Every year, when snow is in the forecast, I hear murmurings (and read them on The Facebook and The Twitter) of “Oh, no, it’s going to snow. Oh, I hope it doesn’t snow!” I always think, “Seriously? I loooove the snow. How can you not love snow?” Saying you hate snow is like saying youContinue reading “Who hates the snow? Honestly!”
Category Archives: natural resources
Oh deer
Our property is bordered along one side by a creek. The creek is bordered by thick brambles of invasive blackberry bushes, which effectively fenced in our dogs. The ones that we raised from puppyhood, anyway. A few weeks after we got Mia, whom we believe to have lived a tough life on the streets, IContinue reading “Oh deer”
Beyond Oyster Dome
During the past few years, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m just not that outdoorsy. And that’s OK. Never mind that I live in the Northwest and that my friends and colleagues hike, kayak, climb rocks and sleep outside for fun. Sometimes I get to wade in rivers and brave the elementsContinue reading “Beyond Oyster Dome”
Dogs in the graveyard
Early in Isis’ behavioral modification efforts, our trainer suggested we meet at the local cemetery. I thought it a strange place to take one’s dog, but was surprised to see a lot of people walking their dogs there. It’s near an official trail, so people naturally consider the graveyard to be a logical extension ofContinue reading “Dogs in the graveyard”
Climate change
This is some real end-of-days shit. First of all, North Carolina. And of course, Japan. Closer to home, we’ve had such unpredictable weather the last few days. On both Saturday and Sunday, the sun came out long enough for me to sit outside and read while Leo romped. He doesn’t do Isis’ springtime bug trot,Continue reading “Climate change”
Pet therapy
I’m lucky to live in a region where it is socially acceptable to bring your dogs everywhere. Even if you can’t take them into a store or restaurant, no one looks at you funny if you leave them in the car. My workplace also is a fairly dog friendly place. I’ve been on salmon spawningContinue reading “Pet therapy”
Inertia and the killer whale
I’ve invoked Newton’s law on this blog before. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. Even if she’s had a really boring day at her desk. She might learn of an opportunity to get away from the desk and think, “Nah, I’d have to wake up early to do that.” She might needContinue reading “Inertia and the killer whale”
I just love a happy ending
I really thought I’d nailed this whole pest control thing. I solved the mouse, nay mice, in the car problem with a thorough cleaning and scented dryer sheets. About a week ago, I discovered mouse turds on the kitchen counter. No problem at all. We’ve been here before. I set a trap. The next morning,Continue reading “I just love a happy ending”
Souls of many mice
I’ve come a long way since my first murder. About once a year, usually around February, we find evidence of a mouse in our kitchen, trap it and kill it, and don’t see another until the next year. I’m more comfortable with the traps, and even will dispose of the carcasses myself. Killing one mouseContinue reading “Souls of many mice”
Spawning thoughts
I’ve decided to do Nanowrimo again. Apparently this is an odd-year thing, like pink salmon runs. I did it in 2005 and 2007, writing a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. I had pretty good ideas both years, and yet, each time struggled just a little to make my word count. The firstContinue reading “Spawning thoughts”