Not a Toy: Death of Family Dog Demonstrates Dangers of Pellet Guns
He was the pick of the litter. A strong, beautiful pup, Denali had all the features of a fine, pedigreed Labrador retriever. Better even than his physical qualities, was his personality – intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. He was a surprise…
February Marks Shift in Winter
I was riding through the nearby woods recently when the setting sun spilled rose-colored light across the snow. It was beautiful but it was also 8 below zero. My hands were curled around warmers inside my mittens, I had toe-warmers…
Baldy Mountain
This morning we woke to three additional inches of snow and an updated story in the news about Lonnie Dupre who is attempting the first solo summit of Mt. McKinley in January. Only 16…
Icecream and Ice: Making Way for New Holiday Traditions
Holiday traditions are part of what makes this time of year special. The scent of favorite warm-baked cookies fill our kitchens. There is the quest for the perfect Christmas tree, holiday lights to hang, Advent calendars, and children’s Christmas programs…
Finding the Carle Wagon Road
“I followed a crazy man on a horse ride up Hatcher Pass.” That’s how Susan Dent described our recent ride up the Carle Wagon Road. The purported crazy man was Dick Stoffel, a long-time horseman and backcountry traveler, whose hearty…
Fall Fun in the Pumpkin Patch
It’s the time of year that frost sinks deeper into the ground and parents are looking for Halloween costumes that fit over snowsuits. ‘Tis also the season for carving fall pumpkins. On a crisp Saturday I brought bright orange pumpkins…
Fair Bids Farewell to Summer
When I came to work Monday morning, my coworker – who is normally a jocular fellow – growled about his weekend. “I’m going to make a video of why I hate going to the fair,” he grumbled, “so that next…
The Joys of Rhubarb
It’s been said that anyone can grow rhubarb, and to be careful where you place the plant since it grows prolifically and lives for a long time. I remember pulling stalks of rhubarb from the garden as a kid. Mom…
July 2011 Llama Drama and Other Hazards of the Trail
On a cool June day, horses and their owners gathered to test their trail savvy at the third annual Extreme Trail Challenge in Peters Creek. No one knew what the bonus challenge would be, but for twenty bucks, riders could…
May 2011 Parade of Stallions
Long before I had a horse of my own, I looked forward to the Parade of Stallions each year on Mother’s Day. I have pictures of my sons smiling in the backdrop of Pioneer Peak holding their little plastic lunch…