A Tribute to Algernon from an Author's Perspective

By Cal Orey

This morning when I was awakened by my Aussie pup Skye, I should have let him do his business, feed the dogs, and go back to bed all day. But that's not how my day played out.  Perhaps if I had done the 7:30 A.M. swim events would have been different. So, here is how my new morning from a good night's sleep progressed. I dedicate this blog post to Algernon, a lab mouse with a cause.

Don't kids read anymore? See reference below

First, when I brewed a cup of coffee to savor in the living room and enjoy my fish aquarium--that's when things tanked (pun intended). My hardy goldfish were weathering ick (a common but deadly parasite, often from stress) and there wasn't a sole survivor. Images of end hours of boat goers floating in the lethal sea viewed in the film Titantic or party people found on the boat in the movie Dead Calm haunted me all day.

Neighbor wishes I would take care of her as well as I do my dog

Next up. My senior Brittany, Simon was booked for a 5:00 P.M. vet appointment. A couple of days ago when I was cleaning his pendulous ears I found a tiny lump on the outer flap. I sensed it may be nothing but to get peace of mind we were going to our friendly vet. So, waiting for the verdict was like a cloud hanging over me all day.

The lighting must be hiding the red bumps on the skin; 
feel like a mouse on topical cream--will it work?

But like a trooper, I did hit the kitchen and put together a New Age Mac and Cheese dish for my weekly food newspaper column. And I was content that the editor for a monthly Earth Changes column I pen decided one of my reprints would suffice for the April issue. And I did market the Healing Powers series via social networking as I anticipate the publication of OLIVE OIL, NEW AND REVISED.  I await a new Healing Powers book assignment. And while waiting I drink a lot of tea to chill.

Then, my skin. On Monday, I was at the doctor's office. A rash, a rash.  I pondered, "Was I bit by a flesh eating mountain spider?" Staph?Where oh where did I pick it up? I am a clean freak with OCD. Nobody knows how or where I caught this infection. Memories of the sci-fi flicks Outbreak and Contagion feed my fears. But while I do know it itches and it burns I don't sense I'm going to be quarantined. I have been using a prescribed pricey antibiotic cream which seems to be working, sort of. But it stings. A lot.

On the upside, my beloved aging dog's lump was a tiny pimple and tended to...Why are we getting this pesky things, anyhow? New fish are in the tank. (On a side note, a lanky teen who didn't talk much at the fish store was  buying six white mice to feed his snake and it spooked me as well as made me feel sorry for the mice as they were plucked from a cozy cage and plopped into a take-out box like Chinese food. My eyes met one and my heart skipped a beat because I knew he knew his warm and fuzzy life as he knew it was going to soon change. The stoic snake guy didn't get my explicit and heartfelt literary reference to Flowers for Algernon. Poor mouse. Poor Charley. Poor kid. Didn't he read the classic in high school? 

That leads me to present moment. Skye sleeps. The drive to the vet, waiting for his canine pal, and pet store as well as Frisbee playing with me earlier fed his boundless energy. Tomorrow morning I will get up early (thanks to my pup's 5:00 A.M. wake-up calls) and write my food article.  And I will fantasize about swimming next week, hopefully when my skin is back to normal. Meanwhile, I can watch the new vibrant fish swim. I'm not certain I can be compassionate tonight working the psychic networks. Maybe it will be a slow night. 

Nah, the phone just rang. I hope it isn't another unrequited love call.  I will be tempted to dart "Get a dog or cat and move on." But I won't say it..."Hello, this is Intuitive Callie. I'm sensing you're a water sign and having romance woes, correct? Yes or no. Please stop crying...take a deep breath."

Intuitive Forecasted a Wild Winter...It's Not Over

Weathering a Wild Winter

Some of my January 2014 weather forecasts are coming true. I predicted climate chaos including extreme cold winter temperatures in United States. The Northeast, as noted, is enduring heavy snow as other non-snow regions are rudely being awakened by odd ice and snowstorms. During mid-February storms, there was news of “thundersnow” (a thunderstorm that creates snow instead of rain), but I left out the extreme drought in the West and didn’t pinpoint the South getting slammed by historical weather-related events—the worst storm in years.  So as U.S. is on a wild ride of catastrophic weather, how wild is it and how will it affect our food basket in the future?

West Coast Drought

For the past three years, California has been experiencing lack of precipitation also called an “extreme” drought and that spells lack of water for farmers’ crops and food for the nation. (Eleven Western states have declared disaster areas due to the dry spell.) Farmers are worried; and the Sierra Nevada region is not like it used to be.

As I live at Lake Tahoe, a well-known ski resort town, I’ve noticed how snow at lake level is something that seems nondescript and we are making man-made snow more than before as well as dealing with wet powder. Tourists are not as frequent as they were years ago when I moved here in 1999.

In February right before and during the Westminster Dog Show, we got rain and wet snow on the West Coast but it melted fast. No berms to see on the neighborhood streets or main highway 50. Merchants are getting less business from tourists because of less snow. And this month of February and last month, Spring Fever has hit. That means wearing T-shirts and jeans, raking pine needles, swimming at the resort pools, and walking the dogs on dry ground (no black ice) is part of our off winter season.  But there may be hope.

I Wish It Would Rain (Another Forecast)

On October 19 and January 24 via my blog I forecasted and envisioned that we would have a significant storm on the West Coast late January and February. Right on cue during the dog show in New York the storm came to the West Coast. Meteorologists, locals, and snow-loving folks waited for the snow count in the Sierra. It was only the second storm this winter season. On the upside, it rained a lot—day and night--with flood advisories. Streets were ponding. It was like a storm in late November or April at Lake Tahoe. This is abnormal. Blame it on the Pineapple Express (a heavy flow of atmospheric moisture and precipitation from Hawaii moving through the Pacific Ocean that creates warm storms).

The reports from the National Weather Service in Reno, noted we got as much as 2 to 3 feet of snow between 7,000 feet and 8,000 feet, while lake level areas received up to 6 inches — and rain (up to 3 inches that created ponding on streets and flood advisories). I felt like I was living in Northern California such as San Francisco.

While the storm was welcomed in California, it’s not nearly enough precipitation to save this dry winter and its effects. After the storm, I forecasted the West Coast, including the Pacific Northwest and California, may get up to five more storms in February and March (thanks to Pisces)—a “Miracle March” (a month when heavy snow has hit in the past) and that would help California, agree weather gurus. But at this time all we can do is pray for rain and snow as we wait for Mother Nature to pan out. And that’s not all.

Dust Bowl and the Breadbasket

With the 21^st century Western states drought, images of the 1930’s John Steinbeck’s novel Grapes of Wrath come to mind but ironically California is part of dry ground in the 21^st century—not the land of milk and honey. The fact is, a large percentage of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even honey come from central California. The odds that you’ll be paying more for these products is a good bet,. The price of maintaining crops due to the water shortage will affect the costs of food in the future.  

An agriculture consultant in the San Joaquin Valley, California told me 2014 is the worst honey season in history in California. He explained, “With minimal water, there is minimal (or no) nectar in flowers, Crop yields suffer similarly.”Because honey bees pollinate our fruits, vegetables, and nuts prices will go up for these foods. The drought may also affect the price of organic beef, milk, and cheese.

Food prices not only will go up in California and the U.S. but throughout the world. Our Golden State is the “breadbasket” of America but we also export produce around the globe. If you haven’t seen the sci-fi film Soylent Green showing a time of depleted resources--it’s time. Meanwhile, the jury is still out until later this year for food experts and farmers to tally up and tell us how much the drought is going to take a toll on our pocketbooks because of not enough water.  Meanwhile, let's forget that tune “It Never Rains in Southern California” because it’s the time to sing “I Wish It Would Rain”.

2014 Epic Snowstorms Deep South, Northeast

I was spot-on with my Northeast weather forecast, but a miss with the southern states. A rare ice storm hit Atlanta, Georgia during the end of January. Images of countless cars stuck in gridlock were seen on TV and experienced by Southerners for hours. The off winter weather (that our West Coast ski resorts are used to and miss) caught the Deep South off guard.  The storm left motorists stranded, some left their vehicles  on the roads.

A second Georgia storm made the news mid-February and more headlines like “Ice storm causes deaths, power outages, and traffic jams in the South” hit the news. The storm put emergency response agencies in preparedness mode. But this time around, This time southerners stayed home and off the roads so the dire consequences were likely less than more. Still, reports rolling in stated more than 200,000 power outages in Georgia.

Yet, the Valentine’s Day Eve storm headed northbound. News headlines such “Storm Is Biggest Winter Blast to Hit the Northeast” and “Nor’easter to Hammer DC, Philly, NYC and Boston” spread in newspapers and on TV. The snowstorm slammed the Carolinas (at least 300,000 people without power), leaving thousands coping with dangerous icy roads, countless delayed near 10,000 flights, fallen trees and power lines as well as one million without power.   One third of Americans were affected as the storm headed up the East Coast. In result, the teeter-totter weather—epic snow in the South and North and a drought in the West is mega news that won’t be forgotten.

Excerpts from article by Cal Orey in March issue Oracle 20/20 Magazine

Author Dishes on Work and Play

By Cal Orey

Spring snow for Skye

In a perfect world both work and play should be equally balanced. That means work 8 hours, play 8 hours, and sleep 8 hours. But in reality, life isn't always on even keel. A few months ago when I was writing the 2nd edition of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, I was working 10-14 hour days, couldn't spell down time, and editing in my sleep. But authors will tell you that's normal...

Being an author is a lonely profession

FOR THE THRILL OF IT  
These days, my Aussie pup Skye's job (one of them) is to teach me the meaning of play and having fun like when I was a kid. We have discovered the art of playing Frisbee, and walking on the treadmill. Both my Brittany Simon and Skye have helped me to stop and scope out birds while walking in the isolated campground as they jump over logs for the fun of it.

Flashbacks of me in my youthful 20s (countless dog years ago) remind me that I lived and loved a freewheeling life of a hippie hitchhiker. A month ago, when I was at the dentist having a molar tended to I fell victim to the dental-friendly nitrous oxide for fraidy cats that makes me calm. I passed the time in my brain by traveling back in time to when I hitched and hiked across America with my best friend--a black Lab. Life was easy. Lots of exercise, swimming, meeting people of all ages, and seeing sights in dozens of states and a couple of provinces. Happy was in my vocabulary.

Zen is always near/on me

THE WORKERBEE LANDS It's not that I'm unhappy during my domesticated years living in the Sierra. But it's a bit different than I would it imagine to be. After all, as a city girl from San Francisco who would have thought I'd land in the mountains, secluded and living my life as an author-intuitive with two dogs and a cat?

Today is a semi-play day. I finished my food column on croissants and a fresh fruit bowl; the article on Earth Changes (talk of the West drought) will be released on Saturday. I'm marketing my Healing Powers series (an ongoing task), answering the phone psychic network calls to talk love or lack of it, making a fire, and trying to get incentive to organize my study filled with disorganized mags (from decades ago when I was magazine journalist) to put on a gigantic book shelf. 

Sore throat kept me away 

Swimming is saved for tomorrow morning...Frisbee antics will happen later today on the inch of snow we got last night...but I think it melted. And perhaps I will make a batch of homemade peanut butter cookies. I'm not relaxing, am I? Note to self: Watch Skyler.

Need precip for honey...worst season this year

In production, 2nd ed.

The bottom line: I probably never will retire. But juggling work and play is a something I strive to do so life is more like a smooth ride without twists and turns. I sense I'll be working on a new book in the near future and that's fine with me. It gives me a sense of purpose. And, of course, I anticipate the release of the new 2nd edition of OLIVE OIL--it's a book that I put my heart and soul into to make it a fun read.  The phone is ringing. A caller from the network.

An Author & Her Dog's Bite

By Cal Orey

UPDATE: Simon got a clean bill of dental health from our vet. No surgery! Very pleased with our home care. And we will continue to use the waterpik...

Today, as a health author my mind is distracted and on dog and human teeth--mine and my senior canine Simon. This topic goes way, way back. First of all, my dad wanted me to be a dental hygenist. I actually did go to dental school. During the internship at a dental office I experienced a mega meltdown. A businessman was getting a root canal and it was extremely painful for him (this is dog years ago). I began to cry. The dentist yelled at me and told me to leave the room and don't the let the door hit me on the way out. It was the end of this sensitive's dentistry career.

Moving on. I've had my share of dental caries, braces (I paid for them myself), a crown (or more), a root canal (I survived), and one extraction (I tried six years to save the back upper molar but it wasn't in the cards).  And that day of losing my beloved tooth was frightening...But I survived and appreciated the fact that I still had the rest of my choppers. I was taught you do everything to save a tooth--human or pet.  And this leads me to my canine's teeth. 

Last year before I brought the Aussie pup into my household Simon, my beloved 10 year old Brittany got a full exam. Time for a deep dental cleaning. Four extractions (I knew the night before which ones because intuitively I felt his pain); but he still maintains 38 teeth.  I confess that years back my doggy dental article graced the cover of Dog World Magazine. So this topic is not laughing matter since teeth can affect overall one's health and well-being.

This week I discovered my Britt has a gap between two upper back molars, thanks to his unique mouth anatomy. This can be a food trap just like it can be for humans. Tomorrow, I'm going to see his vet to get an opinion about the hole. But during Simon's surgery in September (he had a tumor removed from his forehead) his teeth were cleaned and flouride was used, too. So, I'm thinking why put him under anesthesia again when I have been and can up the regular home cleaning?

Yesterday, I was on a mission. Purchased a waterpik (for both of us, separate attachments), more canine toothpaste (with enzymes), a soft toothbrush, and more gauze. We are going to stay on top of his home care as I've done for the Aussie (he got the pearly whites and I'll never forget watching his baby teeth fall out, one by one), and for my Siamese-mix Zen (this breed has a predisposition to gingivitis).

Tomorrow hopefully we get a thumbs up from the doc (who raised my boy from the neuter snip, leg sprain from jumping snow berms, vaccines, and nose bite that required surgery) that by simply upping my tooth care for Simon that we don't have to resort going under (again)... The Rx will be to keep his teeth nice and clean. Today, I try the waterpik on my senior dog. So, after two cups of chamomile tea, I'll start with light pressure, warm water. He loves pampering and grooming (from baths to brushing) and I think he'll let me do my job. Stay tuned. UPDATE: Tried the magical waterpik on me in front of Simon; then he allowed me to do it for him. It works. He likes it! No kidding. His and Hers attachments. Caveat: While it's cordless, water sprayed everywhere light a a rainstorm. But we'll get the hang of it.

One more thing: Monday afternoon I am scheduled to have one small cavity filled and another one replaced. I haven't had a hole for years. I'm not looking forward to the ordeal, but dentistry is almost painless these days and I am grateful to be able to take care of it now rather than waiting until it's too late. It's just another day for an author and her dog's teeth.

West Coast is Raining Cats & Dogs as I Forecasted

By Cal Orey
UPDATE: Pacific Northwest
 got rare snow and Tahoe 
resorts 
3 feet of snow. 

I saw this today at Heavenly Resort...more snow on its way

Today it feels much like I still live in the San Francisco Bay Area. It's been raining all day long with flood advisories. Our street is ponding. A lot. My two dogs did get a walk and their coats did get wet. I sense they like the snow rather than strange wet stuff. It's like November or April at Lake Tahoe. This is abnormal... But more rain, more produce this summer at a lower cost makes me smile... And hey, I did forecast this Pineapple Express event--which may be fizzling. Or not. 

Simon doesn't like rain, the Lake, or pools

I'm supposed to write an article on the West Coast drought but I'm waiting a few more days to see just how much precip we do get.  It probably won't be as much as needed but it is water. And this is a good thing even though I'm a fall girl: cold, crisp air and no rain please. Experts claim it won't fix the dry spell but I sense it may be a better later than not start to more. After all, we still have this month and "Miracle March"...

Surrounded by fur kids,  a fire crackling in the rock fireplace, watching films day and night, and answering phones for the psychic networks is my life for the moment. I did swim yesterday and plan on it tomorrow, rain or shine. It doesn't matter.

Swimming, taking dogs out, bringing in firewood, walking like a penguin...is part of winter

Watching the movie "Limitless" is amusing me. A writer suffering from the "block" finds a new drug and then his life spins out of control for both the worst and best, sort of. Meanwhile, I hear the rain and am blocking new projects because I sense one is right around the corner. So, I suppose I'll wait and see what the inch totals are for the rain/snow on the West Coast  (experts already aren't smiling bigger than  life) before I pen the piece. For now, I'm chilling. My movie is on. And the fire needs to be stoked. Note to self: Teach my working Aussie how to do it. Right now he's got the treadmill down without a lead. (But he does demand food to perform. Smart dog.)

Groundhog Day...1 Year Anniversary with Awesome Aussie

By Cal Orey

Anniversary present to Skye

Awesome Aussie keeps me smiling on beautiful day, off season at the Lake

Skye was his given name before we united...it fit

In love before picking up on Groundhog Day

Instead of writing too many words about my deep feelings for my precious one year old Australian Shepherd--a fearless Sag, I'm going to express my love through pictures throughout the months of joy he has given me and my family. Skye is a healing pup (to help my family get through a canine loss) and has done his job well!

In one year, he's taught me how to be patient (get up at 5-6 AM --he is potty trained 100%) and sleeps on top of me despite he knows he's half my size), have more fun and be less serious, that he is smart with a capital S. Skyler's fave toy is green and he knows it from the white and red toys. He licks the kitty's ears (a political ploy that has worked and kept him from getting scratched), and he respects my senior Brittany and allows him to keep alpha position--pack leader. In less than a day he learned how to walk on the treadmill...he can sit, lie down, shake, roll over, give me a bear hug, and keep me warm at night. He loves walks and car drives.  And his temperament with people of all ages is even and likes being told he is handsome.

My new baby

Aussie keeps my Brittany young and me balanced

A real trooper post-neuter

I love the look of blue merles--all breeds! I dressed like him 

Santa didn't spook him! A gift to me from the angels

I miss his puppy fur

Cartoonist captured the essence of "us"

Skye loves SNOW!

Pup is an outdoors-loving canine

Skye likes to go everywhere with mom and Simon...autumn

Author's dog to love

Author-Intuitive's Forecasts Coming True...

EARTH CHANGES

I Feel the Earth Move…

By Cal Orey

2014 FORECASTS

As we edge into the New Year, promise of better days may be ahead. The news of more jobs and higher wages, health care perks for uninsured people, and stock market numbers soaring are a pleasant surprise and could continue to do better than expected during times of growth.

            Despite the past doomsday predictions that didn’t happen, extreme climate changes may challenge people around the world. Severe weather including abnormal cold winter temperatures and snowstorms, flooding in the spring, wildfires in the summer, and out of whack fall happenings will keep people talking around the globe.

Speaking of chatter, political games with Democrats and Republicans will continue and another government shutdown is possible causing major social unrest if it happens. Potential wars (perhaps linked to Syria), and a potential shocking Whitehouse shake-up, and a few man-made disaster scares may disrupt the new sense of calm.

While 2014 may bring us more good news than bad, ups and downs will keep us alert, lend to stronger family ties, and more self-reliance and less trust of the government. Take an up close peek at what else I see for the upcoming months in the New Year.

A Mixed Bag of Predictions for 2014

1. Earthquakes

* While in 2013 the West Coast didn’t have a significant earthquakes, rare stranded sea creatures in Southern California surprised people around the world and may be signs of a future significant shaker and tsunami.

* At least one major shaker is likely on the West Coast, including Alaska, Washington, on and Offshore Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area and/or Greater Los Angeles as likely areas to rock.

* The Indian Ocean may produce a major quake and tsunami but not as severe as December 26, 2004.

* The New Madrid Zone may be rocked by a major quake disrupting the Midwest and make international news.

2. Weather Events

Climate chaos will not exclude extreme cold winter temperatures in both United States and Europe. The Reno-Tahoe sierra may get early winter flooding if hit with a significant precipitation. Springtime flooding/mudslides will affect regions throughout the world that were blanketed by heavy snowfall. The California-Nevada and/or Pacific Northwest will get more snow than it has in past years; the Midwest and Northeast endure heavy snow as other non-snow regions may be rudely awakened by odd storms, twisters, and hurricanes.

3. Health Care

While Obamacare began with a rocky start, more people will jump on the health care bandwagon and take advantage of lower premiums and preventive care options. It will not be perfect but the change may be better expected. The government will gain more control with health issues as we see changes in the making pointing the finger at unhealthy trans fats, sodas, fake foods and some prescription drugs will be zapped or more controlled.

4. Economy

Unlike 2013, people will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel with both more work and more money. Recession recovery will affect more folks (of all ages) and consumer confidence may rise. This year, more people will change jobs, think outside of the box to help make ends meet, and feel more positive about their financial future. Seniors will be postponing retirement and choose to work for the money due to living longer, more quality lives.

5. On the Fringe

While we endure erratic climate change, a strange happening may occur. It could be that more fish in the Pacific Ocean will show spooky changes linked to radiation of the great Japan earthquake and tsunami—and it may affect our food supply. Also, a commercial airline disaster en route in America or Europe could happen in the winter due to weather conditions. Volcanic activity in the United States as well as at least one region in the Ring of Fire could wreak havoc on land and force mass evacuations. 

In 2014, the overall year will seem calmer than in the past but that isn’t to say we will not have some unpleasant surprises. However, during turbulent times—and there will be some, President Obama may win back his reputation due to a savvy decision. The bottom line: Mankind around the world will persevere, and bond more than ever before.

[SIDEBAR]

2013 Prediction Misses and Hits

·        Alaska was rocked by many moderate earthquakes but no great shaker occurred; widely felt earthquakes hit Offshore Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area, Central and Southern California but no major events happened.

·        People did become more health-conscious by staving off diet sodas and trans fats. Plus, while slow to take off, people are signing up for Obamacare to get health care benefits.

·        While talk of falling back into recession was abuzz, it did not happen. The global financial crisis continued but some industries did do much better than in 2013 and show recovery.

·        Wildfires did occur during the summer and air quality was greatly affected in California and Nevada. 

·        There was a drop in national unemployment, pros and cons continue with Obamacare aka Affordable Care Act,  and new jobs increased. 

*

BIO:  Cal Orey is an accomplished author-journalist specializing in health, nutrition, science, and pets. She is the author of the Healing Powers series (Kensington) and the 2^nd edition of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil will be published 2015. The intuitive is a phone psychic for three international networks. She lives in northern California. Visit her website at www.calorey.com .