“… blogging about life, travel, books, food and the outdoors”
Free Exhibit Captures Essence Of Photographers Adams, Weston
Similar, yet different. This is one way to describe the photography of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. Each captures the landscape surrounding them in a way that draws the eye to examine every detail. The play of light, lines and natural beauty beckon one to admire...
read more Free Exhibit Captures Essence Of Photographers Adams, Weston
Similar, yet different. This is one way to describe the photography of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. Each captures the landscape surrounding them in a way that draws the eye to examine every detail. The play of light, lines and natural beauty beckon one to admire...
read more
5 tidbits about Mexico — from tourism to voting to recipes
In the wake of Mexico closing its tourism board, tourist hot spots in Baja have taken on the responsibility of marketing. Check out this Los Angeles Times story. A grandmother in Mexico has created a YouTube channel to share traditional homemade recipes. Read more in...
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West Shore trail weaves along Lake Tahoe, into the forest
Trail builders in Lake Tahoe need to find other places to lay down pavement. The West Shore trail from Tahoe City to Meeks Bay is too pretty. Too many beautiful distractions and photo ops are along this 11-plus mile (one-way) trail to keep pedaling. I felt like I was...
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Tiny libraries bring books to neighborhoods throughout the world
If libraries are a gift, then the Little Free Library movement is like the icing on the cake. It has been 10 years since Todd H. Bol started the concept by placing a tiny library outside his Wisconsin home as a tribute to his mom who had been a teacher. He wanted to...
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‘The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe’ featured on NSPR broadcast
Nancy Wiegman, the host of Nancy's Bookshelf on North State Public Radio, does a weekly segment featuring authors. I was part of the Oct. 2, 2019, broadcast. You may hear the interview here; fast forward to 9:38 to begin listening about "The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe:...
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Tacos are a staple in diets on both sides of the border
A tortilla with fish. There had to be more. This couldn’t be all there was to a fish Taco in Mexico. The waiter saw the puzzlement on our faces and smiled. I’m sure he said something in Spanish that none of us understood. He pointed to the center of the restaurant....
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2 ‘Dirt Around Lake Tahoe’ book events in October
As hiking season at Tahoe slowly comes to a close, so do the 2019 events for "The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Hikes." A presentation with slide show and talk will be Oct. 3 from 6:30-8pm at the REI in Roseville (1148 Galleria Blvd.) To register for the free...
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Book Review: ‘The Last Season’ delves into life/Death in a national park
The problem with reading a book that is based on an event from more than 20 years ago is that you might think you already know all there is to know. Fortunately, I knew nothing about “The Last Season” (the book or the premise) except what my friend Jill said in...
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Giants manager a winner no matter the record
What a season it has been for the San Francisco Giants. No matter what happens on the field today for the last game of 2019, they will finish the season with a losing record. That, though, isn’t what is so significant. To me, it’s that manager Bruce Bochy will be at...
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Cactus sanctuary showcases Baja Sur’s native species
Meandering around, the cacti tower overhead, others are closer to the ground, some are in bloom. They weave together, making it difficult at times to know if it’s one or multiple plants. Dead limbs look like firewood. While there are plenty of cacti in the desert of...
read more Tahoe hiking book events in Bay Area, Carson Valley
There will be two opportunities in the next week to have me sign your copy of “The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Hikes.” On Sept. 26, I will be at Book Smart in Morgan Hill (421 Vineyard Town Center) from 6-7pm. In addition to a short presentation about this...
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Birthdays are a time to celebrate and reflect
Birthdays, to me, are an opportunity to take stock of the past year and make plans for the next. It’s not the same as making resolutions at the New Year, despite this being my personal new year. The assessments are not something I pronounce to the world. It’s an...
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5 interesting stories about Mexico and her people
· Fewer Mexican immigrants are coming to the United States, and those who do are more educated. · Apple is opening a flagship store in Mexico this month; the only country in the Western Hemisphere outside the United States that will have such a store. · ...
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Carson Valley distillery creating spirits in old world tradition
While produce is the norm for the farm-to-table concept, the Bently Heritage Estate Distillery is using a similar philosophy with its liquor. “Estate” is a key word in the name of this Minden, Nevada, business. It means all the grain – wheat, corn, oats, winter rye...
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Mexicans proudly celebrate independence from Spain
Once war was declared, it took 11 years for Mexico to gain its independence from Spain. The start of the revolution – Sept. 16 – is the day Mexico celebrates as its Independence Day. It was that day in 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo led the revolt, with a verbal declaration...
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Book Review: Trevor Noah nails it with ‘Born a Crime’
It is hard to imagine anyone’s birth could be a crime. The reality is it’s another byproduct of racism. Comedian Trevor Noah, who now is best known as the host of “The Daily Show,” was born to a white father and a black mother in South Africa during apartheid. While...
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The incomplete streets of South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe time – it’s something locals know all about. Usually it’s in reference to people arriving late and events not starting on time. It could also be a definition for the delayed implementation of infrastructure projects. When the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning...
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Sometimes I forget what my name is
It’s rather embarrassing when I forget my name. It’s not that I entirely forget it. I sometimes hesitate. It’s like a long pause before I remember what to say. Such are the hazards of going to a Spanish-speaking country and your name means what. Kae sounds like que....
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Relaxing Truckee River float a scenic wonder
Two hours or more of outstanding fun. That’s what floating down the Truckee River is all about. It’s one of those summer rituals that locals and tourists enjoy, and that most ages can participate in. While there are multiple commercial entities to rent a raft...
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South Dakota making bank off ex-Pats in Mexico
Driving around Baja California, Mexico, it would seem like most of the visitors are from South Dakota based on license plates. Don’t be fooled; those aren’t visitors. People with South Dakota plates are most likely permanent residents of Mexico, aka ex-pats. They have...
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Guantánamo Has Cost Billions; Whistleblower Alleges 'Gross' Waste https://t.co/GiETQGGmWE