The natural world, life, and dogs.
[Note: I recently stumbled upon this piece I wrote in 2005. I was living in Washington, just before moving to Idaho, with two female malamutes. I had yet to discover the benefits of dog doors.] My beloved but scruffy 1888 upright piano. My perspective: The music flows easily tonight. I didn’t expect it to. Songs… Continue reading The Piano: Three Perspectives
I don't run every day. Usually my dogs and I run a couple of days in a row, then take a day off. Rarely I'll run three days in a row but leaving Finn home one of those days, which breaks my heart, seeing his sad eyes as Conall and I head out without him.… Continue reading Always Something to See
Walking this morning with my dogs along a country road in the valley below our home, we witnessed a more traditional Idaho cattle drive using riders on horses and herding dogs to move the cattle from their pastures toward a pen where they would be loaded onto a truck for transport. Consider this an update… Continue reading A More Traditional Idaho Cattle Drive
I think of myself as a runner. Always have, since I first started “jogging” in 1975. Running is a key part of my lifestyle and sense of well-being. I say “I went for a run this morning.” I keep a running log which details how far and where I run, how I felt. I look… Continue reading Sauntering
This past week, I've been far more open and revealing than normal with my posts about introversion and empathy. That's not easy. Although, I admit that once both pieces were posted, I slept better. For balance, I made sure my dogs and I got plenty of time in nature, walking in the valley or running… Continue reading Letting Nature Heal
This morning was a glorious one for running mountain trails with my dogs. Crisp frosty air, blue skies, the early sun rising above the trees and ridges to the east casting a warm glow through the tall pine tree branches. Huckleberry shrubs are bright red under the trees and the aspens are turning a vibrant… Continue reading What Mess?
Other than a smattering of aspen trees, the autumn colors brightening the landscape in the nearby forest arrive courtesy of the shrubs that make up the understory. During a recent morning run I found myself stopping repeatedly, stunned by the beauty of the foliage, digging my camera (a Google Pixel 3a phone) out of a… Continue reading Nature on the Run
When the world is a bit too newsy, and my days too peopley, I head to the mountains and practice some Stoicism, reminding myself: I can’t control external events, only my response to them. Following the dogs, weaving through rock cliffs and trees. My best response? Go outside and absorb the peace and calm of… Continue reading Too Peopley Out There
The plan, starting out, was to run what I call the grand loop, going up one side of the mountain to the summit, dropping off the back side to cruise a sweet three mile stretch of brand-new trail to the other side, then meandering one of two ways back down to the start. Eleven-ish miles… Continue reading Life Skills: Dealing with the Unexpected
I’m in the yard with the dogs, moving a sprinkler and shoveling dog shit over the fence into the field, typical evening chores. Suddenly both boys rush toward the fence at the edge of the yard near the front door, noses to the ground, pouncing. Conall pulls back with that look on his face I’ve… Continue reading Bird Encounters, Part II – July 3-4, 2018
Wild Sensibility 