Nature

A Rambling Writer Rerun: Crete, part 6: Falassarna Whispers

Join me in another flashback to my early backpacking trip across Crete, when I camped in the Minoan ruins of Falassarna and heard whispers from the past. NOTE: Of course, Thor and I had to make another trip to Greece, as he’s fallen as much in love with the islands as I am. This time, …

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A Rambling Writer Rerun: Return to Crete, Part 4: South Coast Memories

Another flashback to my hippie backpacking days on Crete, camping and exploring the rugged south coast. NOTE: Of course, Thor and I had to make another trip to Greece, as he’s fallen as much in love with the islands as I am. This time, in addition to other island-hopping, I wanted to return to Crete …

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A Rambling Writer Rerun: Return to Crete, Part 3: Gorges of South Crete

Come time-travel with me as Thor and I drive a rocky passage to the sea, and I flashback to my first Cretan hike down the Gorge of Samaria. NOTE: Of course, Thor and I had to make another trip to Greece, as he’s fallen as much in love with the islands as I am. This …

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State of the Farm: September, 2023. The Problem of Scale.

Be careful what you wish for. (Yes, yes. Another State of the Farm entry. I’m in Wisconsin. Sue me.) Some years ago, I discussed the problem of abundance. At the time, I was concerned with production from tree products such as chestnuts and Cornelian Cherries. That particular year we had good crops from several of …

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A Rambling Writer Rerun: Return to Crete, part 1: Rethymno

After 37 years, I returned to this singular Greek island — virtually a country to itself in size and culture — and brought Thor along to meet “glorious Kriti.” NOTE: A lot of “Life” lately makes it difficult to spend much time at the keyboard, so I invite you in the upcoming weeks to revisit …

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Ragnarök

Originally published September 2020 Last night the husband and I got out the emergency whiskey. This sacred bottle of Washington State’s Woodinville Rye has seen us through multiple disasters. The sudden deaths, some years apart, of two very beloved dogs. The loss of a beloved colleague. The stunning outcome of the 2016 Presidential election. It’s …

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A Rambling Writer Rerun: Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

Health issues continue, but I have a promising new treatment plan. Hopefully I will be back at my keyboard again soon, but meanwhile here is a rerun of one of Thor’s and my favorite travel episodes — feeding and bathing an elderly blind elephant in a sanctuary for retired working elephants in Thailand, the Hillside …

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A Rambling Writer Flashback: Hiking Gorges of Southern Crete

Come time-travel with me as Thor and I drive a rocky passage to the sea, and I flashback to my first Cretan hike down the Gorge of Samaria. NOTE: Painful stenosis flareup continues, so I’m still “grounded” from my keyboard except for very brief sessions. Here’s a rerun of cherished trips to the “glorious island …

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A Rambling Writer Rerun: Snorkeling Phuket, Thailand

Join Thor and me for a virtual Thailand vacation at the beautiful Phuket shoreline and sea. Note: I’m still taking a break from the keyboard due to a flareup of stenosis pain, so here’s rerun another installment in Thor’s and my 2020 Thailand trip. I need a time travel/transport device to be back in that …

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