sci-Fi Fantasy Themes

The story is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the sci-fi fantasy genre, with a unique twist of having a feline narrator who travels through time and experiences the world in a way that is both familiar and strange. The cat’s journey and his owner’s stories about her past cats create a sense of nostalgia and high-tech wonder, highlighting the idea that animals can possess a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. The story’s use of time travel and the cat’s intuitive abilities adds a layer of sci-fi fantasy that makes the narrative engaging and mesmerizing.  

2025 Spin on Cheap Eats with a Bohemian Flair

2025 Spin on Cheap Eats for Millennials and Boomers in Tahoe

By Cal Orey

In the heart of Tahoe, where the mountains meet the lake, I reminisce about my youthful 20th century adventures with Stone fox, my loyal black lab. Back then, it was all about savoring low-cost peanut butter and honey sandwiches washed down with water enjoyed under the towering pine trees and trails.

Fast forward to 2025, and millennials have transformed this rustic retreat into a haven for Bohemian foodies; now, we savor artisanal avocado toast topped with hemp seeds or guacamole with whole grain chips to organic smoothies bursting with superfoods and gourmet java prepared at home. I can’t help chuckle at how my granola roots have evolved. Here’s five cheap and tasty eats that are nutritious, and edgy enough to appeal to those in their 20s and 30s and anti-aging baby boomers while steering clear of the mundane.

1. Steel-Cut Oats: Say hello to a classic and excellent base for breakfast. It’s versatile, affordable, and can even be jazzed up with foods that are nutritious and flavorful. 2025 Spin: Try making oats with almond milk and top them with seasonal fruits like apples or pears sprinkled with nuts, dried cranberries, drizzled with raw honey for a cozy winter meal.

2. Quinoa: Welcome to a protein-packed grain that fits into the Mediterranean diet. It’s gluten-free and offers essential amino acids. You can make it as a salad base or side dish. 2025 Spin: Create a “quinoa bowl” topped with roasted seasonal veggies like carrots or squash and tahini sauce for a trendy meal that feels indulgent yet healthy to warm you up this season on a chilly day.

3. Greek Yogurt: Yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics, making it a good choice for breakfast or snacks. opt for plain brands to avoid added sugars. 2025 Spin: Create a “yogurt parfait” layered with seasonal fruits like bananas, grapes, strawberries and orange slices with homemade granola—a trendy treat that feels like comfort food in wintertime.

4. Dried Herbs: While fresh herbs can be pricey in winter months, consider using dried herbs instead—like cayenne and thyme—which pack flavor without the cost burden. Sprinkle on baked red potatoes drizzled with extra virgin olive oil or sweet potato fries topped with parsley. 2025 Spin: Use dried herbs liberally in your cooking to elevate simple dishes like baked salmon (buy it when it’s on sale) or try homemade nutty butter on green apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon; they add depth without needing fyresh herbs year-round. Speaking of sandwiches…

5. TreeHugger Burger: Typically made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, are a super source of plant-based protein while low in saturated fats compared to traditional meat burgers. These burgers often include legumes (such as black beans, lentils, or chickpeas), whole grains like brown rice, and vegetables. 2025 Spin: Creating your own TreeHugger burgers at home can be both economical and rewarding. Include kale, tomatoes, red onion, and put it on a multigrain bagel. 

In 2025, focusing on exciting foods that are seasonally available, you can enjoy new age meals that nourish the body and soul while being mindful of cost despite inflation. (Heart-healthy Mediterranean diet recipes can be found in The Healing Powers of Superfoods and The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices.)

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws. (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, and a thrilling co-authored sci-fi series--The Ghost Ships to be released this winter.  She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com 

Nature's Rx to Unplug and Chillax

 Nature’s Rx to 

Chill Out

News | Tahoe Daily Tribune

Cal Orey

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Instead of turning to unhealthy behavior, there is a natural remedy that offers fast chillaxing results.  Getting back to Mother Nature is a prescribed medicine. Tuning into “green” environment is the new “nature pill” for relaxation and well-being. Take a peek of how nature’s finest remedies can work for you.

• Take a Whiff of Nature’s Scents. You can also alleviate stress by smelling nature’s scent-sational smells. The olfactory response is directly linked to the emotional center of the brain. The smell of pine trees provides a feel-good boost. Research reveals feelings such as tranquility that stem from smell and the limbic system—or pleasure center of the brain that controls your memory. Nice smells like fresh spices like cinnamon and herbs such as rosemary or clean mountain air provide a sense of calm.
• Enjoy the Great Outdoors for R&R. Getting out into in nature, absorbing natural light, can boost your spirit, too, thanks to serotonin, doctors will tell you. Escaping a work environment can help you to get out of your mind, release stressors, and connects you to nature. Past research discovered that people walking in a forest had lower blood pressure and levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). The findings: Twenty minutes spent walking outdoors connects you to nature and can lower the levels of stress hormones in the body.
• Stress-free Bed Behavior. Did you know lack of sleep depletes energy and frazzle nerves? To fall asleep, follow these basic bedtime rules: Listen to a sleep sound machine for sound sleeping, or enjoy the tinkle of an early fall rain to sounds of silence. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Keep the temperature at 60-67 F. Open the shades to wake up to natural light....
• Chillax with Calming Plant-Based Foods. Stressful circumstances can trigger the need to reach for comforting foods. Nutritionists recommend munching apples because these natural tranquilizers”—can trigger “happy chemicals” such as dopamine and serotonin. Studies on superfoods that contain feel good chemicals show this may be true. Also, spicy foods like hot chili peppers, a super herb, can boost your brain’s release of feel-good endorphins and reduce anxiety. Credit is given to its compound capsaicin. Plus, a cup of Joe (in moderation due to its caffeine) which comes from seeds of a tree, stimulates the release of dopamine, the brain neurotransmitter when released can lessen stress. What's more, past research shows potatoes, a root vegetable, revs up levels of serotonin — nature’s Prozac.

Simply put, eating fresh food, inhaling nature’s smells, tuning into savoring the great outdoors whether it’s going to the lake, park, or woods and your yard or porch can work wonders. Nature heals. It’s the new chill pill prescription doctors are prescribing in the 21st century.

Pawsitive Vibes           

Researchers say dogs and cats can help you chill. Four-leggers can help reduce anxiety and stress by providing “the relaxation response”—in other words, a physiological state of deep rest. Dog walking is a great physical activity for you and your best friend; getting regular exercise helps boost feel-good endorphins just like when you swim or workout. Also, felines and canines can help us slow down. In doing so, blood pressure is reduced. A cat’s purr or dog’s companionship can actually cause a sense of calm.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, Soulmates with Paws, and Book 2 Courage with Paws to be released this February. She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

It Is National Hot Tea Month! The Healing Powers of Tea Gift Book

 

January is National Hot Tea Month

  The Healing Powers of Tea (Must-Have Gift Book) TEA is a Cup of Winter Wellness...

Courtesy Cal Orey

 Disease-Fighting Antioxidants — Tea’s Healing Powers Are Remarkable

Dear Reader,

What if I told you just by sipping the delicious “medieval miracle” you could . . . 

• Relieve throbbing back pain . . . 
• Drop 7 pounds of fat and flab in 3 days . . . 
• Lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer . . . 
• Stave off viruses, colds, and superbugs . . . 
• Curb insatiable sweet cravings . . . 
• Shrink painful hemorrhoids . . . 
• Relieve aching joint discomfort . . . 
• And much more . . . 

With this powerful healing elixir — backed by 3,000 modern-day studies — you could . . . 

Finally end the frenzy of buying a mountain of assorted pills, needless ointments, serums, and syrups.

Odds are you already have it in your kitchen cupboard.

I’m talking about tea. YES, TEA — grandma’s favorite beverage is today’s red-hot superfood!

Right now, you can get dozens of tea remedies that really work in Cal Orey’s book, The Healing Powers of Tea. And you don’t have to buy it . . . 

Newsmax is giving you The Healing Powers of Tea — a 292-page book — absolutely FREE!

Inside this blockbuster book you’ll discover 50 tea “cures” for everything from anxiety and constipation to dermatitis, coughs, depression, warts, insect bites, sinusitis, memory lapses, cavities, digestive troubles, diarrhea, and so much more.

There are also do-it-yourself beauty recipes . . .  household remedies to detox, clean, polish, even “destink” your home of dog . . .  and dozens of delicious tea-infused recipes from breakfast to dessert!

But not just any tea will do . . . 

While it’s packed with powerful disease-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, you can’t just pour a cup, sip it down and expect it to work.

It all boils down to this . . . 

There’s a special secret to making the “medieval miracle” work to transform your health and your home . . . 

To bring out its magical healing powers, you need to know which variety of tea to drink and which special ingredients you need to mix with your tea.

And it’s not just the wildly popular black, green, and herbal teas as you’ll discover here.

The good news is you don’t have to guess or work your way through a sea of endless tea boxes and canisters!

Everything you need to know for finding the right tea and the right combination, steeped at the right time, is inside The Healing Powers of Tea.

Your FREE BOOK is waiting. Click here.

When you get your FREE BOOK, be sure to open it and discover which tea banishes belly bloat, heartburn, and gas . . .  helps you empty your bowels easily again . . .  staves off hunger pangs . . .  boosts energy . . .  keeps skin looking younger and more beautiful . . .  lowers artery-clogging cholesterol . . .  helps you get a good night’s, sleep and more.

One more thing . . . 

Be sure to look for the simple tea plan to help you lose up to 7 pounds in 3 days! Click here to claim your FREE BOOK now.

Earth Changes 2025 -- Forecasts Are Coming True! Shakers, Weather, Northern Lights

 EARTH CHANGES 2025—What Will the New Year Bring?

By Cal Orey

As I predicted for 2024... West Coast Earthquakes, Strange twisters, Southeast Hurricanes and Mega Blackouts to Northern Lights and Northeast Flooding! And now, for 2025 the year of The Snake--look forward to transformation, renewal--some good some bad. Most of all, be prepared mind, body, and spirit.

It’s here! The New Year promises political changes and Earth moves. Looking ahead to 2025, there will be Earth changes and human-caused disasters. Activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and industrial processes will contribute to environment woes and may lead to more frequent natural disasters.

Astrologically speaking, periods such as Mercury Retrograde—there are three this year—come linked with communication disruptions to mega blackouts. Also, events like Full Moons and New Moons can influence human behavior and environmental conditions.

So, the combo of wildfires, increasing earthquakes, potential surprise disasters (such as oil spills to quakes on hidden faults), may create chaos and challenges for the nation. But there is an upside:  environmental management, disaster preparedness, and looking at scientific data can help provide you with peace of mind even though you can’t control Old Man Winter and Mother Nature.

 WEATHER WATCH

 ·       West Coast: The NOAA forecast for the West Coast in 2025 shows a higher change of above-average snowfall in the Sierra Nevada region. Blame it on La Nina (Pacific Ocean cooler temperature anomaly) which triggers more precipitation during winter months. The Farmer’s Almanac supports this outlook, predicting a snowy winter for the West Coast… Caveat: Snowfall forecasts for the winter 2025 suggest that while higher elevations will see above-average snowfall due to La Nina (Pacific Ocean cooler temperature anomaly), lower elevations around Reno-Tahoe are projected to experience below-average precipitation and potentially drier conditions. This controversy arises from warmer temperatures that can lead to more rain and less snow at these altitudes, particularly during critical storm events. 

·         South: For the Southern United States, forecasts suggest a mix of normal to slightly above-average temperatures with potential for drought in some regions. The NOAA claims some regions may experience below-average rainfall, with dry spells.

·         Northeast: The Northeast is projected to have a colder-then-average winter with increased odds of snowstorms. Both NOAA and the Farmer’s Almanac show that this region may see snowfall events throughout the winter months.

·         Midwest: In the Midwest, forecasts predict a variable winter with periods of cold and snow and milder weather. The potential for severe weather such as ice storms are noted by both forecasting agencies.

SHOCKING SHAKERS

·       The West Coast was on rock and roll during the latter part of 2024.  In December, an offshore Northern California 7.0 with a tsunami warning happened; a strong and shallow 5.8 temblor hit Yerington, Nevada and was felt in the sierras, Sacramento to the SF Bay Area; and tremors hit Southern California throughout the year.

·       The San Andreas Fault Zone continues to be linked to northern California earthquakes and is overdue for the Big One. A 7.5 or greater is likely to happen in 2025. Regions likely to be the epicenter include Offshore Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area, and Southern California.

·       Northeast quakes despite being smaller magnitudes than the West Coast are often felt more and farther. Expect at least two noteworthy shakers…

·       …And the New Madrid Zone may be hit by a strong jolt with aftershocks that’ll rattle nerves and make international news. Ditto with the Southern states, not excluding Texas or Oklahoma.

 

HURRICANES, TWISTERS, OH MY!

·       HURRICANES: Superstorms (including blackouts) will happen and in the Gulf States like they did in 2024. While that year Texas and the Carolinas were ground zero, in 2025 Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida are in the line of destruction.

·       TWISTERS: will come with hurricanes in these regions but also the Midwest and even the West Coast; it got its first tornado alert ever on Friday the 13^th, December 2024. On the 14^th in the afternoon, Scotts Valley, Northern California was struck by a twister like a disaster film.

·       WILDFIRES: up and down the West Coast will continue to wreak havoc on people, pets, infrastructure, and the environment. Not only do the flames threaten lives but the poor air quality will become more of a reality.  Staying indoors to using air purifiers will become even more common for health’s sake.

 ON THE FRINGE

Yes, more solar events (solar flares to solar storms) like in 2024 will happen and come with the Northern Lights in unlikely states. But remember, these light shows come with blackouts, communication disruptions, and delays in flights and road travel causing inconvenience to woes depending on the severity of the happening.

As the United States faces unpredictable political changes and discord, Earth changes will encourage people to work together to survive severe weather and earthmoving events. Political parties will be a moot point (like it is on a small island in Alaska where people band together during shake-ups to maintain shelter and forage food). It will be survival and helping your neighbors first—unifying us to be one. The end results? We will be a happier, healthier and safer nation.

SHAKING IT UP

While the West Coast (Hawaii, Alaska, California, and Nevada) is more apt to experience tremors, the New Madrid Zone, East Coast, and even the South are not immune to shaking. As fracking will be continued around the nation, it’s time to prepare. Here’s a checklist:

Before the Shake: Get Ready!

ü  Sign up for earthquake alerts on your phone: (Watch your cat or dog’s odd behavior, too! —so you’ll know when a quake may be coming.)

ü  Make an Emergency Kit: Prepare a health-focused ER kit with water, non-perishable snacks, first aid supplies, and any med you may need for you and your pet.

ü  Do Pet Prep: Keep your pets’ essentials handy—food, water, cat crate, dog leash, and comfort items. Animals (like my cat) can often sense changes in the environment, so let them have a safe space.

During the Quake: Stay Safe!

ü  Drop, Cover, Hold On:  When the shaking starts, drop to your hands and knees to prevent falling down or being in harm’s way with glass or heavy furniture. Cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture if available or use your arms to protect yourself.

ü  Think Pet Safety: If you have pets with you, keep them close and reassure them with a soothing voice.

ü  Chill Out: Don’t log onto your computer during the tremor, wait until the shaking stops and you are safe.

After the Tremor: Check-In!

ü  Explore Your Surroundings: Once the temblor is over (remember, aftershocks can and do occur), check for injuries (to yourself and others) and ensure it’s safe to move around.

ü  Hydrate & Nourish: Drink water (calms the nerves) and eat something light (if you feel queasy like I did) to maintain energy levels after the stress of an earthquake.

ü  Tune In Mental Health Matters: Talk about what happened with friends or family; sharing experiences can help reduce anxiety.

By following these health tips before, during, and after an earthquake, you’ll be better prepared to handle tremors. (Find out more about earthquake preparedness and animals sensing oncoming earthquakes in The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, by Cal Orey, published by Sentient.)

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws. (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, and a thrilling co-authored sci-fi series--The Ghost Ships (Book 1) to be released this winter.  She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com

Christmas in July: The Whiteout Effect Unveils a Chilling Tale of Bravery, Romance in South Lake Tahoe

 Christmas in July: ‘The Whiteout Effect’ unveils a chilling tale of bravery, romance in South Lake Tahoe

News | Jul 12, 2024

 SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – With high temperatures in the Lake Tahoe Basin hitting the high 80’s, the winter season devotees might be scratching their heads, dreaming of the views of Lake Tahoe blanketed in a sheath of white, fluffy powder. There’s no better way to escape the high temps other than immersing yourself in a brand new book.

Cal Orey and Parker Kelly are channeling winter this summer season, with their new book, The Whiteout Effect: Rescue Me! Based in South Lake Tahoe, the fiction novel revolves around a chain of events that evolve around a rare Sierra Nevada late-winter blizzard.

“The book includes personal relationships surrounding a team of first responders’ rescue efforts,” The back cover of The Whiteout Effect reads. “The captivating story explores bravery, dedication, and sacrifice as the characters risk their lives during an unpredictable, dangerous epic storm.”

The book revolves around the protagonist, a first responder named Alex Callahan, a scorned, independent paramedic, and Mike Armstrong, a strong and sensitive firefighter. The duo are trying to save lives during a blizzard in South Lake Tahoe, and alongside their mission, there is also a budding relationship between Alex and Mike. The duo escape the stressors of work by going on a short adventure-seeking snowmobile trip in Tahoe’s backcountry, playing down the severity of the storm.

“Throughout the adventure-romance, readers are taken on an exciting roller coaster ride as the characters navigate unexpected life-threatening whiteout conditions and face deadly challenges in their own fate,” The Whiteout Effect summary reads. “If you liked The Day After Tomorrow, you’ll love this heart-pounding cautionary tale of the power and destruction of nature while highlighting the vulnerability, passion, and skill set of those who save lives.” 

Explaining the synopsis of the fiction novel, Orey elaborates more on some key elements in The Whiteout Effect.

“Our protagonist, Alex, like Parker and myself, is a very intuitive paramedic,” Orey said, explaining the lead in her book. “The book includes these two main characters, as well as the beautiful white horse that’s on the back cover of the book. Alex has premonitions throughout the three novels in this trilogy, and has dreams, thoughts, and visions that come true. In the book, these visions really assist these first responders on how to properly handle the situation they’re in. Intuition is really powerful.”

“The book is really about survival, it’s a page-turner, you can’t put it down,” Orey said. “Taking place in Tahoe and the material surrounding paramedics who save lives for a living, it keeps readers guessing.”

Since publication, Orey and Kelly have been receiving rave reviews of their first book in this new trilogy.

“[The] most compelling “snow” story since The Shining! Gripping and dramatic! Recommended,” reviewed Stephen Spignesi, New York Times bestselling author of Stephen King, American Master.

Orey, co-author and longtime South Lake Tahoe local, is excited to bring this new book to fruition. Throughout Orey’s career, she has explored writing about natural disasters that can oftentimes ring true with current events happening locally, nationally, and worldwide.

“This book is close to me because I’ve been a part of the South Lake Tahoe community for over 25 years,” Orey said. “My writing has always revolved around writing about natural disasters, and bringing such a realistic situation to life in this book with a snowstorm in the town I reside in has me excited for what’s next.”

While The Whiteout Effect is now available, this is the first book in a trilogy. The author duo is proactively working on two more books to finish the trilogy – Blackout and The Orange Effect.

“Blackout is all about blackouts during major storms during climate change, Tahoe locals will really like that book because we can all relate to the ongoing blackouts that occur,” Orey said. “Additionally, The Orange Effect takes place in Hawaii and is about geomagnetic solar storms.”

The Whiteout Effect is available for purchase online on Amazon and all other major booksellers as an E-book to download, or as a paperback. For more information on where to purchase, visit the book publisher’s website:

 http://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/859952-the-whiteout-effect-rescue-me Madison Schultz is a freelancer for the Tahoe Daily Tribune and Sierra Sun.

January is National Hot Tea Month

  The Healing Powers of Tea (Must-Have Gift Book) TEA is a Cup of Winter Wellness...

Courtesy Cal Orey

 Disease-Fighting Antioxidants — Tea’s Healing Powers Are Remarkable

Dear Reader,

What if I told you just by sipping the delicious “medieval miracle” you could . . . 

• Relieve throbbing back pain . . . 
• Drop 7 pounds of fat and flab in 3 days . . . 
• Lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer . . . 
• Stave off viruses, colds, and superbugs . . . 
• Curb insatiable sweet cravings . . . 
• Shrink painful hemorrhoids . . . 
• Relieve aching joint discomfort . . . 
• And much more . . . 

With this powerful healing elixir — backed by 3,000 modern-day studies — you could . . . 

Finally end the frenzy of buying a mountain of assorted pills, needless ointments, serums, and syrups.

Odds are you already have it in your kitchen cupboard.

I’m talking about tea. YES, TEA — grandma’s favorite beverage is today’s red-hot superfood!

Right now, you can get dozens of tea remedies that really work in Cal Orey’s book, The Healing Powers of Tea. And you don’t have to buy it . . . 

Newsmax is giving you The Healing Powers of Tea — a 292-page book — absolutely FREE!

Inside this blockbuster book you’ll discover 50 tea “cures” for everything from anxiety and constipation to dermatitis, coughs, depression, warts, insect bites, sinusitis, memory lapses, cavities, digestive troubles, diarrhea, and so much more.

There are also do-it-yourself beauty recipes . . .  household remedies to detox, clean, polish, even “destink” your home of dog . . .  and dozens of delicious tea-infused recipes from breakfast to dessert!

But not just any tea will do . . . 

While it’s packed with powerful disease-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, you can’t just pour a cup, sip it down and expect it to work.

It all boils down to this . . . 

There’s a special secret to making the “medieval miracle” work to transform your health and your home . . . 

To bring out its magical healing powers, you need to know which variety of tea to drink and which special ingredients you need to mix with your tea.

And it’s not just the wildly popular black, green, and herbal teas as you’ll discover here.

The good news is you don’t have to guess or work your way through a sea of endless tea boxes and canisters!

Everything you need to know for finding the right tea and the right combination, steeped at the right time, is inside The Healing Powers of Tea.

Your FREE BOOK is waiting. Click here.

When you get your FREE BOOK, be sure to open it and discover which tea banishes belly bloat, heartburn, and gas . . .  helps you empty your bowels easily again . . .  staves off hunger pangs . . .  boosts energy . . .  keeps skin looking younger and more beautiful . . .  lowers artery-clogging cholesterol . . .  helps you get a good night’s, sleep and more.

One more thing . . . 

Be sure to look for the simple tea plan to help you lose up to 7 pounds in 3 days! Click here to claim your FREE BOOK now.

A California Native Recalls the South Lake Tahoe Caldor Fire

 By Cal Orey

As the Southern California wildfires continue my heart goes out to all of the people, pets, homes, and environment. It reminds me of when I covered the Oakland Firestorm. Wildfires are no longer just a seasonal thing, climate change is making it a thing year-round. Here, take a look at from one of my experiences of predicting, evacuating the Caldor Fire...and how we almost lost our entire mountain town...

August 20, 2021, It is Apocalyptic

Ash falls. Can’t see mountains. Tourists flooding town. It’s surreal. Looks like a

nuclear winter. Ordered fourth air purifier. Headache, raspy throat, ears ache. Nowhere to go. Unhealthy air quality in surrounding towns. Current Air Quality: 231. “Caldor Fire, growing rapidly, forces Highway 50 closure” notes one newspaper headline.

I feel like it’s a monster headed into South Lake Tahoe. My biggest fear of a firestorm with one road out is coming true. Confirmed by credible sources in town -- there is no way out. Last night when the tourists left –they were told Hwy 50. was going to close -- it was reported "nightmarish" gridlock. Read: We will all be trapped if the wildfire reaches us. We're surrounded. Scared.

AUGUST 22, Midnight

Tahoe Daily Tribune: “Caldor Fire grows to 98K acres: More resources ordered to keep blaze away from Tahoe” … Online air quality index reads 611 Hazardous! Evacuating tomorrow. The smoke is very unhealthy. Others are leaving too. Scared. Found a place – 6 hr. drive due to closed roads.

Called sibling. “We’re leaving tomorrow early afternoon. I’ll pay for the trip.” No hesitation. He was in denial but admits: “I see smoke in my living room.” Afterall, for months he, an intuitive, like me, said, “South Lake Tahoe is going to get hit this summer.” And I chose to evacuate early so we wouldn’t be caught in the chaos of a mandatory mass exodus.

A SAFE PLACE, SORT OF

AUGUST 23, 7:00 PM, Monday

The drive was calm. Zen kitty got car sick. Aussie dog happy to go. Clean air ahead! No more sneezing pooch. Arrived. We are now in a safe place. Hello Gilroy, a town I know for its garlic; and doing a past book signing. I chose a pet-friendly inn. It looked cozy with trees nestled around the outside. Note to self: Tent city next to the premises. Red flag but considering we are evacuees now how can I discriminate?

Inside the corner suite. It’s spacious with a king bed, sofa bed, one TV, coffee/tea maker, fridge, patio, and close to the door to let the dog do his business. Sibling is thinking vacation, “What can we do that’s fun?” I’m pondering, “This is survival” to verbal warnings: “Do not let Zen get out.” After all, my Siamese is a senior indoor-only super sensitive cat. First road trip. I do not want to lose my fur child.

AUGUST, 25, Wednesday

Reality hits. The Caldor Fire is out of control. Watching the news, A.M and P.M. is grueling. It is like watching a disaster movie but it is real-life. The monster firestorm is creeping closer and closer to South Lake Tahoe – my home for 22 years.  The wildfire is less than 10 miles away. I call the neighbor who stayed behind in the hazardous air like so many others did. Yes, he is feeding my fish and watering the tree gardens. But the air quality is bad. Will he stay or will he go? I think he is in denial or optimistic. But my gut says the wildfire is going to hit home. Embers fly in the air; winds kick up at night. Is it an uphill battle? We don’t have enough firefighters. Locals are on edge.

AUGUST 27, Friday Morning

Are you kidding? My brother gave me the news. The inn has a policy. Guests with pets must leave after five days. The room will be cleaned and vacant for 24 hours. “Where are we going to go on a summer holiday weekend?” I asked. Displaced again. Uprooting the fur kids is unfair. The rule seems odd. My gut told me something didn’t ring true. Now we were homeless, too, like the Tent City people.

Saturday Night, Hello Los Gatos

Lady Luck. I scored an upstairs corner suite at a pet-friendly inn. I grew up here—an affluent area that makes me feel safe. The air is hazy from our fire at home but isn’t labeled unhealthy air. The room has superb views of trees and hills. We are happy, sort of. Two rooms, two TVs, a door between us and quiet. It is an oasis. Caveat: Zen has cystitis; so, do I. We don’t like change. Need to drink more water.

Week two: I do not want to leave kitty (potential loss of my home has left me vulnerable; putting chair against door as a safety precaution). No dining out. Living on Subway sandwiches: Vegetables, cheese, olives, whole grain bread. One night it’s too bland, another too spicy. Heartburn pays me a visit. Mornings? Inn to-go breakfast: Yogurt, cinnamon roll. Stuff mini fridge with survival food: Natural OJ, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate… Thank God for chamomile tea.

AUGUST 29, Tahoe Evacuations Are Happening

Broken sleep puts us in Zombie mode. Anxiety, stress, and “what ifs” as we watch the nightly news. The word is: The wildfire is less than five miles from the Lake Tahoe Basin. Like a poisonous snake coming straight for South Lake Tahoe. Residents are on alert to be ready to go.  One highway out. Panic. Gridlock. Dangerous air. Why did locals wait? Nobody wants to go to a shelter, pay money for a hotel, sleep in a car. The haves leave, the have nots stay. And first responders and essential workers keep working. To make things worse, Covid-19 can spread easier in a wildfire environment we are told.

AUGUST 30, Monday Morning Mandatory Evacuation

Text from neighbor. His family is leaving before forced evacuations. “I guess the fire crept through the cracks,” he wrote. We were right.  My fish, trees will die. Worse, our cabins (and my antique furniture, books/mags of 30 years; fave clothes gone); Our historical resort town may burn down – wiped out like Paradise north of us. Worse, the mayor said:” Prepare for the worst. We will rebuild.” Where will we move?

At night I call a bank to make a hefty credit card payment. In shock I say, “This is for the evacuation.” The phone rep is distant.  Robotic. Dazed and confused I break down. I cry hysterically. No words. She took the payment. I don’t understand why some people can’t empathize with evacuees from a natural disaster. Nobody is immune.

SEPTEMBER 1, Tahoe and Stateline are Empty – Bears Roam Streets

The military arrived and more firefighters! Casinos at Stateline, NV close but open their doors to first responders. Bears roam the vacant streets in town. The wildfire is less than five miles away to ravaging South Lake Tahoe. I can feel the collective spirit of residents waiting, waiting, waiting. Will we have a home to go back to – or will we have to relocate?

Los Gatos inn moves us to downstairs; somebody had previously booked the suite. Separate rooms. Pros and cons. Twenty days with a sibling is challenging. I am Type A, he is Type B. The break is good. When we are together, we talk about moving to Utah, Arizona… We only brought basic clothes, computers, the dog and cat. We didn’t really think we’d lose our home. Did we?

Speaking of home, nobody lives above me. On Saturday evening I hear movement. Earthquake? No. Dinosaurs! Guests on the second-floor walk; and I hear every step they make like in that popular dinosaur movie. On the upside, when I take Skyler, my protective canine outside -- no stairs, inn electronic cards to get into the pool area and out. So, no more boot camp exercise for dog and me.

SOS!  More Firefighters, Please!!!

Been posting nonstop on social media: “SOS! South Lake Tahoe needs more firefighters and the military!” And they finally came fighting to save our town from burning down. Not to forget the wind shifted and made a difference. Town saved. 

Residents returned home by September 7 despite the bad air quality. I wait…September 12 we go home. As whooped as I was, I tossed all toxic air exposed food, hosed off ash on the deck, and inside the cabin. My fish survived 10 days without food; lost one and one tree. I listened to more than 100 phone messages -- from concerned people “Are you okay?” The “Evacuate Now…” words from the El Dorado sheriff greeted me – and I grinned because leaving sooner than later alleviated me hearing the orders like I did for Angora Fire in 2007.

OCTOBER 8, I Survived a Natural Disaster

Today, I enjoy the changing color of autumn leaves on trees surrounding the cabin. The air is excellent quality; poor air forecast for the weekend since the sequoias south of us are burning in another California Sierra wildfire. I had a snake nightmare last night and it was trying to attack my cat, Zen.

In the afternoon, I pulled down the outdoor living room blind for a warm, fall effect. Ash fell to the deck. A sobering memory of Caldor Fire and how our community survived. A heartfelt thanks to the fearless firefighters. Tahoe strong locals, and the grace of God. We defeated Mother nature’s wrath this time. But was this nightmare the new normal?

(Published in Oracle 20/20 Magazine, November issue)

FYI Facts: Caldor Fire 2021

·       The wildfire began on August 14.  The cause is unknown but climate change helped the fire cross the Sierra Nevada.

·       Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for El Dorado County. (Lake Tahoe had the most unhealthy air in the U.S.)

·       Nearly 1000 structures were destroyed, no deaths, the clarity and ecosystem of the Lake are affected.

·       Lake Tahoe registered the unhealthiest air quality in the nation due to the Caldor and Dixie Fires surrounding the El Dorado, Alpine, and Amador counties in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

·       The dangerous air quality has both short-term and long-term effects on humans, pets, and wildlife.

·       It was estimated that the Caldor Fire will be fully contained by mid-October.