Published inWildlife Trekker·PinnedMember-onlyLittle Deer on The PrairieThe first in a series of stories centered on prairie landscapes and lives in North America — Dear reader, The restored Oronoco Prairie has become my favorite place to hike and to observe wildlife and prairie wildflowers within five miles of home. Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957) lived as a girl with her family for a while near South Troy, Minnesota. The settlement lies six miles northeast of…Deer3 min readDeer3 min read
Published inPlethora Of Pop·1 day agoMember-onlyWhen I’m Sixty-FourIt seemed to take forever for this day to arrive — Will you still need me, will you still feed me When I’m sixty-four? — Last lines of verses 1 and 2 of “When I’m Sixty-Four” by Paul McCartney and the Beatles The Beatles released their eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, in 1967. Like all Beatles music…Music3 min readMusic3 min read
Published inWildlife Trekker·2 days agoMember-onlyLittle Island on The PrairieThe Black Hills of South Dakota are filled with wildlife and scenic views. This is the third in a series of stories centered on prairie landscapes and lives in North America — Dear friend, Little Island on The Prairie is the third installment of the [Adjective or Adverb] [Noun] on The Prairie series. Each story’s title is based on the format of Little House on the Prairie, a book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.Black Hills8 min readBlack Hills8 min read
Published inWhisker Winks by Muffin·4 days agoMember-onlyMuffin Loves Cycling, TooA few of my favorite things — As an avid cyclist, I would rather ride a bike than watch others ride as a spectator. But when the three grand tour professional bike races are on TV, I enjoy viewing the highlights each evening. My kitten Muffin likes to watch, too. Professional bicycle racing is a hugely popular…Cats4 min readCats4 min read
Published inCatness·4 days agoMember-onlyMuffin — Cute and Curious, but Cautious, tooMuffin’s mild adventure to the edge of the great outdoors — “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” — Albert Einstein Of all the cats who have befriended me, Muffin is the most curious of all. But why is she so curious?Cats3 min readCats3 min read
Published inWildlife Trekker·Sep 4Member-onlyTo The Badlands and BeyondNatural wonders, wilderness, and wildlife await in the American West — I have been planning a trip to Colorado for months to attend my niece’s wedding and visit my mother. The plans have changed several times for assorted reasons. But I am excited to report that I will depart home tomorrow morning, with my targets on the American West.Wildlife4 min readWildlife4 min read
Published inWhisker Winks by Muffin·Sep 4Member-onlyCat Matter Monday — Look at Those ChoppersIt’s just another cattish Monday. But like each day with my kitten, it’s getting better all the time — It’s just another cattish Monday. I don’t wish it were Sunday. They’re all my fun days. It’s just another cattish Monday. — The author’s cat-centered and Muffin-oriented version of a hit pop song The cat, whether wild or domestic, is a remarkable creature. Its anatomy, physical skills, prowess, beauty, and…Cats6 min readCats6 min read
Published inWildlife Trekker·Sep 3Member-onlyPipsqueak Prairie Dogs on The PrairieThe second in a series of stories centered on prairie landscapes and lives in North America — Dear friend, Pipsqueak Prairie Dogs on the Prairie is the second installment of the [Adjective or Adverb] [Noun] on The Prairie series. Each story’s title is based on the format of Little House on the Prairie, a book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Stories center on the landscapes and lives…Prairies7 min readPrairies7 min read
Published inWhisker Winks by Muffin·Sep 2Member-onlyShe Ain’t Misbehavin’, She’s Just Bein’ Plain Paw-fulMuffin stretches her paws. But she does not misbehave — Truth be told, Muffin does not misbehave. As one of my two sweethearts in this household, she can do no wrong.Fun3 min readFun3 min read
Published inCatness·Sep 1Member-onlyLet’s Keep it Simple, Dad, Shall We?When it comes to playtime, this kitten doesn’t need fancy toys. But she thrives on playtime — “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” ― Dr. Seuss When our three sons were little, my wife Kazumi and I provided them with toys. Lots and lots of toys. We thought they would enjoy playing with them. But they surprised us. They could play for hours…Kittens4 min readKittens4 min read
