In the Northeast, we use Mother’s Day as the official opening for our gardening season. For those of us who want to get a jump on growing, starting seedlings a month or two in advance is a way of life.
Before I can plant these outdoors, I’ll start hardening them off by putting them outside in a sheltered sunny spot for a few hours a day. That will help lessen the transplant shock.
Then I’ll direct seed the rest of … Read More
Have you ever seen such a forlorn face? Wink wants to go run in the fenced field but he has lost privileges.
You see, he’s recently gone deaf. No, not completely. Only upon hearing the word “Come.” Then he’s stone deaf!
That’s because he’s found something he considers way more interesting than me. Namely, a place where the wild ducks are able to squeeze under the fence.
As soon as that gate is opened, he flies to that spot and … Read More
Graidy is my Border Collie mix. I brought him home from Rescue going on 9 years ago. If you were to watch him run and play, you’d swear he was still a puppy–he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Yep, we’re talking high energy, perpetual motion machine!
Given his breed and his native sensitivity–he’s more highly tuned than the most finely calibrated motion detector–he’s constantly on Red Alert! Nothing escapes his vigilant gaze. And I do mean NOTHING.
Whether it’s … Read More
As the saying goes, A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way. I figure, in these crazy times, we could all use a little perspective. Here’s a fresh perspective for you all the way out t0 1027 power. Click on the image, then click on the Start button, and then move the slider if you want to be amazed! Yeah, I know–you know I’m a sucker for these things! : )
Compost pet waste? I know, gross. Not to mention potentially dangerous! But hang in there with me for a moment…
I have three dogs and one cat. Luckily, for their health, they all poop at least once a day. That’s a LOT of poop over the course of a year. Multiply that times all the other pets in the country and that’s REALLY A LOT of pet poop (typically tied in non-biodegradable bags) going into landfills!
In my ongoing efforts … Read More
Spring is springing around here, worrisomely, a bit too early… If you know of anyone who doesn’t believe in global warming, just send them along to my place. With temps in the 70’s and 80’s for the past two weeks in the middle of March, Mother Nature is clearly a little confused. None of this should be happening for at least another month!
Peonies breaking dormancy Crabapple tree budding
All my trees are starting to bud too early. Grass greening … Read More
The Executive Board of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently released their new pet ownership guidelines.
Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership
… Read More
- Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. However, the benefits of pet ownership come with obligations.
- Responsible pet ownership includes:
- Committing to the relationship for the life of the pet(s).
- Avoiding impulsive decisions about obtaining pet(s), and carefully selecting pet(s) suited to your home and lifestyle.
- Recognizing that ownership of pet(s)
Cait, having two parents who make their living from writing, has been doomed from birth. She sticks out like a sore thumb in any conversation with her peers. That is, she has an impressive vocabulary and she’s not afraid to use it. Her speech is also remarkably free of teenage idiomatic stutters such as “like,” “ya know,” and “I mean.”
So I was not surprised when she told me that she wanted to share her new favorite poem (as she … Read More
