Blog Archives

Welcome to the Cabin

Welcome to the cabin. First off, it’s important to remember that around here we get two seasons—winter and road construction. If you’re here when it’s cold, then it’s usually a good idea to keep the kitchen stocked with several days…

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Blank Slate

Of all the seasons, Jerilynn loved winter the most. Granted, icy drafts would slip under doors and make her shiver even as she sat by the fire. The chickens still needed to be fed and the cows milked no matter…

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Seven

Seven raised his head and let out a piteous meow. But no answer came from the room full of cold metal cages, only monsters barking from the room next door. Just a few days ago, his world had been made…

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Snow White and the Civil War, Parts 1 and 2

This is a retelling of Snow White, set in California’s gold country at the height of the Civil War. Two books were required to tell the tale. Locked away in her room, every word she speaks, every move she makes…

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Posted in My Books

Plant a Garden, Part Two–the Fall Garden

I hope you got your garden in this spring and are enjoying its bounty this summer. This is one of my raised beds, which sprouted and bloomed pretty much as it was supposed to–except for my non-bumper crop of seven…

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Posted in Being Prepared, Uncategorized

Going to the Moon

10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…BLAST OFF! In the late sixties and early seventies, young children didn’t have to be taught to count backwards. We did it along with the TV, and as soon as the astronauts blasted off, we did, too, careening around the…

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Be Prepared–During a Pandemic, Wear a Mask

Right now, everyone should wear a mask in public, unless there is some medical reason they can’t. Young, old, immune-compromised or not–it’s unbelievable that this completely commonsense thing is getting politicized. It’s a pandemic, people. We should all wear masks. …

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Be Prepared–Raising Chickens

With the current food uncertainty, a garden is essential. But if you’ve already got your garden in, you might want to think about a little light animal husbandry as well. There are lots of options along these lines, but if…

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Be Prepared–Plant a Garden

It amazes me, the breadth of opinion out there on disaster preparedness, especially now that we’re in one. During the only other disaster I’ve experienced–the Whittier earthquake in the 80s–everyone was pretty united. Quakes were bad. Cleaning up after them…

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Spider Valentine

Won’t you step into my parlor? All my guests sit here. Never fear– It doesn’t matter if you wipe your feet. A more engaging hostess you’ll never meet.   Do you prefer cream or sugar? No honey I fear– No…

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