Fixing my Pup Jitters

My fun-loving dog, my companion, my playmate

By Cal Orey

Aussie stole my heart

Pick of litter, only boy

Tomorrow morning at 7:30 A.M., my one-year-old Aussie pup Skye will arrive at the vet's to be de-sexed.  As a human, I've been here before but this time around I'm a bit anxious. My baby boy is going to be n-e-u-t-e-r-e-d. I didn't have the heart to tell him...

...I did purchase a cool collar so he looks like a handsome canine character straight out of Titantic (he will live, though). And, of course, I gave it a test run and told him he looked like a big bold lion. He believed me and adapted.

2 1/2 months old, Feb. 2012

This is so cute and works

Skye's B-Day
December 1, Sunday is his birthday, I vow to get him toys: new balls (oops, a Freudian slip), new bone, new Kong toy--whatever he wants. It's his. Uh oh, I'm having neutering remorse. After all, he comes from an excellent line, congenital testing has been done with parents...Skyler would be a more than doable stud but...no matter. Tomorrow, snip. Done.

Okay. Let's be practical. This operation is easy. I've been there with three Brittanys. I can do this; he can do this. It's not a big deal. We have a young, healthy, strong boy! My vet has been with us for more than a decade. No worries. 

Mom

Dad

Skyler's mom and dad would be proud of him. He's got his mother's markings; his father's smile and vibe. I sense they understand that this operation is for his health, happiness, and to ensure a long, quality life...



Meanwhile, my boy sleeps next to the fireplace. I will make him fires next week if the sierra temps drop. He's looking at me. I wonder if he senses I know that he knows what's happening tomorrow. No matter. It will be done. We will survive. I hope he doesn't give me the silent treatment. I realize now that I have given my heart to another dog. 

Turkey Talk...'Tis the Season

By Cal Orey

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm feeling it, sort of. Instead of following tradition and cooking up a big bird with all the trimmings, I've ditched the deal.  Cranberry Orange-Nut Bread, salads, homemade fries, fresh fruits are on my rebellion menu.  I'm going to enjoy being incognito (the tourists like Stephen King's Langoliers are arriving) for the peace of it all...

Peaceful Day
Yeah, I'd love to wake up and go for a swim but I'm sensing the resort pool will have too many intense human fish in it so...it's walking the dogs and eyeing the treadmill. Part of Thursday I'll get the endorphin high by raking the pine leaves and cones (still dropping), sweeping the deck (the dusting of snow is gone), and organizing for the season of discontent--winter. But on the upside, no snow as I forecasted.

Here Comes Winter
There is an art of coping with colder temps, shorter days, longer nights. I've penned many articles on SAD that I should be a pro on this challenge. So, more tips to deal include green plants, nutrient-dense soups, casseroles, breads, muffins, and drink water, water, water. A thicker comforter on the bed and recycling framed artwork (winter landscapes) and help prepare for the inevitable.  Not to forget to get a move on indoors and outdoors (and sneak a swim/hot tub when the tourists are AWOL during the early morning hours).

Snow-loving sibling doesn't like my no powder forecast

Today is a Writing Day
As I continue working on the 2nd edition of OLIVE OIL, going to input a new chapter and add more stuff that I've discovered and am loving it, wanting to share it all. The pantry is full of goods that are special and newsy that readers will find out about sooner than later...and I'm thrilled. I feel like I've entered Olive Oil Land (again), kind of like going back to a film that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Speaking of fuzzy...

Critter Care
...On Saturday morning, very early, my baby boy Aussie will be facing the neuter. I suppose the cone is the most challenging part of this ordeal but we will survive. I've grown so fond of this pooch even though he chases my Siamese (but fearless Zen keeps coming back for more) so all is good.

Tourist Time
No, it isn't my fave thing to see tourists invade our stores, dog walking grounds, vacation houses, resorts, roads, and life in the mountains. So, it's a time to be a recluse and pretend it's all a dream that will pass. Cable films, inputting prose into the book, pampering the body, mind, and spirit--and making the first fire of the season will get me through this upcoming holiday.

 Friends, Family and Souls in Need

During a time of age when friends, some gone and family, some faraway, are on my mind I will try and connect and show my care and concern. Plus, as an intuitive I will be on the phone working the networks for those gentle souls who need a bit of chicken soup-type comfort to lessen the anxiety of life's uncertainty. I will be here feeling good because I saved a turkey and will my be the human behind my pup who loses his manhood... but will be a healthier, happier, well-adjusted dog. Well, I did my part and won't have turkey heartburn and a muffin top! 

OLD MAN WINTER

By Cal Orey

Today, I'm feeling pre-winter is in the air. Sure, yesterday I swam at 7:30 A.M., and it was bliss but...the good hot tub was down. That is a sign the resort is getting ready for the snowbound fun-loving tourists come wintertime. Personally, I'd rather have it not working than to have it fixed because that will mean winter has arrived--and autumn, my friend, will be gone but there will be two dog nights...and dog-like indoor kitty Zen gets me. We agree. We do not love Old Man Winter. 

Here Comes the Rain/Snow...

Weather Forecast for Dec? Rain, Rain, Rain!

Nope, I haven't broke down as of yet to make a fire. But I admit there was a day of weakness, yesterday...and today I noticed temps this weekend will plummet to the low teens, like 12 degrees. Is it fire yet? Almost. But if I jump on the fireplace bandwagon it will be confirmed--winter is almost here.

After the swim, I bathed Simon, my senior pooch. I promised him I'd do it. At 10 1/2 years old he's so happy after getting a shampoo and dry. Fluffy Brittany ran crazy indoors, outdoors, played with his pup sidekick, and well, you could tell he felt good about himself and his coat.


The Olive Oil Book
The good news, I'm on track. More than half of the book is input. And I have until January 15 to complete my work. So today, will be a semi- writing day, time for including some easier details. Then, I dive into the real creative prose part again--the stuff authors love to do, getting to the meat of it all. 

Honey, is that you?  That question is a reminder that a package from a honey company will be arriving. More baking and cooking for me!  Taking a break is warranted after the Pumpkin Squares and Coconut Custard...Writing food columns and books is a sure-fire way to not want to weigh in unless you take time off, eat less, walk the dogs more and stay out of the kitchen!

The Fireplace--Hot and Cold
Yesterday I dusted off the fireplace screen and brought in wood. Tomorrow, thank you Scarlett!, I will clean the inside--I peeked. It's not too bad. Last year the chimney cleaner man who wears a tall hat and looks like that funny cricket Disney character did the deed.  But I can't decide if he should do it again. The majority of folks I asked about this chore said I'm good to go because I didn't burn that much wood last winter. Blame it on global warming.

It's no secret. The deal is, wintertime isn't my fave season. But I've learned how to try and pretend it's not really happening. Lots of good lighting, cozy throws, fires, baking and cooking, tea, quality flavored coffee, and dark gourmet chocolate are the things that can make colder days feel warmer and brighter.  Sort of...

...Let's get real.  I have a big calendar. I  check off each day, one by one, until it's spring. My mantra is "Spring"... Some snow days, I try and go with the program: Make coffee, let dogs out, make a fire, shovel snow, walk in snow, and do the treadmill (my resort pool/spa is invaded with tourists), shovel snow. On the upside, we will probably not get buried in the white stuff but on the downside there will be flooding in December, black ice through wintertime, and maybe one of those power outages that I love the first day and loathe any time after that. So, no it won't be a Donner Lake event but it is the season of discontent for me.  I can do this... What day does Spring arrive?

I Ate the Ginger Snap--Paying the Price

By Cal Orey

The Cookie Incident

Today, was a challenging one. This morning I awoke to what was going to be a busy, productive day. On my agenda was to bake a batch of Pumpkin Pie Squares with crushed ginger snaps for a crunch--to be inserted in the book, 2nd edition of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil. In the morning, I grabbed a cookie and in a heartbeat--that first bittersweet bite was a sobering experience. Not only was the treat rock-hard, it felt like I either cracked or broke a filling in my upper right back molar. Emergency sighting!

Where's the Woe? Into the bathroom, and on went the light as I scrutinized the back tooth--one I've never had problems with since I the 20th century. It does have a historical filling. Back in the day, when I was young and ambitious, I was studying to be a dental assistant. But my sensitive nature didn't mesh with the patients' ordeals. As an intern on the job, one day I couldn't deal with a man coping with a difficult root canal. As an empath I cried. No laughing matter. The dentist ordered his chair side assistant to exterminate me--the wuss. And that was the end of my short career.

Back to the back molar of the day. I couldn't tell if the silver filling was cracked. Often the human eye cannot see a crevice, anyhow. So, I gave up my search. I flossed. I brushed. I flossed. I was on a mission to find the problem. Nothing. But the upper molar throbbed. A call to my dentist was next. At 4:00 P.M. I was scheduled to see the damage done from the cookie.

What If? And the day dragged on with "what if" even though I know most "what if's" never happen. I thought, "What if I cracked the tooth and it has to be extracted...I'll be hooked up to blood pressure monitors like the dying creature in that "E.T." film" or "What if I have to get a crown--or worse, a root canal and images of the grown man in pain haunted me." I had my what ifs all lined up in a row so by the time I arrived at the dentist office--I was ready for the grueling news. Bring it on. 

First, I showed my upper tooth to the nurturing dental assistant. Passed the test. She saw nothing but a molar. My gut instincts told me my tooth was most likely going to be saved. When the x-ray came back, I looked at it--all angels good. And the dental exam? The tooth lives!  I, of course, traumatized it even more with my studying the pain of it all. But that's not the end of the story...

No Tooth Fairy Needed. I did have my teeth cleaned about a month ago. I passed on the dental exam because all was good. Not so much. One dentist's look later: A leaky filling and a small cavity in two good teeth. Gosh, I haven't had a dental hole for years and years. So, on the upside--the ginger snap didn't get us (only temporarily, thank to a bruise, most likely). The downside: We're looking at a probable crown and a small filling. Booked for December before Christmas--my health gift to me.  So much for that trip to Europe. But hey, my Aussie pup will still be neutered (and his upper back molars will be scaled a bit to keep the tartar off and stay on top of doggie dental care) despite the untimely expense of my ginger snap day. For the record, I will be making my own chewy ginger snaps fit for people of all ages.

Motto: Do not eat dog biscuit-type store bought ginger snaps or you'll pay the price!

P.S. I did call the maker of the ginger snap. Strangely, the rep told me they do have a "dental policy" for hard cookie incidents, like this one. So, en route is a package for me to send them the culprit. The researchers will analyze the cookie "specimen". Then, I will be notified. I admit that I recommended that their recipe needs a re-do. And after doing a quick search on the Net, I discovered I am hardly alone. Others have eaten these ginger snaps with too much snap and speculate the recipe has been changed. I wish I hadn't eaten the one tough cookie. But I did.  (Day 2. The cookie tooth still throbs!)

Mid-Fall is in the Air

By Cal Orey

In the Mountains...

Cozy with the Critters  

 Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net 

Today, at Lake Tahoe the weather seemed a bit off--cloudy, hazy due to the prescribed fires. We're having warm days, cold nights as I forecasted in late October. It's in the 60s during the days...and while the temperature drops to the 20s at night--it's still not cold enough to make the first fire of the season. Stoking a crackling fire, and feeling its warmth and ambiance while cuddled up in the waterbed, working in my study, or baking in the kitchen is on my mind more. Getting closer to the seasonal change.  I did see smoke billowing from the neighbor's chimney.  But I have two dogs, and a cat to keep me warm at night during mid-fall...


This afternoon I got my hair done (a belated birthday gift). I suppose it would be easier to let it go gray, and be an all-natural mountain woman--but for some reason I don't think it would be me, a fussy Libra. I couldn't decide (another air sign trait) blonde or red highlights (as a kid I was blonde, teen reddish brown highlights). It turns out my updated locks match both my male canine companions. (Yes, it was a conscious act. We are a happy pack.) 

Looking at the animal-human bond I have developed with my almost one-year old Aussie pup and 10-year-old Brittany, I realize these two boys are devoted to me as much as I am to them. I adore each of them for their myriad of traits--independent, fun-loving, strong, affectionate, protective, loyal, and sensitive. Yesterday, while running errands (dogless) I saw a tourist couple with two  Saint Bernards (like the duo in "Outbreak"--the couple's dogs). It made me feel blessed that my guys are medium size. Not too big, not too small...but together they hit about 90 pounds--25 pounds less than me. That's a lot of dog.

Yesteryear
I recalled a tale and shared it today with my sibling. During my freewheeling, hippie hitchhiker days when I was twenty-something, I traveled with my cute and bold Maltese terrier. We were en route to Idaho. I swam in Snake River, watched the Evil dude do his stunt that fizzled, and camped outdoors under the stars. It seems long ago, a time when I was fearless, living one day at a time, not worrying about the future-enjoying adventure. I was free--a girl and her dog. No deadlines, no bills. My biggest goals were getting meals for us and finding a safe place to sleep. 

In the Kitchen...Stocking Up for Winter
Back to the present, today I put together homemade salsa for the thrill of it. (A sign of an aging woman.) Tomorrow it will be autumn-type pumpkin squares: a new pie crust, fresh ginger, cookie crumb crust. I'm looking forward to it because it's a highlight of fall. Note to self: Find more excitement.  Fall foods are on my mind. My pantry is growing and I'm bonding with Tahoe squirrels, getting prepared for 2014 winter, snowstorms...but I'm not ready for black ice, temps below zero, and shoveling the white stuff.

Tomorrow It's Back to the BOOK
I've been busy working on The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised and Updated. Compiling, inputting recipes, recipes, and more recipes. And soon, it's back to the anecdotes--one of my favorite parts to create. It's one of the reasons I love to write. And this is my life in mid-fall, kind of like hump day in the middle of the week.

Finding a Delicate Balance

This time of year, it never fails. I fantasize about moving to a warm  place like New Mexico, Arizona, Florida--anywhere but here when the roads are icy and walking like a penguin is what you do for self-preservation so you don't fall and have to turn to a heating pad and ice pack. And, of course, I dream about having three cats (I did once) instead of two Type-A dogs...but I would be more sedentary, less active. So, it is what it is and I will make do by visiting my oasis--a resort pool early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The best part of mid-fall, it's off season, and that means quietude in the mountains, morning, noon, and night.  Still, this time of year reminds me of a roller coaster ride. (I do not like amusement parks.) It's fine going uphill but knowing what happens once you go down and around with surprise twists and turns is what is spooky. Read: Old Man Winter is coming. On the upside, however, I've got firewood stacked, mittens, scarves, hat(s), sweaters, and thick leggings. Flannel sheets, pajamas with kittens and moons on 'em (no kidding), cable TV, work to do--and furry critters with warm hearts and cold noses. Mid-fall is in the air--and I'm feeling the change of pre-winter days. It's time to brew a cup of tea and go back to work on the book. 

Sweet November, You Had Me at Autumn

By Cal Orey

Hello November! ... This morning instead of a swim at the resort pool, I played hooky. At 5 AM-ish the pup Skye, got me up and outdoors into the 20-something degree weather to do his business. Back indoors I fed both Aussie and Brittany, Simon. And, I confess. I crawled back into the cozy waterbed with golden colored flannel sheets and entered dreamland. At 7:40 (yep, I looked at the clock), I got up and brewed a cup of Pumpkin Spice Coffee. 

Autumn bliss with a growing pup and senior dog.

A Writing Day: On this Thursday I was happy because the plan was to write anecdotes from yesteryear for the Revised and Updated OLIVE OIL book. The writing of a book is the fun part; the research is a challenge. In between Skyler devouring my fave comfy over-sized chair in the living room to demanding his romp in the dog run and flaunting his hazel colored big puppy dog eyes begging me to play ball with him, I surprisingly managed to get several long forgotten memories written. 

Dog Walk, Let's Go: As the wannabe leader of the pack, I anticipate our daily dog walk in the afternoons just as much as my go-dogs do. And today, we all got the feel-good endorphin high from getting outdoors and getting a move on. By the time we were through, all of our tails were wagging and it was back home. Now, at 9:30 P.M., I feel the calm of the dogs and myself, winding down as I field calls from the networks, dishing out readings upon command. Today, unrequited love seems to be the topic of choice. I wish I could just say, "Get a dog." 

Fall Fare: This week I've had my fill of homemade White Chocolate Fudge and Peanut Butter Fudge. (FYI: The freezer trick doesn't work. Note to self: Must swim more, walk more, treadmill more or will endure muffin top.) It was a fun Fudgefest...and now I'm done. More seasonal fruits and vegetables seem to be on my mind and in the kitchen.  Plus, coffee, tea(s), water are on my list and goodbye to sweets till December. The rub is, I can't get pies out of my mind...rhubarb, pecan, custard, and the list goes on and on. Maybe a hen glazed with honey will suffice?

Pantry Clean-up: Last week on a chilly afternoon, I did it. I spent hours cleaning out the pantry. I'm talking honey, honey, honey. I know that nature's nectar boasts a long shelf life but once opened I think, "When in doubt, toss out." And the olive oils? Ditto. There's only so much I can use in a year or two. On the upside: The pantry is re-stocked with amazing treasures that I'm writing about for The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised and Updated, due in January 2014. And so, my body, mind, and spirit is in Olive Oil Land.

Two Britts bonded at first sight.

A dear dog love connection.

Senior Dog is Doing Well: It seems so long ago. But back in September Simon, my 10-year-old Brittany had surgery on his forehead. The tumor was benign; his hair, as forecasted by the vet and techs, has grown back. Nobody would know what a brave boy he is. My canine warrior got through the challenge as we both did during the loss of our best friend. Last year, this time both Simon and I dealt with the ups and downs of losing our Seth. Once gone, Simon remained strong through my tears. He was on double duty grieving the loss of our boy and I will always be thankful for his strength and compassion.

Going to the Dogs: In my column What's Cookin at Callie's Cabin, this week I wrote about a handsome dog who befriended me at a Barnes and Noble book signing. A group of service canines upstaged me and my attempt to discuss, sign, and sell my books. So, I just went with the flow and made a new dog friend.

A handsome canine.

"Good as Gold"... A few surprises came my way today on the first day of November. My article "What's Your Pet's Sign?" graced the cover story of Oracle 20-20 magazine. And that's not all...
Wellbella magazine (found in GNC stores nationwide) featured my book The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington) in a sweet two page article, page 16. Keep in mind, this book (my fave of the Healing Powers series) contains dozens of eye-catching healthful recipes (good enough for a hungry honey bee or human) and was included in the Good Cook Book Club. 

Translated in other languages.

I anticipate enjoying cozying up by my first fire of mid-fall. Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net 

Making a Fire is a Job: So, no I haven't done it yet. One neighbor has begun. I see the smoke billowing from the chimney in the A.M. I will do it. I must clean the fireplace; although I don't think there's much to do. And there is kindling, the firewood is stacked and dry. The thing is, once you start making fires there's no turning back. (And those perfect manicured nails I had in SF? History. The dogs get pedicures, not moi.) When the temps hit the teens (in a few days) I will celebrate. It's funny, after each book I write, I celebrate by making a fire, drinking a cup of hot tea, and watching a film with the animal companions. Such is the life of a city girl aka mountain hermitess (flanked by two dogs and a cat who thinks he's a dog) in the sierras.

Falling into Fall, Naturally

Fall Flower Power

By Cal Orey
Autumn is here and I'm feeling it... In the early morning I've been treating myself to Pumpkin Spice Coffee. On Wednesday I spent part of the afternoon making a semi-homemade Sweet Potato Pie. And, nesting (organizing my abode with warming things, like comforters and pillows to herbal teas) for colder days ahead. The cob webs on the high ceilings and fireplace are calling out my name, "CAL! Clean me!" But I've tuned it out for a bit longer.

Dog Day Afternoons: Yesterday, took the Type-A canine duo for a long walk. First to our fave spot amid pine trees and logs (allowing young and fun-loving Skyler to jump over one after another for a makeshift agility course; senior Simon keeps up). Once both dogs are smiling it was back in the car for a longish autumn drive to savor the sweet season, with the heart of an autumn child.

Got bangs trimmed, fall spells long, straight blundt bangs

Pumpkin Spice Coffee is here!

Destination: Hope Valley in the sierra. This time around, the aspens were golden, more than at Lake Tahoe but not as vibrant as few years ago when going to a book signing at San Francisco. Maybe I missed the reds, oranges, light gold leaves of fall? Still, it was Mother Nature at her best. Calming to mind and spirit.

Hot Tub and Tourists: Once the dogs had their fun, it was time to let them chill and hit a resort pool/hot tub. Thanks to the warmer temps (as I predicted) tourists were too plentiful at "my" oasis. Note to self: Only swim early AMs, starting next week--7:00 AM.  I've grown to love serene water, not choppy with voices of chatter or chlorine overload.  But, the little orange pumpkin candies and chocolates in the womens' spa area made me smile and were a sure-fire reminder that fall has sprung.  

Keeping my swims to early AM

Autumn Edibles: After the semi-treat, I hit the gift shop and picked up a copy of Friday's Tahoe Daily Tribune. My latest dish--Sweet Potato Pie--was featured on the cover and that made me feel warm and fuzzy. This awesome autumn pie took a while to make and make it smooth as silk but it was worth the extra effort. It was so rich (I used butter, lemon olive oil and half and half) that it made its way to the freezer or I would have devoured the whole thing... I also whipped up a Mediterranean pasta dish (for the OLIVE OIL book I'm revamping) and the colors of vegetables reminded me of the season.

Harvest season for honey...Need to recycle pantry

Indian Summer: Due to the warmer than cooler season, the firewood remains in the backyard under tarp waiting to be stacked and put into the garage. The storm windows are up! The mornings are in the 20s and afternoons nearing 70s. Twenty-five miles to Carson City we're talking 70s and folks are clad in T-shirts and shorts. Weird? Not really. It's the sierras! Anything goes when it comes to weather year-round.

Weekend at Lake Tahoe: Because of the warm-ish days climate (as was the case in the San Francisco Bay Area back in the fall of 1989 when the major quake shook our Golden State) tourists are here in the mountains. When you live in a resort town you learn how to dodge tourists and find hot spots where they don't know about to go and enjoy solitude local-style. 

The Full Moon in Aries: Last night the phone was busy with clients calling me, the "energizing, calming intuitive"to read them as emotions were out of sync. I received my charts for 2014 to help me help them. Funny how lunar cycles affect people, pets, and even trigger earthquakes around the world. Update: A 6.5 hit the Gulf of California today...as forecasted by me but more south. Still, I saw water, West Coast, this time--and it could be a foreshock and/or migrate north to Southern California. Or not.

My Autumn Weather Forecast: Neighbors are asking me, "Callie, what's the forecast for upcoming weeks?" I smile at their belief in my predictions and dart: "Warm/Cold, Warm/Cold...Flooding in December, most likely for Tahoe-Reno and California. The snow will arrive late in Jan/Feb and more than I want. Read: Shoveling. Note to self: But that's winter here in the mountains.

Staying Cold-Flu Free: But now, I'll enjoy the days of fab fall. I'm going to bake mini butterball cookies to pair with teas and coffees and eat more fruit, vegetables, and nuts to stay skinny and healthy. No flu shot for me. Boosting the immune system with plenty of nutrient-dense foods, getting a move on, staying clear of humanoids, and getting shut-eye are natural.

This is my fave writer pose...Getting ready to input prose to The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised and Updated