Drop on by
We live on the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains. Of course the Watchungs are New Jersey versions of mountains, which means, really, nothing more than large pointy hills. And one would think, if you live on the top of a mountain (or a large, pointy New Jersey hill), that one wouldn’t have problems with […]
Hum along with me
They are tiny, irredescent acrobats. Their smallness inspires the casual observer to think “adorable” and “delicate.” But they are bellicose warriors of the sky, extremely territorial, and capable of putting on an aeronautic display to rival the dogfights of World War II pilots. A juvenile hummingbird flies past a butterfly bush. Hummingbirds are incredible creatures, […]
Vocabulary Lesson #3: Dogs, N through Z
There’s something about having dogs around the house that encourages one to make up words. Here are just some of ours.
Vocabulary Lesson #2: Dogs, A through M
Admit it, you have many pet names for your pets. We have an entire dictionary.
It’s Not All Butterflies and Rainbows
A few weeks back, my post featured butterflies, those soaring flowers of the sky. Gorgeous creatures, all. But I have many other visitors to my yard and garden, who might not have the glitz and glory of those pretty insects. Below are some other garden guests, including some butterflies who were late arrivals this summer, […]
Twinkle: the Devilish Dog of My Childhood
Twinkle The first dog I shared my life with was a beagle poodle mix, back before there were such things as designer mutts. Her fur was mostly black, with single white hairs stippled throughout. Kind of a salt-and-pepper look, though mostly pepper. She had a beagle-shaped body, with wavy not-quite curly poodle fur, and a […]
After Irene
Hurricane Irene rained and raged and stormed and blew. By the next morning, the rain had let up a bit and by early afternoon, all that was left was the wind.
Battening Down the Hatches, Hunkering Down and Dodging Bullets
After living through Hurricane Irene, I swear I will never again use the terms “Batten Down the Hatches,” “Hunker Down” or “Dodging Bullets.”
It’s Not A Pack; it’s a Family
The human-dog bond is universal. This is my dad, about 80 years ago, with his best friend Ruby, an Airedale. Tucker sleeps all night in a crate at the foot of our bed. When I open the crate door in the morning, it would seem obvious that he would come charging out, ready to face […]
Stop, sniff and follow
Put your nose to the ground and follow us on...