The first time I took our Labrador retriever mix for a walk, she peered about warily, with her tail tucked down. Her fear didn’t surprise me; she’d had a rough start in life. When she was less than a year old, her owner had threatened to abandon both her and her puppies before we adoptedContinue reading “Tips for succeeding in dog sports”
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Cruising to Alaska
After taking a self-guided tour of the interior of Alaska in August of 2023, my husband and I knew we’d visit Alaska again. In June 2024, we took a round-trip Alaskan trip from Vancouver, on Holland America’s Koningsdam. Here are some tips if you’re planning an Alaskan cruise of your own, plus highlights from ourContinue reading “Cruising to Alaska”
Tips for visiting wondrous Alaska
As we followed the pilot vehicle on the highway in Alaska’s interior, we could hear mud hitting the underside of our rental car. The four-door sedan was definitely not rated for these conditions. It slipped and slid as we moved forward. I imagined getting stuck in the mud and being rear ended by the carContinue reading “Tips for visiting wondrous Alaska”
Tips for planning a Canada/New England Cruise
In early June, my husband and I took a Canada/New England cruise on Holland America’s Zuiderdam, from Quebec to Boston. For those planning the same trip, I wanted to provide my thoughts on the cruise. Montreal and Quebec City, Quebec Flying into (or out of) Montreal a few days early was perfect. It’s a niceContinue reading “Tips for planning a Canada/New England Cruise”
The magic of the dandelion
Springtime is finally here. Flowers and the trees are blooming, the grass has turned green, and the birds chirp happily. And along with that, bright yellow dandelion flowers dot many lawns, filling the yards with sun-like color. We usually think of this plant as a weed, to be snuffed out with chemicals, or dug up,Continue reading “The magic of the dandelion”
Reflecting on snowflakes
Early last week our area got about a foot of snow on top of a layer of freezing rain and sleet. But our family was very comfortable being shut in. The electricity stayed on, we had plenty of food (pancakes two days in a row!), we had heat, and the toilets flushed because our waterContinue reading “Reflecting on snowflakes”
Don’t let this toxic ingredient kill your dog
With the holidays upon us, news and social media stories will likely remind you about foods your dog shouldn’t eat. Chocolate and bones will probably headline the list. But there’s another dangerous ingredient that may be lurking in items in your kitchen, or even in your kid’s book bag. It’s the sugar substitute xylitol. LetContinue reading “Don’t let this toxic ingredient kill your dog”
Clean out your nose: Tips for using a neti pot
I’ve suffered from allergies pretty much all my life. I’m so used to having a stuffy nose, that normally I don’t even notice it. However, at least twice a year allergies or a cold will cause a sinus infection that I can’t ignore. When that happens, my nose runs constantly, and I cough quite aContinue reading “Clean out your nose: Tips for using a neti pot”
My must-see Youtube channels
There are millions of people around the world who regularly create content specifically for Youtube. Many of them create content that’s every bit as watchable as anything out of Hollywood. Here are my top five favorite Youtube channels. For the sake of the list, I’m only including people that basically only create and distribute theirContinue reading “My must-see Youtube channels”
Putting mental health before medals
Like every fan of gymnastics, I’ve followed the rise of Simone Biles for many years. I was in awe of her during the 2016 Olympics. Her floor routine was especially captivating. Her confidence unwavering. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson, who provided commentary during the last Olympics, even said that Simone winked at her duringContinue reading “Putting mental health before medals”
Gina Parsons - Writer 