Cal Orey's Blog, page 113

Going Going Gone...Eastern Canada

By Cal Orey
Back to Canada
a Place I Hitchhiked to
in my early 20sIt's odd that this upcoming trip to Eastern Canada is happening during the same time frame as a few years ago. I don't like missing my kitty's birthday but he'll understand.  I recall a woman in Hawaii. She told me she got "Island Fever"--I've got Cabin Fever. It's time. It's time to go. Soon I will be boarding that jet plane. As the clock ticks, I recall happenings from the past Canadian adventure.

Leaving Lake Tahoe for a business trip finally arrived on March 20, the first day of Spring. Back home again, it's time to back track and recall my time away playing nomad (like I did in my twenties) in the PNW and determine if Northern California will be left in the dust for the Pacific Northwest.  Early in the morning my bags were packed and I left my Old Tahoe-style cabin, three fur kids, the Lake and towering pine trees. Destination: Seattle and British Columbia for a book signing and book research.


On Friday morning I admit I looked like the California girl clad in skinny jeans, tee-shirt, lightweight turtleneck sweater, black leather jacket, neck scarf, mittens, combat boots, and a cozy wool black, red and grey checkered jacket (from Quebec City). True, it was 50 degrees but I figured if I layered my clothing and my bags were lost I'd have threads; plus I'd be warm on a chilly plane and in the rain up north.
I felt at home in SeattleStanding in line I was cool, calm--no worries. Then, a security woman asked me: "Would you like to be searched?" I answered, "If it's a cute guy." I truly thought she was joking. She darted, "How about a woman?" I said, "Nah, I'll pass. I'm not really into it." She grabbed my arm; I was put in a small cage-like contraption. She wiped both my hands with some sort of liquid, ordered me to lift my arms and spread my legs. I was frisked from head to foot. It all happened so quickly I didn't realize I was suspect. It didn't seem real. After the search, the security woman gave credit to my layering clothes or jacket with zippers galore. I gathered up my garb and felt thankful for less attitude than in the French speaking province.  Perhaps I was mellow because I hadn't had my a.m. coffee. 


My fave hang out at SLCONWARD TO SALT LAKE CITY...  The flight was smooth and nondescript. Not sure why frequent fliers label this airport to be tricky because of the sierras into SLC. Now this airport is charming and smallish. Read: No fun plane trains. With two hours to pass time, I made a point to order a welcoming basket of warm tortilla chips and salsa made from scratch. As I sipped a cup of hot chamomile tea my eyes scrutinized the French manicure I got the day prior. Chipped already? So, I paid a visit to the express spa. This is a cool place in the airport where you can get a massage to manicure. A worker fixed the imperfections and I anticipated my flight. to Seattle.
Chop ChopI was there downtown Seattle back in 2006 for a book signing unveiling The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes. This time around it was Bellevue for my Healing Powers Series. And, of course, there is the time back in my twenties when I hitchhiked to the PNW and rescued a small fluffy dog that became my devoted traveling companion across America. So, Seattle, for me, has fond memories.

FLYING TO EMERALD CITY... Earlier in the week the weather forecast was 10 percent chance of rain. By Thursday night that number jumped to 100 percent. Everyone knows Seattle is infamous for grey skies and rain so I wasn't too concerned. After all, I was dressed for the occasion. What I didn't know is that when you have lots of clouds you can have lots of rough air on the plane or as our pilot called it: "It looks like we're coming into some 'light chop'." 
Seattle landingOh yeah, baby. The young business kid sitting next to me (I flew First Class because I'm super sensitive and don't want to pick up other people's nervous flight energy) looked into my widened eyes. He said as he nursed his cup of complementary wine, "Chill. It's all good." But I thought, "Is this the same dude who told me a while ago that coming from Dallas was a rough ride?"
Actually, I learned that some turbulence doesn't bother me--like moderate quakes--if and only if others remain calm. Also, the pilot's soothing voice kept me in a good space despite my ignorance of clouds can mean shaky skies. No worries. I equated it to having a root canal and letting the dentist take charge. The only thing though, oxygen isn't laughing gas. But landing safely in Seattle happened.
Hotel room city view made me smile Emerald City my new home?
LIGHT IN WASHINGTON... Thanks to Day Light Savings it was still light outdoors. I was greeted by terrain different than Tahoe--once touted for its snowfall and now the superdrought. Greenery and rain were a pleasant welcome for me. What's more, I do miss living in a San Carlos bungalow with a view of the hills and train ride to San Francisco. So the picture perfect view of both took me back in time when I was a younger "city girl" and not living in the mountains amid coyotes and bears.

Superfoods Spring Clean-Up Time!

 By Cal Orey
Keep It Green with Superfoods Spring CleaningSpring is in the air. Instead of using toxic cleaners you can get your home spotless using eco-friendly superfood-rich formulas. Not only are superfoods delicious, they’re versatile—plus these farm-to-table favorites can work to help spring clean!Superfoods are super but sometimes they end up in places that we don’t want them to be or they can be used to rid of other foods that need to go. Here, take a look.
12 Eco-Friendly Household Hints 1. Lemon for unwanted stains:  Superfruit lemons boast antiseptic and anti-bacterial healing powers, especially when it comes to zapping stains. Both lemon juice and peels can act like bleach (but more gentle) and rid of food spots on carpets to clothing.2. Potatoes for rust: No kidding. Basic Russet potato peels are recommended, which may help to get rid of rust. Peel a medium-sized potato and dip the white super vegetable into mild dish soap. Scrub rusted area with its reddish-brown marks on outdoor furniture to wheel barrows or any metal objects. Repeat until the rust is gone… I did try this remedy on a black wrought iron chair sitting on the deck. 3. Tomatoes for metals: And tomatoes are a rust buster, too!  Thanks to its acidity it can help clean precious metals, silverware, and brass. Use tomato paste or juice. Rub it gently on the metal, leave on for several minutes, rinse off with water, dry and buff. I tried this with a brass container. It did seem to get rid of grime and made the piece shine.4. Water for Gum on furniture or carpet: It happens. If chewing gum gets stuck in hair H20 comes to the rescue. Simply apply an ice cube (put it in a plastic bag) to affected region. Freeze the gum. Repeat as needed. 5.Peanut Butter for Gum on Pet or Human Hair: If water doesn’t do the trick, peanut butter (yes!) might work. Let a bit of the butter soak into the hair, remove with a cloth, wash, and rinse.
Superfoods for Your EnvironmentIt’s the season to change it up indoors. By rearranging space arrangement, you can enhance the flow of energy, and enjoy harmony with the environment. Many goals of using and arranging fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the house which may bring you a more peaceful living space and better well-being. 6. Use citrus cleaners: By putting to work cleaning agents with citrus essential oil it will provide a lingering, clean scent but also its eco-green and will give you better health and energy than using cleaning products with toxic ingredients. 7. Scent it up, naturally: A simmering potpourri can provide a wonderful aroma in your home. Try combining superfoods, including 3 cups water and 2 lemons with peels. Place them in a pot. Add spices, such as cinnamon and vanilla. Heat to a boil and then turn down the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes. Your kitchen will smell sublime any season of the year. 8. Seven lemons in a bowl: Like putting nine oranges in a bowl or basket, lemons are similar. Not only are they symbolic of good health but good energy, too. They last for a while (fresh is always best), look beautiful with a splash of yellow, and give a clean look and feel on a table or countertop.9. Nine green apples in a basket: Apples, another superfruit, are relatively inexpensive and placing green ones in a container provides many potential good-for-you images that may help you attain good health, prosperity, and peace.10.Place nuts with shells in a container. A mix of nuts, including Brazil nuts, peanuts, and walnuts are attractive with their different shapes and earthy colors. If you have kids or pets, please use a lid and put up out of reach. Not only is this a reminder to use nuts in baking, cooking, and snacking, it’s a gift of nature that promises well-being and good fortune (especially the round-shaped nuts).friendly, however, only place them on countertops out of reach of young children and pets. 11. Put out the drinking water-fruit container:  At spas and dentist offices it’s not uncommon to see a large container of water filled with slices of citrus. I love doing this in the summer but it can be used year-round to help you and yours to remember to stay hydrated.12.  Put a framed picture of superfoods and outdoors on your kitchen wall. This can be an array of nature’s finest foods in orchards or gardens—a splash of color reminding you of the healthful plant-based diet.
Adapted from The Healing Powers of Superfoods (Citadel, 2019). All rights reserved. Available at all online bookstores.

March is Hump Month--A Time for Honey and Tea

By Cal Orey,The Writing Gourmet
Here comes March tagged the "hump month"--a time between winter and spring.  It's a time for renewal. Depending on where you live, it can be cold one day and warm the next. Despite whatever Old Man Winter brings us, with chocolate and a bit of the Irish luck will help me (and perhaps you, too) get through the unpredictable days with flying colors.

As a kid, Saint Patrick's Day was a big event in my house because my mother was part Irish. And I can't forget the corn beef and cabbage as well as the dark chocolate cupcakes frosted with fluffy green frosting.
While I was researching and writing my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010), chocolate boasting three types of chocolate: milk, white, and dark were in my home in all forms, thanks to chocolatiers. I'm talking chocolate frogs to bunnies. It was an unforgettable spring break.

More than a decade ago, on March 17th, I also received a sweet surprise. The deal was sealed for me to pen my latest Healing Powers book The Healing Powers of Honey (October 2011). Could it be just a coincidence or perhaps luck was on my side because of the special holiday? Also, I read that Victorian people believed bees were messengers between heaven and Earth. What's more, they adorned themselves with bee jewelry to help boost their financial luck. For me, during the Recession "recovery" I believed eating dark chocolate and wearing a bee necklace or bracelet may have been helpful.



Meanwhile, may I suggest incorporating chocolate into your upcoming days into spring to help you deal with rain or snow and give you a mental and physical boost? I plan to include chocolate in my March meals--and, of course, I'll give them an Irish spin with a chocolate frog (or two).BTW: Frogs are another symbol of good luck and yes, a ceramic one is sitting indoors by my front door.

24 Things I Learned Living in the Mountains

By Cal Orey

Back in the summer of 1999, I left the fast-paced San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Lake Tahoe. I knew it would be a different lifestyle than being a city girl. But wow, little did I get that being self reliant is part of survival. So, today I made a list of things I've learned to do that if you told me it would happen two decades ago--I wouldn't have believed it. At all. So, here is my short list of things you have to do for yourself for self-preservation.


24 DIY Things for Surviving Lake Tahoe
1. I became an online shopping addict before the Amazon Prime era. (Yep, they snagged me, too.)
2. I ditched my waterbed for comfort and enjoy an amazing bed layered with comforters, a heated blanket to love during the cold months to endure minus 10 temperatures.
3. I learned how to make a perfect crackling fire in an old rock fireplace fit for a tom boy-type princess.
4. I made a faux garden in the short summers; it is rustic and fits in with summer vacation homeowners. Read: solar lights, river rock, solar lit umbrellas with wrought iron chairs and a table.

5. I planted trees and they lived...
6. ... I called authorities and complained about newbie mountain  people who killed healthy pine trees for more space.
7. I allowed a battered woman in my home and called the police for help because nobody else wanted to get involved.
8. I evacuated the Angora Wildfire and took two dogs and one cat; lost two beloved fish and Tahoe trees.
9. I experienced a 4.8 and two strong 5.7 earthquakes and lived to tell my stories of predicting these shakers on national radio; I went on a West Coast book tour with the man who predicts earthquakes.
10. I survived a three day power outage with two dogs and was okay. (I lost 200 bucks worth of food; no burying perishables in snow doesn't work.)
11. I didn't melt and die living without a man for 20 years...and I feel like I am still a sexy, vibrant woman of God.
12. I loved and lost three warmhearted Brittany spaniels (I thought I was going to depart Earth with a broken heart when I lost number three); not to forget Alex and Kerouac, two cats, and a variety of fish...
13. ...My heart healed thanks to a loving and fluffy Australian Shepherd and sensitive rescue Siamese kitty.

14.  I learned to use my intuition and work two psychic networks; one in the U.K. (I have mastered the art of understanding the accents and countless dialects.)
15. I survived the Great Recession in 2008; I worked for a luxury real estate firm similar to the film "The Devil Wears Prada"--then my publisher rescued me. (Karma for the cat.)
16. I was a magazine journalist; now I am the author of a book series which ignited in 2000...
17. ...I landed number nine book on V-Day and in love with my eight books who are like human children I forgot to make.
18. I can shovel snow, sort of and make trails on the deck and yards. But I'm not a real mountain woman. Read: I still scream when I break a nail.
19. I learned to love thunderstorms in the summer; and taught my dog and cat to go with the flow and tune out loud noises and the novelty of Fourth of July.
20. I revived my natural girl cooking and baking skills; and I am the author of a food column in the local newspaper.
21. I found my wanderlust  spirit; I have gone to British Columbia (Vancouver and Victoria), Washington, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and will be going to Eastern Canada--if Mother Nature chills or should I say warms up.
22. I swam in the snow outdoors and indoors--and loved it.
23. I won 2000 bucks playing the dollar slot machines and sensed I would win that day that convinced me I really am psychic.
24. I learned that living in a small town of 21,000 people is bliss if you get off the hill to another region and come back to enjoy nature's paradise and solitude.

23 Things I Learned Living in the Mountains

By Cal Orey

Back in the summer of 1999, I left the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Lake Tahoe. I knew it would be a different lifestyle than being a city girl. But wow, little did I get that being self reliant is part of survival. So, today I made a list of things I've learned to do that if you told me it would happen two decades ago--I wouldn't have believed it. At all. So, here is my short list of things you have to do for yourself.


23 DIY Things for Surviving Lake Tahoe
1. I became an online shopping addict; I've purchased a bed, furniture, and all my clothes (95% fit.) 
2. I ditched my waterbed for comfort  and enjoy an amazing bed layered with comforters and pillows during the cold months; I have survived minus 10 temperatures.
3. I learned how to make a perfect fire fit for a princess.
4. I made a faux garden tin the summer hat is beautiful.
5. I planted trees and they lived...
6. ... I called authorities and complained about people who killed healthy pine trees.
7. I allowed a battered woman in my home and called the police because nobody else wanted to get involved.
8. I evacuated a wildfire and took two dogs and one cat.
9. I experienced a 4.8 and two strong 5.7 earthquakes and lived to tell my stories on national radio.
10. I survived a three day power outage with two dogs and was okay.
11. I didn't die living without a man for 20 years...and I feel like I am still a sexy, vibrant woman of God.
12. I loved and lost three Brittany spaniels (I thought I was going to die of a broken heart), two cats, a variety of fish...
13. ...I am blessed to be owned by an Australian Shepherd and Siamese kitty.
14.  I learned to use my intuition and work two psychic networks; one in the U.K. (I have mastered the art of understanding the accents.)
15. I survived the Great Recession in 2008; I worked for a luxury real estate firm similar to the film The Devil Wears Prada.
16. I was a magazine journalist; now I am the author of a book series which ignited in 2000...
17. I landed number nine book and am still working.
18. I can shovel snow and make trails on the deck and yards.
19. I learned to love thunderstorms in the summer; and taught my dog and cat to go with the flow.
20. I revived my cooking and baking skills; and I am the author of a food column in the local newspaper.
21. I found my lust for travel; I have gone to British Columbia (Vancouver and Victoria), Washington, Los Angeles, and will be going to Eastern Canada.
22. I swam in the snow outdoors and indoors--and loved it.
23. I won 2000 playing the dollar slot machines and knew I would win that day.

Cinnamon Rolls, Anyone? Cozy up with One...Coffee or Tea?

By Cal Orey
Ah, the cinnamon roll is a sweet-smelling pastry popular in Europe. The ingredients in this roll or bun are not complicated. Cinnamon, flour, sugar, and butter are its regular components. And I recently learned how to make it from scratch.
This week, while surviving our snowstorm(s) I treated myself to DIY cinnamon rolls. Sure, you can buy these at a cinnamon roll shop or bakery in town. But if you really want to experience the real deal, take the long way home, like I did, and take the romantic homemade route…
One winter I purchased the cinnamon rolls found in the refrigerator aisle at the grocery store. They’re in a tube that you pop open, bake, and use the frosting out of a can. The rolls were for the love of my life. The thing is, when he arrived from the Bay Area, we argued about the weather in the morning while eating rolls fresh from the oven. No kidding. “How can you live here where it’s so cold?” asked the guy who I traveled with to Hawaii three times. Clad in hooded sweatshirt, thermal tee, leggings, jeans, thick socks and boots I said: “You get used to it.” I recalled one day loving the cool fog in San Francisco; he drove us back to San Carlos where there the sky was blue and sun shined bright. This recipe is inspired by a romance that dissipated but left me with a forever love for fresh, warm cinnamon rolls.Cinnamon RollsDough 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour, and a bit to dust the cutting board ½ cup granulated white sugar ¼ cup European butter, and a bit to grease the baking dish 1 cup organic low-fat milk Filling½ cup brown sugar¼ cup granulated white sugar¼ European style butter, melted1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon½ cup raisins and walnuts (chopped)Topping¼ cup granulated white sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamonGlaze (optional)1 -2 cups confectioners’ sugar 4-6 tablespoons organic low-fat milk1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
In a bowl combine flour and sugar. Add soft butter and sugar. Mix well. Turn out on a floured cutting board. Shape into a circle. Knead until there are no rough edges and dough is smooth. Use a rolling pin to shape dough into a long rectangle. Set aside. In a bowl mix sugar, butter, cinnamon raisins, and nuts. Spread mixture on the rectangle. Roll up the rectangle away from you until it’s sealed. Use a sharp knife and cut into 12-15 slices. Place each pinwheel circle on an 8” by 8” buttered baking dish round or square.  Sprinkle tops with sugar and cinnamon mix. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes and light golden brown. Cool. Remove. Drizzle or frost with glaze. Or not. They are good plain or with apricot jam. Store for several days in the fridge or freeze and warm up in the microwave. Makes 12-15.Tip: Using self-rising flour is the 21st century miracle. You can forget yeast and baking powder while your goodies still rise!
These cinnamon rolls are not too sweet (unless you double the filling mixture for a sweeter, gooey taste). They are flaky, buttery, and best served warm to taste the cinnamon notes. The nutty crunch and chewy raisins are a nice touch. Serve with home squeezed pink grapefruit juice. It’s a cinnamon roll for a cozy breakfast. The fine winter chill and warm rolls are a perfect pair.

A Chilling Tale in the Sierra Nevada

 By Cal Orey
Back in January, I reported weather happenings would resemble scenes out of the film “The Day After Tomorrow,” and we’d see more erratic events in the New Year. I warned it is the time to be ready for unusual Earth events. That meant wacky snowstorms in warm regions…So, on February 12, Maui, Hawaii was pummeled with snow and 191 m.p.h. wind. But it didn't play out the way some folks, including me, predicted it would. No way.
At the end of January, a deep freeze aka polar vortex with below zero temperatures hit regions, including Iowa, Chicago---27 degrees.
 Not to forget the Sierra Nevada, specifically Mammoth Lakes celebrated 11 feet of snow.  And these sobering incidents are just a few of the countless super chilling (pun intended) happenings like watching a thriller film on T.V. called “Wicked Weather.”
California Dreaming, Sort of

This wintertime the classic tune lyrics, “It Never Rains in Southern California” are playing in my mind and I’m chuckling, sort of. The thing is, most of our sunny state is getting rain and snow. The new word is, we are officially drought-free. But with all this precipitation comes challenges.Some of my January 2019 weather forecasts are coming true. Some not. I agreed with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that weather will be warmer in the majority of the United States. And it isn’t that cold thanks to Pineapple Express aka heavy rain, snow, wind and flooding on the West Coast—bringing us to California. On February 15, a CNN headline read: “Strong Storm drenches California, unleashing mudslides and flooding”—and, of course, there is our snow, snow, snow…
Sierra Nevada: I predicted a repeat drought in our Golden State is likely (despite one or two major snowstorms in the northern state with power outages). Well, dump the drought. We are nearing 150 percent above normal precipitation and it’s not even Spring.No, it isn’t sub-zero temperatures where the pipes break at Lake Tahoe (which I have experienced). But avalanche warnings and some power outages have happened. In February mid-month we got rain and wet snow aka slain or slush but it turned to snow. Road closures were more than less leading to gridlock and car spin outs or "slides" from tourists and locals. 

San Francisco Bay Area:  But note, while our state needed water the adage, "Be careful for what you wish for" makes sense. Flood warnings and flash floods are beginning. I forecasted coastal chunks of cliffs (like at Big Sur) will erode and fall into the sea. That may happen with coastal flooding--but currently very destructive mudslides are found in Napa and Sausalito affecting homes and terrain. But the year is young.

Southern State: I did note mudslides. Sure enough, these are happening in many regions of Southern California, due to the rain. Worse, the flooding and mudslides following debris from our past Western wildfires are causing loss of homes and people being displaced. Think of a lava cake, saturated ground. Worse, some scientists believe heavy rainfall and snowfall can be linked to causing earthquakes. And Californians know too well we are overdue for the Big One which could rumble our state in Southern, Northern, or the San Francisco region.  Blame it on the Pineapple Express
So, the Pacific Northwest (including Washington and western Canada) is getting snow, too, which is rare. The words Pineapple Express are to blame. Simply put, this is a surreal thing --heavy flow of atmospheric moisture and precipitation from Hawaii moving through the Pacific Ocean that creates warm storms. While the back to back storms are welcomed in California, the snow and rain do come with a price.


It Hit Home and the Epic Snow was Not Pretty
Welcome to Stephen King's "The Shining" sequel. No kidding. Personally, I can attest some challenges. I have postponed three out of town trips due to road closures, dangerous driving conditions which includes rainfall and black ice to blizzards, 5 feet berms (like a wall of snow) in my neighborhood, and whiteouts. Sure. Living in the Sierra Nevada is known for its natural beauty and unpredictable weather...  
But, but, but we have about 21,000 residents. During this epic snowfall, tourists invaded our town. We were not ready for it. 
Worse, authorities pleaded folks to not come because the roads were closed, over crowded, not snow plowed, and inadequate causing mega gridlock. And locals couldn't leave their homes to go to work, tourists tried to take back roads to get out. Chaos and disruption. Can you imagine if a firestorm or major earthquake happened? No way out!

The inconvenient truth is, this year it seems with global warming and global cooling or climate change, you never know exactly what you’re going to get, with respect to Forrest Gump’s words. One more thing.  Sometimes, when too much of a good thing happens,  it tests humanity. And novelty can bring out the best or worst in mankind.

A Real Winter Spooky Tale in the Sierra Nevada

 By Cal Orey
Back in January, I reported weather happenings would resemble scenes out of the film “The Day After Tomorrow,” and we’d see more erratic events in the New Year. I warned it is the time to be ready for unusual Earth events. That meant wacky snowstorms in warm regions… So, on February 12, Maui, Hawaii was pummeled with snow and 191 m.p.h. wind. But it didn't play out the way some folks, including me, forecasted. No way.
At the end of January, a deep freeze aka polar vortex with below zero temperatures hit regions, including Iowa, Chicago---27 degrees.
 Not to forget the Sierra Nevada, specifically Mammoth Lakes celebrated 11 feet of snow.  And these sobering incidents are just a few of the countless super chilling (pun intended) happenings like watching a thriller film on T.V. called “Wicked Weather.”
California Dreaming, Sort of

This wintertime the classic tune lyrics, “It Never Rains in Southern California” are playing in my mind and I’m chuckling, sort of. The thing is, most of our sunny state is getting rain and snow. The new word is, we are officially drought-free. But with all this precipitation comes challenges.Some of my January 2019 weather forecasts are coming true. Some not. I agreed with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that weather will be warmer in the majority of the United States. And it isn’t that cold thanks to Pineapple Express aka heavy rain, snow, wind and flooding on the West Coast—bringing us to California. On February 15, a CNN headline read: “Strong Storm drenches California, unleashing mudslides and flooding”—and, of course, there is our snow, snow, snow…
Sierra Nevada: I predicted a repeat drought in our Golden State is likely (despite one or two major snowstorms in the northern state with power outages). Well, dump the drought. We are nearing 150 percent above normal precipitation and it’s not even Spring.No, it isn’t sub-zero temperatures where the pipes break at Lake Tahoe (which I have experienced). But avalanche warnings and some power outages have happened. In February mid-month we got rain and wet snow aka slain or slush but it turned to snow. Road closures were more than less leading to gridlock and car spin outs or "slides" from tourists and locals. Personally, I have canceled two out of town book signing and one trip to Eastern Canada because the weather is too unpredictable.  
San Francisco Bay Area:  But note, while our state needed water the adage, "Be careful for what you wish for" makes sense. Flood warnings and flash floods are beginning. I forecasted coastal chunks of cliffs (like at Big Sur) will erode and fall into the sea. That may happen with coastal flooding--but currently very destructive mudslides are found in Napa and Sausalito affecting homes and terrain. But the year is young.

Southern State: I did note mudslides. Sure enough, these are happening in many regions of Southern California, due to the rain. Worse, the flooding and mudslides following debris from our past Western wildfires are causing loss of homes and people being displaced. Think of a lava cake, saturated ground. Worse, some scientists believe heavy rainfall and snowfall can be linked to causing earthquakes. And Californians know too well we are overdue for the Big One which could rumble our state in Southern, Northern, or the San Francisco region.  Blame it on the Pineapple Express
So, the Pacific Northwest (including Washington and western Canada) is getting snow, too, which is rare. The words Pineapple Express are to blame. Simply put, this is a surreal thing --heavy flow of atmospheric moisture and precipitation from Hawaii moving through the Pacific Ocean that creates warm storms. While the back to back storms are welcomed in California, the snow and rain do come with a price.            Personally, I can attest some challenges. I have postponed three out of town trips due to road closures, dangerous driving conditions which includes rainfall and black ice to blizzards and whiteouts. Sure. Living in the Sierra Nevada is known for its natural beauty and unpredictable weather... 
But the inconvenient truth is, this year it seems with global warming and global cooling  or climate change, you never know exactly what you’re going to get, with respect to Forrest Gump’s words. One more thing.  Sometimes, when too much of a good thing happens,  it tests humanity. And novelty can bring out the best or worst in mankind.

Eat Pray and Brownie Love

By Cal Orey
Since the 1900s, most cookbooks included a brownie recipe. But if I’m going to be honest, I’ve always used the store-bought brownie mix. It’s easy. You add an egg, oil, water; mix it up and bake. Done. But hey, if kids on the “Food Network” show can make brownies I decided it’s time. Yep, I ditched the box method and made homemade brownies... Baking moist chocolate brownies from scratch is easy to do. These gooey double chocolate brownies include good heart-healthy ingredients, including cocoa powder, dark chocolate chunks, and walnuts--for American Heart Month. Speaking of heart matters, brownies take me back in time of a Tahoe snowy Valentine’s Day…One morning I was snuggling with a male friend who woke me up with three words, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Then, the phone rang. When I answered the call, a man’s voice said, “I  wanted to let you know--I love it.” Those unforgettable words were from my editor. He adored my first book proposal (which I procrastinated doing). The assigned topic was The Healing Powers of Vinegar. “Is that all?” I responded; I think I was in shock because I sounded too chill. After the conversation ended, my pal was AWOL. I was left with my Brittany spaniel to cuddle and celebrate. Years later, on this year’s Valentine’s Day, I woke up to a contract via email. It was for book number nine in the Healing Powers Series that was ignited by that vinegar book. I rejoiced with a large cup of fresh brewed joe and a brownie I baked the night before. And, of course, my warm-hearted Australian shepherd was within arm’s reach. So, these brownies were inspired by V-Day.  Chocolate Bliss Brownies½ cup European style butter1/3 cup peanut butter1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract¼ organic chocolate milk ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Ghirardelli premium baking 100%  cocoa)½ cup cake flour or all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder½ cup dark or milk chocolate chips (Ghirardelli) or a bar (small chunks)½ walnuts, chopped (optional)Confectioners’ sugar


Butter for greasing the panIn a bowl, cream soft butters and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and milk. Stir well. Add cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Spread batter in a buttered 8” by 8” baking dish. In a 350-degree oven bake for about 30 minutes until firm to touch or use the toothpick method (it comes out clean). Cool for 10 minutes. Cut into 2” squares to make 16 brownies. Or use a Valentine shaped cookie cutter and place on brownies. It will make approximately 6-8 larger brownie squares. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.Brownie Tips: Using less flour and more baking powder plus a bit of milk makes brownies moister. If you want a decadent brownie you can frost it. Combine ¼ cup European style butter, ½ cup whipped cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (or more for a thicker consistency). Best if beat with a mixer. Pipe on top of brownies. Place each brownie in a cupcake paper for presentation. Store in refrigerator. Served warm is bliss. Adding fresh berries make this treat more heart-healthy treat to love.

Heart Health Month--Tea, Superfoods and Homemade Soup

By Cal Orey

February and slain (rain and snow) around the sierras is a perfect time for hearty vegetable soup. Think plenty of fresh, seasonal vegetables and stock for a chunky semi-homemade soup. Garlic and onions, carrots and celery—and fresh tomatoes—with  plenty of pasta can make your pot of soup on the stove top a crowd pleaser in the kitchen and comfort food in your bowl on the table for lunch or dinner. This week I came down with a pesky earache (swimmer's ear, sort of). It is a home cure remedy the good doctor ordered (water and peroxide) that seems to be working. And soup is what helps make the aches and pains of shoveling heavy snow not seem so bad.  Using lots of veggies put into a big pot with organic store bought broth was amazing. Not only was it easy, the aroma in my cabin was sublime.

Fresh Chunky Vegetable Soup 1 tbs. extra virgin olive oil or European style butter ¼ cup yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 carton (32 ounces) organic vegetable broth 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables, chopped (broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, green bell pepper, jicama, radish) 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/3 cup fresh spinach, chopped 5 Roma tomatoes, peeled, chopped Perfect with real butter and fresh bread
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (garnish)
In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat, add onion and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes. Pour into a large pot. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add vegetables. Bring to a boil again then put on low heat. In another pot boil pasta for several seven minutes until cooked. Add pasta and tomatoes to vegetable mixture.  Stir in spinach.  Simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve hot sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and slices of warm whole grain bread and butter. Serves 6.
I love this soup—when I’m well (I froze some in case I get a cold this winter). Not only is it easy to put it together, it’s easy on the eyes and palate. It’s also the time to blast soup myths: You can use fresh tomatoes; forget canned goods. Some folks say broccoli and spinach in your soup can create a bitter taste—there is none left so I disagree. 
Follow the store bought broth box directions and do not dilute. Add any of your favorite herbs for extra flavor. Making semi-homemade soup can be whipped up and dished up in less than 30 minutes. It’s not your mom’s soup—it’s fresh and with your stamp on it for the 21st century.